Autumn in Varna is a time not only for culture and experiences, but also for meetings, the exchange of ideas and conversations about the development of tourism. In October, the city and the surrounding coastline become a hub for professional forums, international events and meetings that bring together representatives of the tourism industry, public institutions, academia and the new generation of tourism professionals.
On 1 and 2 October 2026, Varna will host the tenth anniversary edition of the Destination Varna Tourism Expo at the Cherno More Hotel. The forum brings together hotels, tourism companies, investors, industry associations, and providers of products and services for the sector. The anniversary edition will focus on year-round tourism, technology, sustainable solutions and personalised visitor experiences, with a programme of presentations, discussions, demonstrations and opportunities for professional networking.
From 7 to 11 October, Varna will also host PAGUR VARNA 2026 - an international festival for young talents in tourism, gastronomy and HORECA. Held at Grifid NOA Hotel, the event brings together young chefs, pastry chefs, bartenders, waiters, hoteliers and restaurateurs, as well as educators, producers, international brands and leading companies from the HORECA industry. The programme features professional competitions, lectures, demonstrations and hands-on formats, with one of the international highlights being the participation of Bocuse d’Or winners.
Autumn in Varna also hosts the Black Sea Tourism Forum, an established professional event that traditionally focuses on the development of tourism along the Black Sea coast, specialised tourism products and the current opportunities facing the region.
These events add another important dimension to Varna’s autumn calendar - the city as a place for professional exchange, new partnerships and ideas shaping the future of tourism. They also highlight the diverse faces of today’s tourism industry - from technology, sustainability and business networking to gastronomy, education and the development of young talent.
In autumn, Varna does more than welcome tourists - it brings together the people who are shaping the future of tourism.
