The sustainable development of Sapareva Banya as a year-round tourist destination was the focus of a meeting between the Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh and the mayor of the municipality Kalin Gelev. The two discussed key infrastructure projects, opportunities for the development of mountain tourism and the role of institutions in creating a competitive tourism product.
An important emphasis in the talks was the presented concept for the construction of new ski slopes in the Panichishte region. The project already has an approved Master Plan (MP), which opens the door to starting coordination procedures with the responsible institutions.
“The Ministry of Tourism will support the process of improving dialogue and accelerating communication with the ministries on which the implementation of this important project for the region depends“, assured Minister Borshosh.
During his visit, Borshosh also held a meeting with representatives of the tourism business, local authorities and state institutions. Also present were the regional governor of Kyustendil, Eng. Metodi Chimev, MP Hristo Terziyski and the chairman of the Municipal Council, Adv. Kostadin Nikolov.
The Minister highlighted the good cooperation between local authorities, business and the state as the basis for long-term success:
„Tourism is based on the efforts of business, local authorities and only then - the state. If we all move in the same direction, the results will not be long in coming. In your municipality there are not only resources - it is evident that there is both will and a lot of work done.“
Borshosh emphasized the importance of Sapareva Banya as a potential international destination not only in the field of health and wellness tourism, but also in mountain tourism. He committed to including the local tourism product in national advertising through social networks, the media and international tourism exhibitions.
The digitalization of the sector and upcoming legislative changes were also among the topics discussed. The ministry is working on new regulatory initiatives, including the creation of a single digital point for registering overnight stays from online platforms such as Booking and Airbnb.
“The legislation in the field of tourism has not been changed for years, although the sector is developing extremely dynamically“, Borshosh pointed out. “The digitalization of processes in the sector is also a priority.“
The participants united around the need to improve the water supply and road infrastructure, separate pedestrian zones and implement cultural projects such as socializing the heritage of ancient Germania and creating a “Street of Crafts“.
Special attention was also paid to the training of personnel through a partnership between the tourism business and local educational institutions. An example of good practice is the cooperation with the Sofia University "Hristo Botev", where specialists in tourism and hospitality are trained.
The Ministry will continue to work closely with the local authorities to ensure the sustainable development of the region.
“Concrete steps have been taken to develop Sapareva Banya as a year-round destination, which we will support“, concluded the Minister of Tourism.
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