Location of the initiative:
BULGARIA - 3900, Belogradchik
Relation to Strategy 21 Recommendations:
D7 - Give consideration to heritage in sustainable tourism development policies
Time span of the initiative:
under the programme 2007-2013
Brief description of the initiative:
The implemented project activities include the conservation and restoration of the Belogradchik fortress and spectacular light installations. A ticket and information centre is constructed, and the audio-visual show is an attraction for the tourists. A parking area is constructed as well, and the three streets leading to the fortress are renovated.
Objectives of the initiative:
The general objective of the project proposal "Preservation of the cultural heritage and diversification of the tourism offer in the region of the "Belogradchik fortress " is to improve the quality of life of the local population in all its aspects by stimulating tourism offer and demand, reducing unemployment, promoting small and medium size businesses in the tourism sphere, developing the qualification of the local population and the training of municipal officers, consistent with the challenges facing the tourism industry, diversification of touristic products in order to achieve a year-round tourism offer, maximum promotion and rational, environmentally friendly use of the unique natural resources and the cultural and historical values in the region.
Brief assessment of the initiative’s results:
The main activities which were implemented were the conservation and restoration works in the "Belogradchik fortress" tourist complex and the construction of a Visitor Information Center. The newly constructed Visitor Information Center is equipped with separate rooms for conferences, seminars, trainings and other public events, an exhibition hall, a ticket center, a hall designed for presenting handicrafts which represent the local livelihood, customs and culture, a shopping area for promotional materials, souvenirs, etc., a rooftop amphitheatre with a capacity of about 300 seats. An elevator is installed with the purpose to provide accessibility to the halls of the building to people with special needs. In order to improve the quality of the services offered in the tourist complex “Belogradchik Fortress” 6 people completed training for tourist guides and animators. Site visits increased considerably.Tourism demand and supply was intensified, new job opportunities were created, the qualification of professionals working on the site was enhanced, tourism products were diversified, and the promotion of the immovable cultural property was strengthened.
Online resources:
Contact:
MUSEUM OF HISTORY - BELOGRADCHIK
3900 Belogradchik,
1 “Kapitan Krastyo” Str.
Tel: (0936) 5-34-69
e-mail: muzeibelogradchik@abv.bg
