- 30-04-2026 17:50
- Velizar Petrov
Presentation and
Adoption of the Action Plan for Sustainable Community‑Led Tourism in Plovdiv
Region under the MYSTICAL DANUBE Project On 30 April 2026, a dedicated event was held in Plovdiv to present the
Action Plan for the Development of Sustainable, Community‑Led Tourism in Plovdiv Region,
prepared within Activity 2.3. of the project MYSTICAL DANUBE – Green and
Mystical Danube Storytelling Route. The event was organised with the support
of the Regional Administration – Plovdiv, which participates in the project as
an associated partner. The Action Plan was presented by Velizar Petrov, Executive Director of
the Regional Development Agency with Business Support Centre for SMEs –
Plovdiv. The document outlines a strategic and operational framework for the
development of sustainable, low‑carbon and community‑driven tourism across the region. It
is grounded in a territorial analysis, a comprehensive SWOT assessment, and
extensive consultations with municipalities, cultural institutions, community
centres, NGOs and business representatives. The Action Plan covers the entire Plovdiv Region (NUTS BG421) – 18
municipalities and 212 settlements characterised by remarkable natural and
cultural diversity, ranging from the southern slopes of the Balkan Mountains
and the Sub‑Balkan valleys to the Northern
Rhodopes and the Upper Thracian Plain. The document highlights the region’s
rich mineral springs, protected areas, Thracian and Revival‑period heritage, living traditions,
festivals and local gastronomy, all of which provide a strong foundation for the
storytelling approach promoted by the project. Key objectives include the development of eco‑tourism infrastructure and
interpretation; the creation of sustainable tourism products; year‑round diversification; active
community participation through local hubs and trained storytellers;
conservation and interpretation of natural and cultural heritage; low‑carbon accessibility; enhanced
digital visibility and positioning within the Green & Mystical Danube
Storytelling Route; as well as systematic monitoring and management. The event brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, who
contributed with observations and recommendations: ·
State institutions and regulatory bodies: Regional
Administration – Plovdiv, Social Assistance Directorate, Regional Health
Inspectorate, Regional Education Authority, National Social Security
Institute, National Revenue Agency, National Statistical Institute, Agency for
People with Disabilities, Employment Agency, Bulgarian Food Safety Agency,
Executive Forest Agency, Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture,
Regional Inspectorate of Environment and ·
Water, Basin Directorate, Executive Environment
Agency, Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Interior, Regional Fire Safety
and Civil Protection Directorate, Geodesy, Cartography and Cadastre Office and
others. ·
Municipalities of Plovdiv Region: Asenovgrad,
Brezovo, Kaloyanovo, Karlovo, Krichim, Kuklen, Laki, Maritsa, Perushtitsa,
Plovdiv, Parvomay, Rakovski, Rodopi, Sadovo, Sopot, Stamboliyski, Saedinenie,
Hisarya. ·
Social and health service providers: Centres for
community support, social foundations, and organisations representing people
with disabilities (Union of the Blind, Union of the Deaf, National Association
of the Deafblind). ·
Business and employer organisations: Bulgarian
Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Plovdiv, Bulgarian Industrial Association,
Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association, Confederation of Employers and
Industrialists in Bulgaria, Union for Private Economic Enterprise. ·
Cultural and educational institutions: community
centres (chitalishta), expert‑consultative centres, and specialists in culture,
education and youth policies. ·
Youth, interns in the District Administration –
Plovdiv. Following the presentation and discussion, the Action Plan was formally
adopted by the Standing Committee on Social Policy of the Regional Development
Council of Plovdiv Region and by the Regional Council for the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities. The adoption confirms the document’s alignment with
regional development policies and its importance for the sustainable
transformation of the territory. Participants emphasised that the Action Plan will contribute to a more
balanced distribution of visitor flows, increased income and employment in
rural areas, reduced environmental footprint, and a strengthened regional
identity. The document will support Plovdiv Region in positioning itself as
part of the transnational Green & Mystical Danube Storytelling Route,
promoting sustainable development models and active community engagement. The MYSTICAL DANUBE project: "GREEN AND MYSTIC DANUBE ROUTE FOR
STORIES TELL - TRANSNATIONAL VALORIZATION OF NATURAL AND INTANGIBLE CULTURAL
HERITAGE FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS IN THE DANUBE
REGION" is funded by the INTERREG Danube Transnational programme. The
Bulgarian partner in the project is the Regional Development Agency with a
Business Center for Supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, and the
associated partner is the Plovdiv Regional Administration. #MysticalDanube #DanubeRegion #RDABSCSME #CulturalHeritage