Ministry of Tourism awarded a project for promotion of Bulgarian EDEN destinations

07 February 2016

The Ministry of Tourism has won European funding for implementation of the project “Communication campaign to promote Bulgarian EDEN destinations - Second Edition”. EDEN is an acronym for European Destinations of ExcelleNce (best European destinations) and is an initiative that promotes sustainable patterns of tourism throughout the European Union. The project worth nearly 70 thousand Euros is financed under the COSME* 2014-2020 Programme of the European Commission and has a duration of 18 months.

Bulgaria is among the countries in Europe that have been given the opportunity by the European Commission to implement a project for the promotion of EDEN destinations. Our country has won the competition for funding along with countries such as Belgium, Poland, Croatia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Cyprus, Estonia, Italy, France, Ireland and Malta.

The project aims to build on and further develop a project on the same topic, implemented in the period 2011 – 2012. Its main objective is to promote Bulgarian EDEN destinations in national and international tourist markets. Among these destinations are the municipalities of Silistra, Lukovit, Sandanski, Kyustendil, Belogradchik, Belitsa, Sapareva Banya, Kavarna, Vratsa, Strandzha, Kazanluk and Kardzhali.

In the course of project implementation it is foreseen to establish contacts with key tourism marketing figures (national and international) and get them on board in order to contribute for broader promotion of Bulgarian EDEN destinations. Shooting thematic videos for EDEN destinations and production of printed materials, postcards etc. is also planned under the project. A Facebook game will also become part of the project enabling children from across the country to participate with their paintings. The works of the winners will be placed on postcards and magnets that will further promote the destinations.

Another project activity is the use of online and web-based communication and promotional tools, including development of a regular online newsletter, integration of information about Bulgarian EDEN destinations in official communication channels of the Ministry of Tourism, etc. Two working meetings will be held of the network of Bulgarian EDEN destinations. The implementation team will organize and conduct familiarization tours for key marketing figures selected under the project and will present the initiative at selected foreign and domestic tourism fairs.

Among the project objectives is raising awareness and understanding of the EDEN initiative and the principles of sustainable development. The project implementation is expected to contribute to Bulgaria’s presentation as a destination for alternative tourism and promote its capabilities to offer new tourist products, primarily in the field of ecological, cultural and spa tourism. The project will further contribute to addressing the territorial and seasonal concentration of tourist flows.

A major outcome of the project implementation is achieving lasting recognition and strengthening the image of EDEN destinations in Bulgaria as an alternative, non-traditional and environmentally friendly mode of tourism.

* The Programme for Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) 2014-2020, adopted by Regulation (EC) No1287 / 2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on 11 December 2013, or better known as COSME Programme,  is targeted at the specific needs of SMEs.

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