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

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Project summary:

The project aims to increase the tourist attractiveness of the region through initiatives for cross-border cooperation between the districs of Haskovo and Meric for development of sustainable tourism based on traditional cuisine.

A field research on local cuisine of the two border region focussed on collecting authentic recipes and inspection of the specific products and flavors determined by the geographical proximity and common historical heritage will be conducted. The information from the study will be presented in the form of a "Map of traditional cuisine" visualizing distinctive for the cross border region dishes and ingredients that shape its cultural identity. The collected recipes will be presented in ten long and ten short videos. By the means of modern technology and internet, the culinary traditions of both regions will be presented in an artistic and impressive way in order to arouse interest in culinary tourism. To this end, the development of a web platform "Virtual chef" with an online forum and a smart application for presenting and promoting the cuisine of the two border areas is envisaged. Organizing a festival "Haskovo and Meric cook" in Turkey for networking between representatives of the tourism industry in the region is planned.

The project implementation will contribute to the sustainable development of tourism and presentation of the common cultural heritage through cross-border initiatives for promoting the traditional cuisine of the region.

Project status: Finished

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

The idea of “Virtual Maritza - Merich Cuisine” was designed in 2016 when RMA Maritza and Rice Paddy Commission of Meric District shared their willingness to explore the culinary traditions and advantages of the regions of Haskovo and Merich. The established partnership combined traditional food, cultural difference and similarity with elements of arts, performance, innovations and technologies and turned their intention into a formal project which in the beginning of 2017 was approved for funding by the Interreg-IPA CBC Bulgaria–Turkey Programme 2014-2020 under Priority axis 2 Tourism.

Enthusiastic from the very beginning we the project team at both sides of the border started the action with the coordination of the necessary procedures for the correct implementation of the planned activities. And this was the boring part of the project. Yes, we admit it! Challenged by the rules yet we managed to organize all the paper work and to ensure quality contractors or as we call them performers.

And then the virtual culinary performance of Maritza - Merich actually started! We collected 48 traditional recipes from Haskovo region in Bulgaria and 67 traditional recipes from Merich, Turkey. We identified local places with traditional cuisine in Haskovo and in Merich in result of studying traditional regional culinary culture and traditional cuisine of both regions and presented them in a common map. We created our contemporary space in the global network where we wanted to present you Haskovo and Merich traditions in culinary. We called that place Virtual Chef and in March 2018 www.virtual-chef.eu was ready to show you step by step video cooking of 10 recipes from Haskovo and 10 recipes from Merich in Bulgarian, English and Turkish. We wanted to be modern, so we created a mobile application "Haskovo & Merich cooking" available in GooglePlay. There you can enjoy traditional recipes of Haskovo and Merich prepared in 2-minute videos each and to learn about some traditions and rituals related to them. And since books do not grow old, only their pages turn yellow to remind us to preserve the traditions, we issued a Recipe book "The culinary delights of the border region Haskovo-Merich" in Bulgarian and in Turkish. At the finish line we gathered in Merich at the Festival “Haskovo & Merich Cooking” to present our achievements, to demonstrate traditional recipes of the border region and to strengthen our future efforts for sustainable development of tourism in Haskovo and Merich in a memorandum. Last but not least “Virtual Maritza - Merich Cuisine” is presented in more than 40 media publications in Bulgaria and Turkey. We supported project promotion and developed our space in Facebook and in YouTube with lots of videos and photos and started an online forum where we believe we will continue to share our culinary traditions and future initiatives. Food connects people even if they are not speaking the same language. It creates bridges between our communities and we create friendships.

Project website:

https://virtual-chef.eu/

Facebook page of the project:

www.facebook.com/VirtualMaritzaMerichCuisine

The YouTube channel of the project you can find here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBzwGfEYpk9vWfxnROmlWMA.

Project products:

The information brochure is available HERE.

The Field survey "Traditional recipes of Haskovo region" is available HERE.

The Field survey "Local places with traditional cuisine in Haskovo region" is available HERE.

The Field survey "Traditional recipes of Meric region" is available is available HERE.

The Field survey "Local Food Establishments for Traditional Cuisine in Merich Region" is available HERE.

The Map "Local places with traditional cuisine in Haskovo region" in Bulgarian language is available at the following link: https://virtual-chef.eu/traditional-cuisine-in-haskovo/map.

The Map "Local places with traditional cuisine in Haskovo region" in English language is available at the following link: https://virtual-chef.eu/en/traditional-cuisine-in-haskovo/map.

The Map "Local places with traditional cuisine in Haskovo region" in Turkish language is available at the following link: https://virtual-chef.eu/tr/traditional-cuisine-in-haskovo/map.

The Map "Local places with traditional cuisine in Haskovo region" in electronic version: the Bulgarian version is available at the following link: https://virtual-chef.eu/haskovo-map.html, the English version is available at the following link: https://virtual-chef.eu/en-map.html and the Turkish version is available at the following link: https://virtual-chef.eu/tr-map.html.    

The Map "Local food establishments for traditional cuisine in Merich region" in electronic format: in Bulgarian version: https://virtual-chef.eu/traditional-cuisine-in-merich/map; English version: https://virtual-chef.eu/en/traditional-cuisine-in-merich/map, Turkish version: https://virtual-chef.eu/tr/traditional-cuisine-in-merich/map.

The Traditional Cuisine recipe book "Culinary delights of Haskovo - Merich border region" in Bulgarian and Turkish language is available HERE. 

The Web platform "Virtual Chef" is available at the following link: https://virtual-chef.eu/. 

The online forum for sharing the culinary traditions is available at the following link: https://virtual-chef.eu/forum/.  

The mobile application "Haskovo and Merich cooking" in GooglePlay  can be downloaded from the following address: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yourcompany.haskovoandmerichcooking3.

The Long videos for 10 traditional recipes of Haskovo and 10 traditional recipes of Merich and the short videos for 10 traditional recipes of Haskovo and 10 traditional recipes of Merich are available in YouTube at the following links:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlXb9E2nwmsvbE0mKLU4CZX_AxvUDtkPU;  

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwe1R4BMZjDsodEAMWnG6_lawYFnf4qtw.

Partners

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Project summary:

The overall goal of the project is to develop sustainable tourism by unlocking the potential of the cross-border region for the development of health tourism - to provide information on natural resources - healthy climate and healing waters, to attract the attention of scientists to new research, to raise awareness and the tourist attraction of the region. The project aims to create a basis for upgrading and developing a comprehensive and complete tourist package for health tourism in the cross-border region.
The project activities include: research of the cross-border region as a place for health tourism; analysis and publication of the survey results; holding a Bulgarian-Turkish scientific-practical forum for capacity building of local authorities with the participation of scientists from the universities of Burgas and Edirne, who will present their research on climate, water and opportunities for health tourism in the region. Two eco-hikes to iconic places in the cross-border region will be organized. A plein air for amateur photographers and an exhibition "Life-giving Water" will be organized in Ineada.
As a result of the project implementation, awareness of the opportunities for health tourism in the cross-border region will be increased, there will be increased cooperation between regional actors on both sides of the border and capacity in the field of sustainable tourism development. Conditions will be created for the development of a new tourist product.

Project status: Finished

In recent decades, the most popular type of tourism in Europe is health tourism. Prevention and recovery resorts are becoming very popular. The natural resources of Strandzha allow successful combination of several types of tourism - cultural, eco, sea and healing tourism. The region's healthy climate and healing waters have attracted scientists for years, but this potential remains unused. Through a series of activities such as a survey, Bulgarian-turkish scientific and practical forum, tours with seminars as well as a photo-vacation with exhibition for promotion of the region’s advantages, the project managed to attract the attention of tourists, local authorities and potential investors to the opportunities for development of health tourism in the Strandzha region on both sides of the border, to build a network of mountain fans. and potential users of the new tourism product.

Developed video-clips can be found here:

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRn4ee_TDMs

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCvqfWJwTkk

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjfwvdOd9f0

Brochure "The life-giving force of Strandzha Mountain” can be found HERE.

Project website: http://powerofstrandzhamountain.com/ 

Partners

EDİRNE GENÇLİK VE EĞİTİM DERNEĞİ/EDİRNE YOUTH AND EDUCATİON ASSOCİATİON

Priority: 
1.1. Preventing and mitigating the consequences of natural and man-made disasters in the cross-border area
1.2. Improving the capacity for nature protection, sustainable use and management of common natural resources through cooperation initiatives in the cross-border area
2.1. Increasing the touristic attractiveness of the cross-border area through better utilisation of natural, cultural and historical heritage and related infrastructure
2.2. Increasing the cross-border tourism potential by developing common destinations
2.3. Increasing networking for development of sustainable tourism through cross-border cooperation initiatives
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Project summary:

The main objective of the project is discovering new opportunities for local communities and stakeholders to develop and enhance their tourism potential, the ways of presentation and partnership network in tourism through preservation and promotion of authentic traditions and customs, natural and historical resources and encouraging different target groups to look for modern opportunities for tourism development, as well as creation of new bilateral tourist destinations through alternative forms.
Within the project, in the regions of Harmanli and Keshan, the following activities in parallel will be implemented: a joint study, analysis and collection of authentic traditions and customs in a common Handbook, 4 joint tourism forums targeting tourism stakeholders for joint performance, exchange of experience, capacity building and staff skills. Trans Gourmet Catalogue for specific foods and beverages in both region /cheese and wine/, promoting alternative tourism. Organize wine tour in Harmanli and a tour of local cheese producers in Keshan to promote the tourism potential will be developed. Two Festivals in both countries will present a rich folklore program, food preparation, competition, exhibition and more.
As a result of the implementation of the project a report about the authentic and unique for the regions cultural, historical and natural values, cross-border historical and cultural routes will be made. Common tourist products and services will be created, as well as new contacts and partnerships.

Partners

Dr.Sadık Ahmet Vocational and Techinacal Anatolian High Scholl (Edirne Tourism High Schooll)

Priority: 
1.1. Preventing and mitigating the consequences of natural and man-made disasters in the cross-border area
1.2. Improving the capacity for nature protection, sustainable use and management of common natural resources through cooperation initiatives in the cross-border area
2.1. Increasing the touristic attractiveness of the cross-border area through better utilisation of natural, cultural and historical heritage and related infrastructure
2.2. Increasing the cross-border tourism potential by developing common destinations
2.3. Increasing networking for development of sustainable tourism through cross-border cooperation initiatives

Association "Business for Harmanli"

Priority: 
1.1. Preventing and mitigating the consequences of natural and man-made disasters in the cross-border area
1.2. Improving the capacity for nature protection, sustainable use and management of common natural resources through cooperation initiatives in the cross-border area
2.1. Increasing the touristic attractiveness of the cross-border area through better utilisation of natural, cultural and historical heritage and related infrastructure
2.2. Increasing the cross-border tourism potential by developing common destinations
2.3. Increasing networking for development of sustainable tourism through cross-border cooperation initiatives

Union Of Providing Services To The Villages Luleburgaz/Kırklareli

Priority: 
1.2. Improving the capacity for nature protection, sustainable use and management of common natural resources through cooperation initiatives in the cross-border area
2.1. Increasing the touristic attractiveness of the cross-border area through better utilisation of natural, cultural and historical heritage and related infrastructure
2.2. Increasing the cross-border tourism potential by developing common destinations
2.3. Increasing networking for development of sustainable tourism through cross-border cooperation initiatives

Edirne Nature Sports Club Association

Priority: 
1.1. Preventing and mitigating the consequences of natural and man-made disasters in the cross-border area
1.2. Improving the capacity for nature protection, sustainable use and management of common natural resources through cooperation initiatives in the cross-border area
2.1. Increasing the touristic attractiveness of the cross-border area through better utilisation of natural, cultural and historical heritage and related infrastructure
2.2. Increasing the cross-border tourism potential by developing common destinations
2.3. Increasing networking for development of sustainable tourism through cross-border cooperation initiatives
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Project summary:

The aim of the project is acquisition of experience in networking between government institutions, scientific institutions and organizations from the non-government sector, capacity building and acquiring knowledge and skills by young people in the field of sustainable tourism and environment protection.

Within the project modular trainings in the field of sustainable tourism development and environmental protection in Sakar Mountain in the region of Topolvgrad, Bulgaria and in Strandja Mountain in the region of Igneada, Turkey, will be conducted. A  Scientific conference with topic “Sustainable tourism and environmental protection" will be organized in Edirne, Republic of Turkey. Educational textbooks and trilingual terminological dictionary in the field of the sustainable tourism and environmental protection, as well as a collection of reports from the Scientific Conference will be elaborated and distributed.

The project will contribute to improve establishment of partner’s relations and networking experience between government and scientific institutions and NGO organizations.

Partners

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Project summary:

The project aims to increase the potential of an attractive form of tourism related to religion through cooperation between institutions, travel agencies, NGOs and local authorities for the presentation of unknown or undeveloped forms of tourism. The group of initiatives will contain new opportunities to promote desired and hitherto unknown destinations related to the historical heritage in the field of religion, religious traditions and customs.
The project activities include a survey and analysis of the attitudes and interest of the people of Bulgaria and Turkey to the main religions, objects of cultural and historical heritage related to religions and their transformation into tourist attractions; elaboration of a brochure "Cultural Heritage of Religions; creation of a network for public awareness activities on religious heritage; conducting public awareness initiatives in Bulgaria and Turkey, promoting sustainable use of tourist resources; holding a joint international conference; developing a trilingual website of the project.
As a result of the project implementation, a network will be created and a series of public initiatives will be implemented to promote the sustainable use of the cultural and historical heritage related to the religions of the two nationalities, representing historical sites, customs and traditions. The implementation of the project will have a great impact on the target groups, on which the promotion of the sustainable use of tourism, historical and cultural resources related to religions, religious traditions and customs depends. This will create additional organizational capacity for project partners, institutions, organizations, local authorities and travel agencies.

Partners

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