2.3. Increasing networking for development of sustainable tourism through cross-border cooperation initiatives

The project aims at the development of a regional tourist brand by which the tourist resources, local products and tourist services will be kept and promoted, the specific regional tourist resources will be displayed and promoted and the quality of products and services offered will be guaranteed by means of uniform standards.
The main project activities are organized of Round tables for the presentation of the regional tourist brand in Keshan and in Haskovo, an information campaign to promote the regional tourist brand - 20 one-day information seminars will be held in Bulgaria and Turkey and pilot certification of 40 objects - 20 objects in Turkey and 20 objects in Bulgaria. The official ceremony of the regional tourist brand - handover of certificates in Keshan will be held.
As a result of the implementation of the project, a regional tourist brand will be created. The application of a voluntary certification will facilitate the improvement of the quality of the tourist products and services offered in the regions, will promote the regions and will lead to the sustainable development of tourism using the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the regions.

Project status: Completed

The regional tourist brand for sustainable tourism "Sunflower" developed within the project aims to promote tourist resources, local products and tourist services in Haskovo district in Bulgaria and the area of Keshan, Enez and Ipsala in Turkey. The regional tourist brand "Sunflower" is a sign that certified tourist sites, producers and craftsmen preserve and promote the local specifics and traditions and apply the principles of a responsible attitude to the environment.

The characteristic landscape, traditions, culinary culture, way of life and communication are the main components of the tourist offer, which shape the specifics of the region and have the potential to increase the tourist interest in the destination. Discovered through direct and full contact with local people, culture, traditions, nature and hospitality, revealed in the comfort and authenticity of the elements subject to voluntary certification with the regional tourist brand "Sunflower", form the uniqueness of the experience - a major incentive for tourist travel. The brand "Sunflower" is in line with the modern requirements for sustainable development and prosperity of the local communities and to ensure the safety and security of visitors.

During the project, over 40 objects from Bulgaria and Turkey in different categories - accommodation, restaurants, shops, tourist attractions and tourist services are certified with the regional tourist brand "Sunflower". The regional tourist brand creates a kind of network of tourist objects, products and services on both sides of the border, which can offer visitors with different interests an authentic experience.

A guidebook with included tourist sites certified with the regional brand "Sunflower" can be found HERE.

More information about the vision and goals of the development of the tourist brand "Sunflower" can be found HERE.

The overall goal of the project is to increase the cross-border development of tourism based on sustainable use of resources. Its specific objective is to raise awareness of the promotion of sustainable use of resources.
The activities included in the implementation of the project are an opening event in Burgas; assessment of tourist sites from both places on the border; research of good practices for sustainable tourism; preparation of a common communication strategy; elaboration of a children's book "The Heritage of Thrace"; conducting a digital information campaign; conducting a tourist tour to raise students' awareness; organizing a mobile exhibition; holding a final event in Edirne.
As a result of the project implementation, a list of up to 30 tourist sites, a brochure for good practices based on research will be prepared; advertising materials - T-shirts, brochures, activity book; conducted a digital campaign and a sightseeing tour. A mobile exhibition of photos of students and public events held in both countries will be organized.

Project status: Ended on 04.06.2021

The project activities have been implemented with a change in the planned schedule and the manner of implementation, caused by the conditions of the measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Horizon 2100 is a project implemented with the aim of ensuring sustainable tourism by enhancing awareness of natural, historical and cultural heritage and cross border networking.

To reach the project target, the touristic sites were determined by the local experts and promotional and informational materials were produced such as „The Heritage of Trakya” Activity Book including short information about touristic sites and entertaining games, stamp boxes for touristic sites, T-shirts and promotional videos which have a message for the future and heritage and report for good practices of sustainable tourism. Networking events were organized to raise awareness on the natural, historical and cultural heritage of both regions such as touristic sites visits, mobile exhibitions. During the project implementation, the main target group was the students' aged between 8-16 and defined as Tourism Ambassadors who are the best promoters for sustainable tourism. With the good coordination and cooperation of the project partners and stakeholders, the project has been completed successfully and the project targets have been reached.