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Bulgaria banks on rural and eco tourism
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bnr.bg, Written by Rumyana Tzvetkova, Daniela Konstantinova , 20.02.2009
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This year Bulgaria will focus on the development of ecological and rural tourism. Nature Welcomes You is the motto of the respective campaign.
This country has a huge potential to profit from the two niches on the tourism market. After all almost 34% of its land represents protected zones with preserved biodiversity. Besides, to the lovers of rural tourism Bulgaria can readily offer romantic holidays in small scenic villages with untainted authenticity. The development of ecological and rural tourism will diversify Bulgaria’s tourism offer. |
For the time being 90% of tourism run locally, is dominated by sea and skiing destinations, spa tourism, as well as business and cultural tourism mostly concentrated in the two largest cities Sofia and Plovdiv. Besides, rural and ecotourism will work to extend the tourist season. At this stage 44% of all stays take place during July and August, and 73% of all tourists arrive from June to September.
"This should become one aspect in Bulgaria’s image as a place for tourism," explains Anelia Krushkova, Chairperson of the State Tourism Agency. |
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"Ecotourism is a tool aiming to enliven rural and mountainous regions that have become increasingly depopulated. Besides, there is also a good option of combining it with cultural and other types of tourism. Ecological tourism creates positive attitudes and knowledge among local communities in terms of preserving biodiversity. What is more, it creates the financial mechanisms for the preservation of our nature and heritage."
Some 25% of all vacations in EU have to do with rural tourism. Close to 32% of the foreign tourists visited Bulgaria last year to practice rural or ecological tourism – a twofold increase on 2007. |
Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, UK and part of the Middle and Far East are the markets where Bulgaria intends to launch its new product. Worldwide polls suggest that tourists who tend to spend their vacations in nature are highly educated (82%), more than 70% live in large cities and are aged from 35 to 54.
They are demanding, insisting on the quality of the product or service they receive. Mrs. Krushkova explains. They are ready to pay more compared to users of conventional services. They are after authenticity and a special experience, not just passive observation. Usually the annual household income of such tourists in the industrialized countries exceeds USD 50,000. They are quite aware where environmental issues are concerned. They are loyal not to the destination, but to their hobbies.
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The fans of rural tourism are keen on finding out more about local habits and ways and culture, about the local cuisine and crafts. The main age group is from 35 to 59, often families with children, made up of people with a predominantly high social status. They are not necessarily fond of luxury, but require cleanliness and tidiness. They look for small family hotels, and prefer to consume local food. They would readily join local celebrations and festivals. These are people wishing to diversify their stay including rest, sightseeing tours, hiking and cycling, communication with the family and healthy climate. |
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