Rural Tourism Rural Tourism product in product in BulgariaBulgaria
International Rural Tourism WorkshopJune 9, 2010
Riga, Latvia
Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism
Mussala peak2 924 m.
Black SeaDanube River
5 % of the territory is protected bythe state
Small, but diverse
Ancient history and Cultural diversity
Neolithic culture
Thracians during Antiquity
Medieval Bulgarian Empire
Over 4 centuries of Ottoman rule left great impact on the culture, still visible today
Frescoes at Thracian tomb, 4th-3rd BC
The tourism backgroundSunny Beach
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
The tourism background (2)
Hut in the Balkan Mountains
Mountaneering activity
Huts and trails construction
Organised tours
Mountaineering culture
Rural TourismHow 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 ProductHow does it develop?
Touroperators’ programs adoption:
folklore evenings, traditional food, crafts demonstration, popular landmarks and tours promotion
The product which is designed for foreigners cannot be sold to natives
How to do the redesign?
Hosts’ personal skills
Encho is a ceramist.
His wife Velichka is a photographer
They use their skills to give interpretation of local tradition and nature.
Stories everywhere
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.
Local accent
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.
Nature experience
Professional expertise of resources
Area development
Appropriate equipment
Trained staff
Information
Promotion by BAAT
B&B and Adventure Guidebook issued
Quality certification scheme and brand Green Lodge
Thank you!Thank you!
[email protected] KaloyanovExecutive DirectorBulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism