Rural Tourism product in Bulgaria International Rural Tourism

Rural Tourism product in Bulgaria International Rural Tourism Workshop June 9, 2010 Riga, Latvia Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism

Bulgaria – where is it? Balkan country bordering Greece, Turkey, Romania, Serbia and Macedonia

Mussala peak 2 924 m. Black Sea Danube River 5 % of the territory is protected by the state Small, but diverse

Frescoes at Thracian tomb, 4 th-3 rd BC Neolithic culture Thracians during Antiquity Medieval Bulgarian Empire Over 4 centuries of Ottoman rule left great impact on the culture, still visible today Ancient history and Cultural diversity

Policy for recreational tourism development during Socialist period Overconstruction and spoilage of the seaside tourism product Cultural tourism based on the diverse Bulgarian history and culture Sunny Beach The tourism background

Mountaneering activity Huts and trails construction Organised tours Mountaineering culture Hut in the Balkan Mountains The tourism background (2)

Rural Tourism How did it start? Active holidays touroperators (incoming) needed alternative accommodation. There were many small upland villages that were attractive themselves. Bulgarians realised this attractiveness either. But they also discovered neighboring countries attractiveness. A need of innovation emerged…

The Product How does it develop? Touroperators’ programs adoption: folklore evenings, traditional food, crafts demonstration, popular landmarks and tours promotion The product which is designed foreigners cannot be sold to natives How to do the redesign?

The Innovation What is it? Deeper insight Interpretation Curiosity Seduction

Encho is a ceramist. His wife Velichka is a photographer They use their skills to give interpretation of local tradition and nature. Hosts’ personal skills

Stories exist everywhere and they should be used for enriching guests’ experience. It always have to be communicated in the right way. Otherwise guests might not understand the meaning and get a bad impression. Stories everywhere

Natural food becomes more and more important for modern society. When it is of local origin it makes greater value. Local and unique recipes should be used. Local accent

Professional expertise of resources Area development Appropriate equipment Trained staff Information Nature experience

Promotion by BAAT B&B and Adventure Guidebook issued Quality certification scheme and brand Green Lodge

Thank you! kaloyanov@baatbg. org Kiril Kaloyanov Executive Director Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism