Exploring the Relationship Between Education and Tourism: A Case Study of Erasmus Students at the University of Economics - Varna

International travels motivated by participation in exchange programs, form a significant part of the dynamically developing market for tourist products and services. The combination of studying abroad with the choice of tourist destination is a common practice among students around the world. The aim of the current study is to establish the relationship between study abroad programs and tourism during the stay in the chosen destination, through a case study of Erasmus students at the University of Economics – Varna. For the purpose of the study a survey had been conducted among representatives of international Erasmus students in UE-Varna. The results showed that the relationship between education and tourism is more likely to intensify within and outside the country. In the context of follow-up studies, the results could be adapted to identify the potential economic contribution of the Erasmus programme to the tourism development in the destination.