The strategy for sustainable development of Bulgarian tourism draws a special attention to the cultural routes

The initiative to promote Bulgaria’s cultural and historic heritage “Wonders of Bulgaria 2014” is wonderful and will be fully supported by the government.  That stated the Minister of Economy Dragomir Stoynev during the public discussion Haskovo - new opportunities for regional tourism, held in the town as the beginning of the fourth national campaign.

The forum was attended by the Minister of Culture Petar Stoyanovich, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Energy, in charge of Tourism Department Branimir Botev, over 40 representatives of the local authorities, historians, hoteliers , tour operators , employers’ and branch tourist organizations.  Minister Stoynev and Minister Stoyanovich and Deputy Minister Botev voted in the national online vote that would nominate the greatest archaeological discoveries and historical attractions for 2014.

The tourism has turned into a main sector for the Bulgarian economy and has already formed nearly 14 % of GDP in the country, emphasized Minister Stoynev, and recalled that a new Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development in Bulgaria until 2030 has been under preparation by MME drawing a special attention of cultural and historical tourism. Currently, the sector has a seasonal nature, but we would like to overcome it through further expansion of its additional and specialized services, clearly stated the Minister. The wonders of Bulgaria should be explored not only by the foreign but also by Bulgarian tourists. The last few weeks around holidays indicated how many Bulgarians went on holiday abroad, where they were spending their funds. Let’s make so that these funds are spent in Bulgaria, stressed Stoynev.

He stressed the initiative for Wonders will be helpful by promoting Bulgarian sites. In fact, we are not familiar with the beauty and the cultural and historical heritage of Bulgaria. Haskovo district is an example for such a rich heritage and a huge potential. The strategy is a very good ground and we will go through discussion with the experts how to develop and promote this heritage. We should make so that the Bulgarian citizens start using the opportunities for taking a holiday in the country during the summer season, which, on the other hand, should support the local tourism.  As a Member of Parliament from the region, I am ready to become a guide to the first group that wants to see the future route of the wonders of Haskovo, added Minister Stoynev.

The choice to start this year's campaign is not accidental. Haskovo region has more than 500 cultural and historical monuments and 47 cultural monuments of national importance , which can be connected to a common tourist route under the title “ The Wonder of Haskovo” .Some of them were presented at the forum, namely such as:  the tallest statue of the Virgin, Church Uzundjovska, spas, Alexander Tomb, Museum of Thracian art,  Sanctuary of  deaf stones, the fortress Bukelon, Sanctuary of the Nymphs near the village Kasnakovo, fortresses Lyutitsa and Mezzek,  villa "Armira" and others, as well as the „Elixir of the gods" for the development of wine tourism.