From 5 to 7 February 2026, Visit Sofia participated in EMITT 2026, one of the world's leading international travel exhibitions, held in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Türkiye is one of Sofia's most important inbound tourism markets. In 2025, the Bulgarian capital welcomed 44,548 visitors from Türkiye, while overnight stays increased by 23%, reflecting the country's growing interest in Sofia as a destination for cultural tourism, city breaks and weekend escapes.
Participation in EMITT 2026 created valuable opportunities to establish new partnerships, expand international professional networks and strengthen tourism cooperation between Bulgaria and Türkiye. Meetings with representatives of the travel industry further reinforced Sofia's position as an attractive European destination for cultural travel, city breaks and short holidays.
Sofia continues to strengthen its reputation as a welcoming European capital, offering a unique combination of rich historical heritage, vibrant urban life and diverse visitor experiences.
During the exhibition, Bulgaria received the award for the Most Attractive and Best Organised National Stand, recognising the outstanding quality of its presentation, professional organisation and impressive exhibition design. The distinction attracted significant interest from international visitors, tour operators and travel industry professionals, further enhancing the visibility of both Bulgaria and Sofia on the global tourism stage.
