site.btaTourism Ministry to Create Map of Bulgaria's Inaccessible, Hard-to-Reach Tourist, Heritage Sites

The Ministry of Tourism has initiated the creation of a map of important but inaccessible and hard-to-reach tourist and heritage sites, and will push for funding for necessary repairs and improvements that will facilitate visitor access and support the development of local tourism, the Ministry's press centre said on Sunday.

This came after a meeting between Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh and the Samokov Mayor Angel Dzhorgov. The focus of the talks was the state of the road to the Beli Iskar eco-trail (West Bulgaria) and the infrastructure leading to the site, which are owned by the Municipality. Borshosh was introduced to the case on the spot, so the two talked at the entrance of one of the emblematic tourist destinations in the region, which is part of Rila National Park.

"Infrastructure leading to tourist sites and routes is not a responsibility of the Ministry, but it is a fundamental problem for the development of domestic tourism. In order to attract tourists and stimulate the domestic market, it is imperative that we create conditions for access to Bulgaria's natural and cultural-historical riches," Borshosh said.

"With the help of the local government and the tourism industry, we will create an interactive map to include sites that are difficult to reach. This includes archaeological monuments. We will describe all the infrastructure problems - from the need for laying new pavements and repairing certain sections to allocating enough parking spaces for visitors and signposting the sites," the minister added.

The Ministry of Tourism will rely on the traditional dialogue with tourism associations to refine the list of sites, as well as key representatives of the non-governmental sector in the face of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB). 

Dzhorgov offered his support and said that he will continue to work hard to establish the region as a preferred tourist destination combining beautiful nature, active recreation and sustainable development.