Rural Tourism product in Bulgaria International Rural Tourism Workshop June 9, 2010 Riga, Latvia...

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

Transcript of Rural Tourism product in Bulgaria International Rural Tourism Workshop June 9, 2010 Riga, Latvia...

Rural Tourism Rural Tourism product in product in BulgariaBulgaria

International Rural Tourism WorkshopJune 9, 2010

Riga, Latvia

Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism

Bulgaria – where is it?

Balkan country bordering Greece, Turkey, Romania, Serbia and Macedonia

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?

The InnovationWhat is it?

Deeper insight

Interpretation

Curiosity

Seduction

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