2008 News Archive - Holidays - Tourists choose Bulgaria and Croatia over France

15 12 2006

France's domination of European tourism is under threat from emerging challengers including Bulgaria and Croatia.

This is the view of Leon Bertrand, the French tourism minister, who told the AFP that high levels of investment in both countries have made them genuine competitors to traditional favourites.

An example of the money pouring into Croatia was provided this week by the European Funding magazine, which noted that the European Investment Bank has lent the country €60 million to improve the national road network.

In Bulgaria, financial investment is particularly evident around the coastlines, with resorts including Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and Albena all benefiting from major construction projects over the years.

Both countries, in fact, are notable for their stunning beaches, with Croatia and its islands boasting a wide variety of resorts that cater for every imaginable taste. The Istria peninsula is renowned for the likes of Pula, Rovinj and Porec, while visitors are also advised to explore the spectacular islands of the Kvarner region.

While there are a number of sandy beaches on offer, the Adriatic Coast actually has a high number of pebble beaches and many of these resorts are ideal for watersports. In Bulgaria, the Black Sea resorts have been dubbed the region's Costa del Sol and visitors can enjoy a coastline that runs for around 200 kilometres.