Increasing the competitiveness of regional tourism by supporting the development of rural and cultural tourism in the cross-border region

The implementation of the project had a positive impact on the development of the tourism product of the cross-border region. New tools and activities were developed to promote the unique cultural heritage of the region by creating a catalog of authentic settlements and traditions. The information was collected and summarized as a huge e-library and a printed catalog of settlements. The project aimed to provide an alternative presentation of the unique heritage by organizing a photo contest and a traveling exhibition. Through web-based software for tourism service providers, an innovative instrument was created to improve their competitiveness and overall performance.

The goal of the project was achieved by implementing the following activities:

– Photo contest and traveling exhibition “Abandoned settlements and traditions of the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Macedonia”;
– Digital database and library of settlements from the cross-border region of BG and MK with preserved authentic architecture, traditions, lifestyle, celebrations, customs, etc.);
– Marketing strategy for the development of rural tourism in the cross-border region of Bulgaria and Macedonia;
– Web portal “E-TOURISM” – Redesign, optimization, adaptation, updating and maintenance;
– Production and editing of short films about the unique cultural and historical heritage of the cross-border region (Sandanski and Strumica);
– Development of a web-based software service for self-assessment of tourism service providers and tour operators;
– Luxury catalog “Abandoned settlements and traditions of the cross-border region Bulgaria and Macedonia”;
– Development of specific joint thematic tourist products;
– Discussion forum in Macedonia and the Final Cross-border Forum