Stara Planina Inspiring Rural and Intercultural Tourism

In order to respond to identify needs in an integrated manner the project will build on existing strength and resources focusing on key identified gaps such as the lack of knowhow and cross border cooperation in the region, as well as limited knowledge of potential tourists and general public about natural and cultural potential of Stara Planina. Project aims toward development of target groups’ potential to adequately respond to touristic, environmental and economic challenges of sustainable development of the targeted area. Approach is in line with the following strategies beside above mentioned: National Strategy for Sustainable Development of Tourism in Bulgaria 2009-2013 and the similar one in Serbia; National Strategy and Action Plan for ecotourism development in Bulgaria; Regional Development Plan of Northwest planning region for 2007-2013; Program For Environmental Protection Of The Municipality Varshets 2011-2015; Sustainable Development Strategy of Svrljig Municipality. The project views the intervention area as one unique eco touristic zone and will strengthen cultural, touristic and economic ties between stakeholders. Key approach of the strategy is intervention in the field of trainings, awareness raising, experience exchange and joint policy making and implementation. An important part of the project strategy is the full participation of all beneficiaries in the design, implementation, follow up and evaluation of the project outcomes.

The project envisioned and achieved the following results: - Conducting a study and mapping of human and natural resources of Stara Planina; - Production of visibility and publicity materials in both countries; - Setting-up a prefabricated Outdoor Mobile Wooden Kiosk/Booth; - Organized two 5-day workshops for children and artists. The students and the artists selected places to be mapped and included in the guide. - The results of the 2 workshops and of the research were presented during two official events in the Region: the annual Day celebration of Varshets - performance and exhibition; second - in the small village of Bela Rechka - with presentation of the guide “WALKING IN MY SHOES - TAILOR MADE TOURISM”; - Organized two 2-day trainings for two target groups (public authorities and other stakeholders) organized and implemented in Svrljig, Serbia; - Organized a five-day cross border exchange visit in Montana district. 10 stakeholders and representatives of public authorities from Svrljig (SER) and Varshets Municipality (BG), as well as all project partners took part in the event; - Promoted the project on two festivals: “Belmuzijada” and “Back to the village”; - Organized a two-day conference held in Varshets, with more than 60 participants from both Serbia and Bulgaria - local authorities’ representatives and tourist business stakeholders - companies and NGOs active in tourism and culture. The project was successfully completed in April 2014.