In 2018 the number of trips of Bulgarian nationals abroad exceeded 480,000, which was 4.2% more as compared to 2017, the National Statistical Institute informs. Nearly half of the Bulgarians travelled abroad for visit, education and attendance of cultural or sports events. 27.6% of them travelled for holiday and recreation and 23% travelled abroad for business purpose. In 2018 a total of 619,000 foreign guests visited Bulgaria, which was 4% more as compared to the previous year. 56.6% of them were citizens of the EU (5.5% more as compared to 2017). The number of Romanians visiting Bulgaria exceeded 136,000 people. 105,000 Greeks and 94,000 Turkish nationals visited Bulgaria last year. Nearly 47,000 Serbian and 44,000 Macedonian citizens travelled to Bulgaria last year, data of NSI further shows.