ПК по земеделие и развитие на селските райони

A joint meeting of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, the Standing Committee on Culture, and the Standing Committee on Youth Activities, Sports and Tourism of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) was held in Apriltsi.

The forum brought together mayors, experts, and representatives of municipal councils from across the country, with a primary focus on modern approaches to activating and promoting local culture, cultural heritage, and tourism, particularly in smaller municipalities.

The meeting was opened and moderated by Dr. Gencho Genchev, Chair of the Standing Committee on Culture and Mayor of Svishtov. In his remarks, he emphasized the need to rethink the way local tourism is developed in Bulgaria. He highlighted that in recent years, a model of sustainable, cultural, and creative tourism has been increasingly established at the European level, gradually replacing the traditional mass tourism approach.

According to him, this type of tourism is built on two main pillars: the unique local resources and identity on the one hand, and the active participation of tourists in community life on the other. “Today’s tourists no longer want to be mere observers—they want to be part of the experience, engaging in local crafts, traditions, and events,” he noted, citing established practices in Bulgaria such as the Etar Ethnographic Complex and historical reenactment festivals.

Dr. Genchev also highlighted the role of cultural heritage not only as a source of tourist interest but also of spiritual enrichment. He stressed that places like Apriltsi carry the authentic spirit of Bulgarian history and the National Revival, which can be experienced rather than simply narrated.

Special attention was given to the need to develop tourism networks and routes, as well as to the use of modern tools for presenting local potential. In this context, the moderator raised the question of how effectively municipalities are leveraging digitalization and new technologies to promote their heritage.

In his welcome address, Apriltsi Mayor Tihomir Kukenski expressed satisfaction that the municipality was hosting the joint meeting of the three NAMRB committees.
“It is an honor to welcome you to Apriltsi, especially on the eve of the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising,” he said, emphasizing the region’s exceptionally rich historical heritage as an integral part of national memory.

The mayor highlighted the unique role of local events related to the uprising, noting that some of the most significant moments of the liberation struggles unfolded in the area. “Our region preserves untold stories without parallel—linked to the outbreak of the Novosel Uprising in early May and the proclamation of the Novosel Republic,” Kukenski added.

Dr. Krasimir Dzhonev, Mayor of Letnitsa and Chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development at NAMRB, also took an active part in the discussion. He welcomed the opportunity for local government representatives to address key issues for rural municipalities.

“I am pleased that we can focus on topics of critical importance for our municipalities—particularly those related to the Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) approach and the work of Local Action Groups,” he said.

Dr. Dzhonev drew attention to the challenges faced by Local Action Groups (LAGs), especially delays in funding. According to him, these delays hinder project implementation and limit the timely realization of initiatives with direct impact on local communities.

At the same time, he stressed that despite these challenges, the CLLD approach remains one of the most effective tools for rural development, as it enables genuine local participation in decision-making and fosters partnerships between the public, private, and non-governmental sectors.

Marin Marinov, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Youth Activities, Sports and Tourism at NAMRB and municipal councilor in Tryavna, also contributed to the opening session.

In his remarks, he emphasized the importance of event tourism as a key tool for local development, especially in smaller municipalities. “I am glad that this joint meeting brings together these three committees, which can collaborate and address issues of shared interest. It is important to work together and exchange experience and knowledge,” Marinov said.

According to him, event tourism is among the most effective ways to attract visitors and build a recognizable destination profile. Through well-planned festivals, cultural events, and thematic initiatives, municipalities can not only increase visitor numbers but also extend stays and generate sustained interest in local heritage.

As an example of a successful model, Marinov pointed to practices in Tryavna, where the combination of rich cultural heritage and event-based initiatives creates a comprehensive visitor experience and supports the local economy. He noted that similar approaches can be adapted by other municipalities according to their specific characteristics and resources.

During the first panel, participants explored in depth specific tools, models, and best practices for the socialization and economic valorization of cultural heritage.

Representatives of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and the Centre of Excellence “Heritage BG”—Assoc. Prof. Kosyo Stoychev, Maria Vasileva, and Dr. Elka Zlateva—presented a comprehensive concept for developing regional models in which cultural heritage becomes a tangible economic resource. The Strandzha region was examined as a pilot case—defined as a distinct historical, geographical, and cultural area with high potential, but also facing challenges such as demographic decline and lack of institutional coordination.

The presentation emphasized that “Heritage BG” offers a practical model for overcoming these challenges through the creation of a framework for inter-municipal cooperation. The model includes five main components: institutional, research, laboratory, museum, and digital. Specific measures include the establishment of a specialized laboratory for research on honeydew honey and medicinal plants in Tsarevo, the development of a modern interactive museum exhibition, and the creation of a comprehensive package of tourist routes incorporating sacred sites, churches, and natural landmarks.

A strong emphasis was placed on digitalization—through the use of 3D, AR, and VR technologies, electronic guides, digital maps, and online catalogues to make heritage more accessible and attractive to modern tourists. It was underlined that this approach is not merely academic but has a clear economic focus—supporting local products, businesses, and sustainable municipal revenues.

Complementing this topic was a presentation on the opportunities offered by the Council of Europe Cultural Routes. It was highlighted that this is a well-established European program with decades of history, bringing together dozens of certified routes and thousands of participants, including institutions, organizations, and local communities. Participation in such networks provides not only international visibility but also access to partnerships, training, research exchange, and joint projects.

It was noted that Bulgaria already participates in several routes—such as those related to Roman heritage, the Cultural Route of Saints Cyril and Methodius, historic thermal towns, and others—yet significant untapped potential remains. Municipalities can both join existing networks and initiate new routes based on their unique identity, ranging from ceramics and industrial heritage to natural and cultural phenomena.

A strong practical dimension was added by the presentation of Georgi Petkov from Pomorie, who demonstrated how the Community-Led Local Development approach can transform the local tourism product. Numerous implemented projects were presented, combining cultural heritage, infrastructure, and innovation.

These include the development of the Salt Museum as a unique tourist attraction, the establishment of visitor centers (including those for Pomorie Lake and fisheries), and the reconstruction of key urban spaces such as the Yavorov Summer Theatre and the Old Pier. Particularly notable were projects aimed at creating a holistic visitor experience, such as the water show in Pomorie Bay, the adventure park in Kamenar district, and the development of a “smart village” with digital environmental management systems.

It was emphasized that these investments go beyond infrastructure—they aim to add value, diversify tourism offerings, and extend visitor stays, which is a key factor for the economic sustainability of local tourism.

A strong example of an integrated approach to local development was also presented by the municipality of Elena. Evdokia Ukolova and Tsanka Hristova showcased projects implemented under the Norwegian Financial Mechanism, focused on restoring significant local sites and transforming them into value-added attractions.

Their presentation emphasized partnerships with businesses and the integration of cultural heritage with local production, particularly agricultural and traditional products. Through modern marketing approaches and branding, these products are positioned as part of the overall tourist experience, contributing to local economic development and strengthening regional identity.

The panel clearly demonstrated that the future of local tourism lies in an integrated approach—combining science, culture, technology, partnerships, and active community participation, with a focus on creating sustainable and recognizable local products.

Discussions will continue on the second day of the meeting agenda in Apriltsi.