The association was established in 2001 to develop and promote tourism in the small resorts in the Balkan Mountains.

The idea was prompted by the effect from the publication and the dissemination of the Troyan / Apriltsi: Business and Tourism 2001 Catalog, which was created on initiative by ReMark 96 Ltd. advertising agency. The owners of tourism facilities in the municipalities of Troyan and Apriltsi reached the conclusion that promoting the region as a whole, with all its natural, cultural and historic landmarks, is more beneficial than promoting individual hotels and restaurants.

A year later representatives of the tourism industry in the municipality of Teteven began joining the ReMark TourClub. The Teteven/Ribaritsa: Business and Tourism Catalog was published in 2003.

The owners of tourism facilities in the three municipalities gradually established close contacts. The association organized meetings and discussions, invited industry experts to exchange experience and state administration specialists to explain the new Tourism Act and the accompanying ordinances and regulations.

When problematic situations arise, such as snow ploughing and waste collection, the association organizes meetings with municipal leaderships to find adequate solutions.

At the same time, ReMark TourClub presents the region at various tourism exhibitions through both individual and common marketing materials (leaflets, calendars, postcards) of its members.

Different events are organized, such as carnivals, competitions and concerts, in order to generate interest in the region.

One of the ideas that were brought up in the process was to promote the resort communities in the municipalities of Teteven, Troyan and Apriltsi as a whole region with a common name, Balkania. Balkania is comprised of the following communities: Troyan, Skandalo, Apriltsi, Teteven, Ribaritsa, Shipkovo, Chiflik, Beklemeto, Cherni Osum and Oreshak.

Initially supported only by association members, the idea gradually mobilized support at municipal and regional level. A trilateral cooperation agreement was signed by the Board of Directors of ReMark TourClub, the mayors of the three municipalities (Troyan, Teteven and Apriltsi) and the Lovech regional governor.

Financial and organizational support from the Tourism Agency allowed for the organization of two tours to the Balkania region for journalists from the national media. The best journalistic materials promoting Balkania are awarded prizes as part of an annual competition held by the Association.

Different TV shows were filmed in Balkania on initiative by the ReMark TourClub, in order to promote the region to the youth audience. To promote the local cuisine, one of the national cooking shows filmed more than 20 editions in Balkania.

The official start of the tourist season in the three municipalities is given every June by concerts of prominent Bulgarian musicians (Signal, D2, Vili Kavaldzhiev).

At the same time, the Association provides organizational support to various private events initiated by its individual members: grand openings of new tourism facilities, fashion forums, etc., as well as celebrations organized by the municipalities, such as the Plum Holiday in Troyan, the St. Todor's Day horse races in Apriltsi, etc.

Another aspect of the consolidated efforts of association members and municipal representatives is the development of tourism attractions and their inclusion in a comprehensive tourist product to be offered within the Balkania region. The Balkania Monastery Tour is such a product. It includes visits to the most well - known monasteries and churches in Balkania, an introduction to local crafts, tasting of local food specialties, visits to attractive places, such as the mineral springs in Chiflik, the grass ski slope in Ribaritsa, a safari in an all - terrain vehicle, mountain horse riding, etc.

The cooperation with the municipal and national institutions, such as the Tourism Agency, provides the Association opportunities to promote, for free or at preferential prices, its sites on the national and the international markets.

The activities of the ReMark Advertising Agency, which apart from developing most tourism promotion materials in Balkania also sponsors the development and the maintenance of the website www.balkania.org, also benefit the region.

A large - scale partnership was established between private businesses, local and national authorities. Attractive tourist recruitment forms were developed, as well as promotional and advertising materials for a common product that resulted in an increased number of tourists visiting the region.