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

The aim of the project is to establish and broaden cross-border cooperation by attracting local communities from the region to participate in joint initiatives to develop sustainable tourism. Specific objectives are to preserve local traditions by transmitting them to the next generations; to stimulate organizing joint networking events; to raise awareness in the population of the cross-border region for sustainable use of natural, historical and cultural heritage. Project activities include the delivery of equipment (TV and  laptop),  furniture(wardrobes, shelves, tables, chairs) and folk costumes in Sozopol, delivery of photo camera in Edirne, organization of the photographic expedition "Show to the generations" in Sozopol and Edirne, preparation for presentation of traditional folklore performance "Thracian traditions without borders" in Sozopol, organizing informational campaign and photo exhibitions in Edirne and Sozopol.
As a result of the project implementation, facilities for inclusion of young generation will be improved, young people will be attracted  in preserving the local traditions and lifestyle, joint networking events in the cross-border region will be realized, and initiatives raising the awareness for sustainable use of natural, historic and cultural heritage will be conducted.

Project status: Finished

The project was aimed at preserving the cultural heritage and encouraging the cultural tourism, which is one of the most popular forms of tourism in the area of Sozopol and Edirne. It is connected with travels for cultural pleasures. As a tourist resource, culture is important for building and maintaining the national and regional identity of cultural diversity that are valued and sought by modern tourists. Cultural values are a prerequisite for the development of cultural tourism. They are a collection of objects and phenomena whose cognitive and emotional effect is aimed at satisfying the socio-cultural needs. The project activities included a photo expedition in Sozopol and Edirne which sought the different view of the art-lovers and hobby photographers of the atmosphere in both towns and its capturing in unique photo exhibitions. The collected photos became also the basis for the creation of tourist guides, promoting interesting places and routes worth visiting. The two partnering organizations were actively working to protect cultural, historical and natural heritage through involvement of people of different ages and backgrounds. Folklore performance “Show to the generations” was prepared in the renovated and equipped premises of the Thracian association “Yani Popov” and performed in both countries, promoting and preserving the spiritual cultural values that should be kept in the tribal memory and transferred to the future generations. The realization of the joint initiatives fostered closer ties between the local communities, art-lovers, museum friends from the border region.

The overall goal of the project is to strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism through better planning and addressing the needs of people with disabilities, as well as the implementation of a consistent set of interventions to reduce barriers and enable people with special needs to visit different tourist destinations. The specific objectives of the project are to create a network for cooperation in the field of affordable tourism, to attract public attention and develop skills and knowledge among tourism service providers to properly approach their work with people with special needs, to promote new tourism services and products. through easily accessible channels and in a flexible, adaptable and more attractive way.
The project activities include conducting a seminar "Affordable Tourism for All" in order to attract public attention and discuss topics related to affordable tourism, research and promotion of tools for "marking" and recognition of accessible places, organizing an information bank on the web the project site, preparation of a catalog and brochure for popularization of the accessible natural, cultural and historical heritage, conducting training on topics related to the accessible architectural environment "Inspiration for accessible tourism".
As a result of the project, a cross-border network for cooperation in the field of affordable tourism will be established, universal, high-quality and fully accessible tourism products provided to people with special needs. Good practices and know-how in affordable tourism will be shared among the partners and participants in the project. Staff in the field of tourism for working with people with special needs will be trained and informed. Attractive and innovative approaches will be developed to provide accessible information on the natural, cultural and historical values ​​of the cross-border region, including alternative forms of tourism.

Project status: Finished

The project is a bridge between the communities situated on both sides of the cross- border region, in the establishment of linkage of cultural, historical and economic interest.

The project activities addressed the needs of visitors with disability, and implementation of a consistent set of interventions to reduce barriers that do not allow disabled people to fully enjoy territories and turn them away from tourist fruition as follows: Organization of management meetings: This first activity is organizational and aims to create a mechanism for the successful implementation and coordination of the project.
Accessible Tourism for All Workshop in Haskovo aims to "turn all eyes" on the project and provide a scene for the discussion of opportunities, barriers and challenges for making accessible tourism a reality.
Study on accessible tourism to natural, cultural and historical sites in Haskovo and Kirklareli region and a new sustainable high- grade tourism product proposed.
Destination: Cross- border region. A web‐based platform created as a mechanism intended to facilitate and promote CB sustainable and accessible tourism.
Integration of assistive technologies in tourism as an innovative approach for ensuring accessible information of the nat