site.btaThree-day Observances Mark 129th Anniversary of Organized Tourism

Three-day observances will mark the 129th anniversary of organized tourism in Bulgaria. They will begin at 5.30 pm in central Sofia with laying of flowers at the tomb of writer and public figure Aleko Konstantinov near the Ivan Vazov National Theatre, said the Bulgarian Tourist Union. It was from there on August 27, 1895, at Konstantinov’s call, that nature lovers set out to climb Cherni Vrah Mountain and organized tourism in Bulgaria was born.  

Every year at the end of August, thousands of tourists follow in the footsteps of the first 300 enthusiasts who followed the call of the writer 129 years ago in the first organized hike on Vitosha. Traditionally, mountain lovers gather at Cherni Vrah for the National Tourist Convention to celebrate the holiday of Bulgarian tourism. 

In 2024, the Bulgarian Tourist Union (BTU) has planned a three-day program, which in addition to the official celebrations dedicated to Aleko Konstantinov, will also focus on a new vision and long-term strategy for the development of tourism in Bulgaria. It includes the active participation of the local tourist societies in the country, numbering 140 with over 20 000 members.

"We want to make sure that all members are acquainted with it and will be able to help realize this vision. It should become our common goal and together we should improve and implement it," said BTU Chairman Ventsislav Venev.

On August 24 and 25, BTU members and the mountaineering community will be able to take part in an open discussion and roundtable on the long-term priorities, projects and digital tools through which the BTU plans to make Bulgaria a world-leading tourist destination.

On August 24 and 25, everyone will be able to take part in hikes along three routes to Cherni Vrah and mountain running competitions, and enjoy performances by tourist choirs. More than 2,000 tourists are expected to take part in the celebrations, including representatives of tourist associations, celebrities and guests from abroad. 

The three-day celebrations are organized jointly with the Sofia - European Capital of Sport Foundation, the Vitosha Nature Park and the Sofia Library.

Last August, during the celebrations of tourism movement in Bulgaria, the then Sports Minister Dimitar Iliev presented the BTU with a renewed licence for a national organization for sports and tourism activities.