Varna is among Europe 's oldest cities. It was founded as an ancient Greek (of the city of Miletus ) trading colony (apoikia), Odessos, about 570 BC (in the time of Astyages), on the site of an older Thracian settlement.

Varna is the largest city on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast , third-largest in Bulgaria after Sofia and Plovdiv with a population of 349 482 (2006). Varna , commonly referred to as the marine capital (or the summer capital) of Bulgaria , is a major tourist destination, seaport, and headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.

Varna is an important and growing economic centre for Bulgaria and the Black Sea region. In September 2004, FDI Magazine (a Financial Times Business Ltd publication) proclaimed Varna South-eastern Europe City of the Future citing its strategic location, fast-growing economy, rich cultural heritage and higher education.

There are three main factors that determine the infrastructure arrangement in the city: port of Varna , Varna International Airport and the telecommunication network.

Varna International Airport is directly related to the economic situation of the city and the region. It is the second largest airport after Sofia airport. It provides first-class access to the city and the resort complexes and makes a connection with 35 countries and 101 cities around the world, but with a high seasonal dependence of the traffic.

Port Varna is the sea gate of the city. The expansion of Port Varna and its moving will predetermine the image and the vision of the city for many years ahead.

Tourism is one of the main sectors in the economic structure of Municipality of Varna . The resort complexes “Golden sands”, “St. St. Constantine and Helena”, “Riviera” and “Sunny day” are world famous resorts with a total capacity of over 60 000 beds (2006), attracting millions of international visitors each year. Three of them have won the Blue flag prize for the best beach. The resorts offer numerous sports opportunities, balneological treatment and entertainment. The potential of the municipality in this sector is characterized with the unique combination of natural resources (beaches, mineral spas) and a cultural and historical heritage and traditions. The prices of the tourist services in Bulgaria are competitive as compared to the prices in Croatia , Greece and Spain .

The demand for Wellness and Spa services is increasing, as well as the volume of demand during the months outside the active season. In Varna there are also prerequisites for the development of health, cultural, golf and ecological tourism.

Varna is also Bulgaria 's only international cruise destination and a major international convention centre. A lot of cultural events, conferences, seminars, as well as some attractive sports events are carried out Varna and the hotels in resorts “Golden sands”, “St. St. Constantine and Helena”, “ Riviera ”, “Sunny day” and Albena.

Festival & Congress Centre - Varna

The Festival and Congress Centre in Varna is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions not only in the city, but in the country and in the whole region as well. Located on the Black Sea shore just next to the Maritime Park in the very centre of the city, it is a multifunctional venue, purpose built for festivals, cinema and theatre performances, concerts, shows, exhibitions, congresses, conferences, seminars. Under one roof the Festival and Congress Centre offers 11 multifunctional halls with capacity from 50 to 1000 seats, 3 restaurants, 5 cafe-bars and 2 summer cafe-terraces.

The Festival and Congress Centre – Varna is an excellent place for international meetings. It offers 8 halls, seating capacity between 50 and 1000 and possible rearrangement for congresses, symposia, press conferences; international festivals, concerts, performances and film shows; exhibitions, bazaars, fashion shows and other services.

The Palace of Culture and Sports - Varna

The Palace of Culture and Sports – Varna is a symbol of the sea capital of Bulgaria , impresses with its unique architecture and multi- functionality. Visited daily by the citizens and guests of the city, The Palace of Culture and Sports is an attractive center for organizing national and international business, sports and cultural activities.

Congress aimed: 2340 places, box with 74 places and separate entrance. On the field could be placed desks and chairs – 300 working places.