site.btaMayors of Razlog and Bansko Discuss Region's Development as Mission, Successful Symbiosis between Neighbouring Municipalities

The development of the region as a mission and the successful symbiosis between the neighboring municipalities were discussed by the mayors of Razlog and Bansko, Krassimir Gerchev and Stoycho Banenski, here on Friday. They took part in the BG Tourism - Winter 2024/2025 forum, organized by BTA with the partnership of the Bulgarian Union of Balneology and Spa Tourism (BUBSPA).

The Mayor of Razlog pointed out that the area has not only skiing opportunities but also mineral water, a golf course and other features that attract tourists. Gerchev drew attention to advertising, pointing out that he sees little advertising of native products at the expense of advertising of tourist sites of other countries. My wish is to reverse the emphasis and be more present in Bulgaria and in other countries, Gerchev said. 

Gerchev also commented on Bulgaria's full accession to Schengen, pointing out that this gives many opportunities. "But we have to offer what we have, because there are wonderful places that people don't know about, and we can't sell our product," he noted.

Bansko Mayor Banenski said that the municipalities of Bansko, Razlog, Belitsa and Yakoruda work in symbiosis. According to him, the profile of the tourist has changed, as now the guests of a resort or tourist site want to visit as many places as possible.

"If someone comes to ski, he wants to go to the spa, he would like to see the Bear Park in Belitsa, to go to Treshtenik, people want to see a lot of things in one week," Banenski explained. 

The Mayor of Bansko put an emphasis on the communication with state authorities, commenting on the need to be heard about the problems. He gave as an example the topic of a second gondola lift in Bansko. He noted that the construction of a second gondola line has been a topic for 20 years, and not only Bansko but also other mountain resorts have such a problem. "This is a state policy, and there are things that we can solve at the local level, but this is not a problem of the municipality, the mayor or the municipal council; it is a problem of the people," Banenski argued. 

BTA's tourism forums are held twice every year at the beginning of the summer and winter tourist seasons to discuss the messages in the presentation of tourism in Bulgaria in the coming season with representatives of state and municipal institutions, the tourism business, NGOs, scientists and experts. The list of participants in the latest forum includes caretaker Minister of Tourism Evtim Miloshev, Deputy Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva, the President’s advisor for environment, Rossitsa Karamfilova-Blagova, BTA Director General Kiril Valchev, Bulgarian Union of Balneology and Spa Tourism (BUBSPA) Ambassador Meglena Plugchieva, BUBSPA Secretary General Tsvetina Ivanova, and local mayors. Also participating were Bulgarian National Radio Director General Milen Mitev, Anton Andonov, member of the Board of Bulgarian National Television, Dimitar Anestev, producer of news at bTV, Alexander Raykov, producer of the newsroom planning at Nova TV, Council of Electronic Media member Gabriela Naplatanova, as well as rectors and representatives of three universities, hotel and restaurant businesses.