The idea for joining the efforts of all interested sides for tourism development was approved at the sixth session of "Community forum" Program in Belogradchik municipality. The problem for the lack of information about the landmarks in Belogradchik and the region was discussed at all meetings of the Community forum. The project received the support of more than 90% of the owners of tourist bases, engaged with tourist services consigning in the municipality.

Main goal: Integrating nature and historical tourist resources of the region into sustainable tourist product “Belogradchik – nature and traditions”.

Main activities: Providing information for tourists and firms of the Tourist information center; creating database for tourist services; participation in tourist exhibitions and presenting the landmarks by elaborated materials; elaborating tourist manual with detailed maps of the town, the landmarks, objects and routes in the region; actualization of the Association web-site in Bulgarian, English and Spanish languages; elaborating video CD, presenting the landmarks of the region; training of 5 guides from the Bulgarian spaleologic federation; developing the product “Spaleo-tourism”.

The number of the tourists in Belogradchik municipality increased; Incomes from tourist services consigning raised by 20%. The created project materials have improved the quality of tourist information services. New category of tourists – fans of extreme experiences is attracted.

Applying organization:

Information business center for regional development

3900 Belogradchik, “Vassil Levski” 6 str, Youths center

Partners: Belogradchik municipality, Timochki club – Kniajevats town, Serbia and Montenegro, local firms

Coordinator: Todor Tsekov

tel.: 0936/54 72; 31 56

e-mail: [email protected]  

Total project budget: 45 514 BGL

Funding requested by SDC: 20 086, 94 BGL

Own contribution: 19 798 BGL

Time perion for project implementation: 01.08.2005 – 30.09.2006