2.1. Increasing the touristic attractiveness of the cross-border area through better utilisation of natural, cultural and historical heritage and related infrastructure

The project aims to increase the tourist attractiveness of the municipalities of Topolovgrad (Bulgaria) and Inedzhe (Turkey) by improving the conditions for recreation and tourism through the efficient use of the existing natural resources.

The project envisages the creation of two zones for recreation and outdoor activities in the area of "Plochest" in Topolovgrad and in the area of "Chamlak" - Inedzhe. Grounds of ​​over 12 acres, traditionally used for games and events in nature, located near the city of Topolovgrad will be equipped with seating places, shelters, playground and barbecue facilities. The construction of a volleyball, basketball and soccer field, walking paths and a model of a Thracian sanctuary are also envisaged. In the "Chamlak" area in Inedzhe a zone for recreation, sport and public events in the open with area of ​​30 acres will be created. Placement of pavilions, tables, benches, facilities for basketball, mini-football and volleyball is envisaged. A prefabricated scene for conducting mass public events with equipment for sound and lighting will be installed. To promote the tourism attractiveness of both regions "Schools in the open" will be held in the created areas. For three days in Topolovgrad and in Inedzhe groups of 30 students from the secondary education schools of the two municipalities will gain knowledge about the natural heritage and biodiversity of the cross border region and will aquire survival skills in nature. The project envisages also the shooting of a film promoting the conditions for leisure and tourism in the two municipalities and the elaboration of a tourist catalog "Sakar Mountain."

The implementation of the project will expand the opportunities for recreation in the cross border region, will promote the development of sustainable tourism as a tool for socio-economic revival and will increase the competitiveness and the incomes of local people.

Project status: Finished

The project partners have implemented the activities according to the schedule.

The main objective of the project is to increase the tourism attractiveness through improving conditions for recreation and tourism in the Municipality Topolovgrad (Bulgaria) and Municipality Inece (Turkey). Two very important, for the local communities and for the tourists, areas – Plochest in Topolovgrad and Chamlaka in Inece, became two of the best places for visit in the CBC area of Bulgaria and Turkey. Main activities under the project included improvement of the conditions for recreation and tourism in these lovely pine forest areas through placement of architectural elements and through ensuring needed supplies.

The project results related to newly improved recreation and tourism areas and the tourism attractiveness potential that both municipalities have as part of the cross-border area of Bulgaria and Turkey were widely promoted with various events and materials elaborated under the project. “School in Nature” organized at Plochest, Topolovgrad provided 30 students from Topolovgrad with knowledge about the natural and cultural heritage and biodiversity, with survival skills in nature, using modern technical equipment for photographing and orienteering in the mountains. The same type of event – “School in Nature” was carried out at Chamlaka in Inece but with the participation of 10 students from Bulgaria and 20 students from Turkey. “School in Nature” at Chamlaka had identical format and a strong cross-border exchange element for the young students from both countries. “Schools in Nature” proven to be a very interesting and useful formats and have the tendency to become a tradition in Topolovgrad and in Inece, along with a great example for whole CBC area.

Results of the project were presented to the local communities in Topolovgrad and in Inece through the specially organized in each town meetings with the local population. Among the most amazing results are the elaborated under the project Image brochures promoting the beauty and attractiveness of both municipalities for recreation and tourism. Two very special promotional and advertising materials were elaborated under the project – a much needed Travel guide “Sakar Mountain” and a very unique advertising movie "Beauty, Spirit and Traditions - a journey through the Sakar Mountain and the reaches of the lower Tunzha River", both of which prove the quality and show the huge potential and attractiveness that the area has.

Project "Increasing attractiveness of municipalities Topolovgrad and Inece as ecotourism destinations" is one of the projects with biggest social effect in the CBC area of Bulgaria and Turkey and both recreation and tourism sites – Plochest and Chamlaka have become a “must visit point” for every tourist and citizen in the region. Moreover the two recreation and tourism areas have become a perfect start point for the tourists who want to know more about what the CBC region can offer.

Project materials:

Project promotional materials are available HERE.

Project products:

The project leaflet is available HERE.

The project brochures are available HERE.

The travel guide "Sakar Mountain" is available HERE.

The video film "Beauty, Spirit and Traditions - a journey through the Sakar Mountain and Lower Tundzha" is available at the following links: http://museum-topolovgrad.eu/?cid=2&NewsId=38.

The project presentation (Bulgarian version) is available HERE.

The presentation “A tale for Plochest” (Bulgarian version) is available HERE.

The presentation “School in nature” (Bulgarian version) is available HERE.