The number of the foreign tourists to cruise to the coastal city of Varna will rise by 40 per cent by the end of the summer season 2007, compared to the figures for 2006.

Nearly 17 600 people arrived in Varna by sea transport in 2006, investor.bg reported.

By the end of October 2007 the number of passengers will reach at least 24 000, according to the bookings so far.

About 15 000 of the expected passengers will arrive in Varna by 28 cruise ships.

Another 9000 will come by the regular route between Varna and Odessa in Ukraine.