SOFIA, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria remains a preferred destination for domestic tourists due to factors such as lower prices and easier logistics, a nationwide survey revealed on Saturday.

The survey, conducted by Research Center Trend and presented jointly with the country's Ministry of Tourism on the occasion of the World Tourism Day, found that 51 percent of respondents preferred to vacation in Bulgaria, while only 10 percent traveled abroad.

Meanwhile, 38 percent preferred to travel both within Bulgaria and abroad for tourism and recreation, and 1 percent remained undecided, the ministry said in a press release.

In addition, 83 percent of those surveyed said they were planning trips to Bulgaria in the next six months.

Among the main reasons for this choice were the lower costs in Bulgaria compared to traveling abroad, the short distances and easier organization, the familiar language and culture, as well as the natural features of the country.

The survey also established positive attitudes towards the development of the tourism product in Bulgaria: 67 percent of respondents believed that it has been improving over the last five years, and for 23 percent of Bulgarians it was neither improving nor worsening.

Seaside destinations continued to be the most popular, but interest in mountain, Spa, and cultural and historical tourism was also growing, the press release said.

Tourists expected improvements in infrastructure, service quality, and the cleanliness of sites and the environment, it said. ■