Final_report-last - study - BG(1)

FINAL REPORT 

Study of rural communities with tourism potential under 

the project “Sustaining Rural Tourism in the Ruse Area 

Through its Cultural Heritage”, project code ROBG-502, 

financed under the INTERREG Program VA Romania- 

Bulgaria” 

Implemented by: Revansh 22 ltd. 

March, 2019 

The content of this study does not necessarily represent the official position of the European Union. 

The initiators of the study are the sole responsible for the information provided through the site.

This study has been conducted for the purpose of implementing a contract with the subject "Joint study 

of rural communities with tourism potential" under the project “Sustaining Rural Tourism in the Ruse 

Area Through its Cultural Heritage”, project code ROBG-502, financed under the INTERREG Program VA 

Romania-Bulgaria. The project is aimed at developing an integrated approach to the promotion of the 

cultural and intangible heritage of rural communities from both Giurgiu and Ruse in order to support 

local economic development and the development of rural tourism. 

The study was conducted according to a joint methodology which was set up to help analyze and assess 

the information gathered on the tourist potential of Ruse and its surrounding regions and to select the 

10 villages with the greatest potential for attracting tourists and develop cross-border tourist products in 

the region Ruse- Giurgiu. 

During the period 28.11.2018 – 27.03.2019 the following activities were implemented: 

N 

o 

1 

. 

Description End date Results/Outputs 

Development of a research 

18.11.2018 1.1. Developed and approved methodology 

methodology and a set of evaluation 20.12.2018 and evaluation grid for documenting natural 

parameters in line with academic 

and anthropogenic sites to explore tourism 

literature and international expertise 

potential in each of the 10 villages in Bulgaria; 

in the field of sustainable tourism 

questionnaires for exploring tourists' 

expectations, tour operators and for exploring 

the readiness of local communities to develop 

tourism 

2 

Inventory 

and 

20.12.2018- 

2.1 Elaboprated Description / inventory of the 

. 

assessment of villages in 

20.02.2019 

available resources in the villages in Ruse 

the target regions 

district 

specified by the 

2.2 Coordination of results 

Contracting Authority; 

2.3 Defined 20 villages (The 10 villages in 

Bulgaria were discussed and agreed between 

the two experts hired by the Leading 

Beneficiary and the Beneficiary) 

2.4. Description of natural and anthropogenic 

heritages specific to each of the selected 

villages, their accessibility as destinations and 

the intent and openness of the community to 

adapt to accommodate tourists for each of the 

20 villages 

2.5. Interviewed tourists, tour operators 

2.6. Local community surveys 

2.7. Analysis of collected information 

3 

Identification of the elements 

20.02.2019- 

3.1 Discussion and coordination of the results 

. 

which will be included in the 

28.02.2019 

of the study 

presentations and analyzes of the 

3.2 Identification of the elements which will be 

2

20 cases. included in the presentations and analyzes of 

20 cases. 

4 Analysis and recommendations 1.03.2019- 

25.03.2019 

In description of each of selected 10 villages 

are included: 

SWOT analysis and analysis of the difficulties 

and weaknesses identified locally. 

Recommendations for village development in 

cross-border region 

5 

. 

Final Reporting of the Project 25.03.2019- 

27.03.2019 

Final report 

For the purpose of the present methodology, there were tourism resources indentifiyed in 

74 villages in the Ruse dictrict according to the approved methodology. The subject of the present 

study are cultural, historical, natural, material, anthropogenic landmarks in the villages, atractions, 

routes, tourism infrastructure objects. 

The potential of the cultural and historical tourism resources selected by the rural 

communities of Ruse according to the requirements of the task is evaluated through the 

following requirements, 

• Capacity (Potential, Capability) for development - tailored to the factors and conditions 

for resource development; 

• degree of impact - the level of attractiveness is assessed; 

• degree of change (as a result of tourism) - evaluation of the usefulness / value / 

importance of the tourist attraction; 

The selected evaluation criteria were applied not especiially for scientific purposes but 

took into account the position (viewpoint) of the particular tourist attraction and the possibilities 

for practical use of the research results. 

3

Population (2015) 

Area (sq. km) 

VETOVO 

Number of settlements 

Villages 

88 

74 

DVE 

MOGILI 

BOROVO 

Overview 

In 2014, the district of Ruse is ranked sixth in terms of GDP 

per capita. Compared to 2010, Ruse had the second largest 

GDP growth (after Stara Zagora) in Bulgaria, both in absolute 

terms and relative to the population. Unemploy- ment has 

been declining while employment keeps rising. Nevertheless, 

investment, both domestic and foreign, and the utilization 

of EU funds by municipalities in the district have remained 

below the national levels. The quality of road surfaces 

remains far below the average levels, and keeps 

deteriorating. Local taxes and fees are relatively low. 

During the last decade, the demographic situation in the 

district has been deteriorating faster than nationwide, mostly 

because of the low natural growth. The district’s students 

have traditionally received close to the national average 

grades at matriculation exams, and they had relatively few 

failing grades in 2016. Healthcare in the district suffers from 

lack of doctors and relatively few hospital beds. The clearance 

crime rate remains lower than the national average. A 

great part of the population is still living without access to 

public sewerage. The district has an intense cultural life. 

Weak Unsatisfactory Average Good Very good Weak Unsatisfactory Average Good Very good 

Income and Living Conditions 

Demography 

Labor Market 

Education 

Investment 

Healthcare 

Infrastructure 

Security and Justice 

Taxes and Fees 

Environment 

Administration 

Culture 

4

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 

Income and Living Conditions 

In comparison to 2010, in 2014, the district of Ruse had the 

second largest increase in GDP in Bulgaria after Sta- ra 

Zagora, both in absolute size (30%) and per capita (41%). It 

ranked sixth in GDP per capita, having ranked tenth in 2010. 

Regardless of this fact, GDP per capita in the district (9,675 

BGN) was below the country average of 11,574 BGN. 

In 2013 and 2014 incomes in Ruse district were lower 

than national average rates but in 2015 they grew by over 

16% (vs. the national rate of 3%) to reach 5,303 BGN per 

household member, thus surpassing the average level in 

Bulgaria. However, salaries continued to lag behind in 

2014, though they grew at rates comparable with the 

country average. 

Labor Market 

The key indicators for the labor market in Ruse are comparable 

with national average levels. Economic activity grew 

considerably in 2015 but was still unable to compensate for 

the slump in 2014. Unemployment continued to decline and 

reached 9% in 2015, remaining below average levels for the 

last three years. In 2014, employment grew after the decline 

to reach 60.0% in 2015, though still remaining below the 

national average of 62.9%. 

Ruse is still among the districts with relatively unfavorable 

demographic replacement ratio, which means that there are 

relatively few youngsters between 15 and 19 who could 

replace the people aged between 60 and 64, who are about 

to retire. 

Investment 

Investment activity in the district remains below average in 

the country, judging by the number of non-financial 

enterprises relative to the population, and by foreign and 

domestic investment. By the end of 2014, FDI had reached 

almost 390 m euro or 1,701.8 euro per capita; the national 

average being 3,006.6 euro per capita. 

The district has been lagging in the utilization of EU funds 

by municipalities as beneficiaries of operational 

programs. As of 31 May 2016, sums paid to municipalities 

amounted to 472.6 BGN per capita (vs. 688.8 BGN per 

capita for the country). The municipality of Byala had 

absorbed most funds relative to the population: 3,124.9 

BGN per capita, while Vetovo had absorbed least: 

57.4 BGN per capita. 

Infrastructure 

Ruse is an important transport hub and the density of the 

road and railway networks is above the national average. The 

share of motorways and first class roads is also bigger: 21.5% 

in 2014 vs. the national average of 18.1%. Still, road quality is 

low in the district and the share of road surfaces in good 

condition kept shrinking to reach 26.0% in 2015 vs. the 

national average of 40.7%. 

Internet access and usage in the district are above national 

average levels. In 2015, 60.9% of households had internet 

access (vs. 59.1% nationally) and 64.8% of people used it 

during the last year (vs. 60.3% nationally). 

Taxes and Fees 

Although the district of Ruse has a relatively well developed 

economy, most local taxes and fees in its municipalities 

were again lower than the average levels for the country in 

2016. The only exception was the rate of the license tax for 

retailers, whose average rate was higher in the district. The 

reason is the relatively high rate in the municipality of 

Ruse: 17 BGN/sq. m, while the average rate of all other municipalities 

was 4 BGN/sq. m. 

In 2016, the municipality of Byala raised the rates of all five 

monitored taxes and fees while in the other municipalities 

they remained unchanged. 

In 2016, the waste collection fee remained again lowest 

compared to country average figures. The municipality of 

Ruse had the lowest rate, 4.20‰, while the average rates 

both in the district and in the country were almost 

double. 

Administration 

The ratings of the district’s municipalities for developing 

and providing electronic government and one-stop shop 

services were above the national average levels in 2016. 

The transparency of the local administrations also received a 

better rating. The municipalities in Ruse district were rated 

at 62.0% for their transparency by the AIP Founda- tion (vs. 

54.2% for the country as a whole). The Ruse municipality 

was distinguished as the most “transparent” one (70.0%), 

while that of Byala was the least “transparent” with 24.0% in 

2016. 

The relatively low coverage by cadastral maps of the district’s 

territory remains a problematic issue in the district. In 

2010, it was 10.2% and has not changed since, while in the 

country reached 19.8% in 2015. 

5

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 

Demography 

Negative demographic tendencies in the district have been 

more pronounced during the last decade than they have 

been in the country as a whole. In 2015, the age dependency 

ratio (the ratio of the population aged 65+ to that 

aged 0 to14) in the district was 181.1% vs. 146.4% in Bulgaria. 

The main reason was the natural growth rate for that year, 

which worsened to –8.6‰ in Ruse vs. –6.2‰ in Bulgaria. At 

the same time, the number of people migrating from the 

district was close to that of people migrating to it, so the 

population decreased mostly because of its natural growth 

and not as a result of the net migration rate. 

A relatively large number of the population lives in urban 

areas – 77.4% (vs. 73.1% for the country), while the population 

density was above the national average in 2015. 

Education 

In 2015, the share of children enrolled in 5th–8th grade in the 

district of Ruse dropped below the national average level: 

77.8% in Ruse vs. 78.3% in the country. The share of high 

school repeaters, though, remained below average, 

whereas that of dropouts in primary and secondary 

education was for the first time below the 2014 national 

level. 

The performance at state matriculation exams of the district’s 

school leavers has traditionally been close to the national 

average figures; in 2016, the share of failing grades was 

considerably smaller. 

The district’s decline in college and university students for 

the third successive year corresponded to the overall tendency 

in the whole country. Yet, in 2015, the number of 

students relative to the population remained close to the 

average – 37 per 1,000 people (vs. 36 per 1,000 people in 

Bulgaria). 

Healthcare 

In 2015, the district of Ruse remained one of those with the 

highest deficiency of general practitioners. One GP was responsible 

for 2,119 people in the district (vs. 1,619 people 

per GP nationally). The relative number of specialist doctors 

was also lower than that in other districts. 

Though the number of beds in general hospitals in the district 

increased (4.2 beds per 1,000 people in 2015), it remained 

below the national average of 4.6 beds per 1,000 

people. That trend concerns the increased number of 

hospitalizations, too. Probably, as the number of beds increased, 

a greater number of people preferred to receive 

treatment in the district rather than looking for medical 

services outside it. 

Security and Justice 

The workload of courts in the district remains lower than 

the national average level, perhaps because of the traditionally 

lower crime rates. The result is a higher rate of cases 

closed within 3 months: 97.0% in Ruse vs. 88.1% in Bulgaria, 

and a lower rate of pending criminal cases: 6.3% in the district 

vs. 9.4% in the country. 

Following national trends, crimes registered in the district 

dropped – in 2015, there were 10.1 crimes against the person 

and property per 1,000 people in Ruse district vs. 13.6 

per 1,000 people in Bulgaria. Still, the clearance crime rate in 

the district was lower than that in the country: 36.1% vs. 

39.2% for the country in 2015. 

Environment 

Though most of the population lives in urban areas, the share 

of people with access to public sewerage (68.0%) remained 

lower than that in Bulgaria (74.9%) in 2014. At the same time, 

the wastewater treatment plants built in the last few years 

(primarily in 2011) increased the number of people 

connected to WWTPs, reaching 64.5% (vs. 56.8% nationally). 

The level of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere 

(208.3 t/sq. km) remained below the national average of 

314.5 t/sq. km in 2014. 

In 2014, generated household waste grew to reach 637 kg 

per capita (vs. 442 kg per capita nationally). The project for 

closing and rehabilitation of the existing municipal landfill site 

in the municipality of Ruse also began in 2014. 

Culture 

In 2015, the district of Ruse once again performed better 

than average in almost all indicators in this category. Visits to 

cinemas rose to reach 816 per 1,000 people while they were 

744 per 1,000 people in Bulgaria. Visits to theaters grew for 

the third successive year to reach 645 per 1,000 people, 

which is more than twice the national figure of 302 per 1,000 

people. Visits to libraries also grew in the district; this 

indicator was again above the national average. 

Only museum visits (432 per 1,000 people) remained below 

the national average number (664 per 1,000 people) in spite 

of their annual increase in 2015. 

6

Indicators of economic development 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 

GDP per capita (BGN, current prices) 6,872 8,125 8,595 8,903 9,675 n.a. 

Average annual income per household member (BGN) 3,655 4,071 4,416 4,504 4,553 5,303 

Average annual gross salary (BGN) 6,354 6,783 7,155 7,589 8,028 n.a. 

Relative share of people living below the national poverty line (%) 13.1 17.0 14.6 16.3 n.a. n.a. 

Annual average economic activity rate of the population 

aged 15 to 64 (%) 

Annual average employment rate of the population aged 

15 to 64 (%) 

Annual average unemployment rate of the population 

aged 15 to 64 (%) 

Relative share of the population aged 25 to 64 

with tertiary education (%) 

66.9 65.6 66.4 66.0 63.5 65.9 

62.6 58.0 57.8 57.7 56.6 60.0 

6.8 11.6 12.9 12.5 10.8 9.0 

20.4 22.0 22.1 23.6 23.6 24.4 

Number of non-financial enterprises per 1,000 people 47 47 47 47 48 n.a. 

Expenditure on the acquisition of fixed tangible assets per 

capita (BGN) 

1,403 1,647 1,813 1,907 2,039 n.a. 

Cumulative FDI to non-financial enterprises per capita (EUR) 1,465 1,428 1,493 1,630 1,702 n.a. 

Relative share of households with internet access (%) 34.8 43.2 51.4 57.6 64.6 60.9 

Share of roads in good condition (%) 30.6 23.9 26.0 29.0 30.2 26.0 

Share of territory included in cadastral maps (%) 10.2 10.2 10.2 10.2 10.2 10.2 

Indicators of social development 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 

Rate of natural increase (‰) –6.5 –8.1 –8.1 –8.0 –8.5 –8.6 

Net migration rate (‰) –3.5 0.8 –1.4 0.2 –0.7 –0.2 

Average grades at state matriculation exams 4.3 4.4 4.1 4.3 4.2 4.2 

Percent of failed students at state matriculation exams 

(“average” 3.00) 

3.6 3.7 6.0 4.6 5.6 5.2 

Net enrolment rate of the population in 5th–8th grade (%) 78.6 81.7 80.1 80.2 78.7 77.8 

Health insured persons as share of the population (%) 86.0 89.4 88.2 86.6 87.1 88.3 

Cases of hospitalization in general hospitals per 1,000 people 139 152 164 185 163 215 

Registered crimes against the person and property per 1,000 people 12.9 11.9 12.3 13.5 12.0 10.1 

Clearance rates for crimes against the person and property 

registered during the year (%) 

46.1 33.7 29.9 27.0 30.8 36.1 

Share of pending criminal cases (%) 3.2 4.4 3.9 3.1 11.7 6.3 

Share of the population living in settlements with public sewerage 

systems, connected to WTTP (%) 

0.0 63.7 63.9 64.2 64.5 n.a. 

The content of this material does not necessarily represent the official position of the European Union. 

www.interregrobg.eu Page 7

Carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere (t/km2) 304.4 304.4 225.1 208.3 208.3 n.a. 

Number of visits to cinemas per 1,000 people 139 1097 753 760 769 816 

Number of visits to theatres per 1,000 people 389 474 444 515 569 645 

ACTIVITY OF ACCOMMODATION LOCATIONS IN THE RUSE REGION IN JULY 2018 1 

In recent years, the tourist flow has steadily increased, but it is mainly directed to the municipality of 

Ruse (97% of overnight stays and visitors) in the region. This growth corresponds to both the developing 

bed base and the growing interest in tourist sites. The structure of the tourist flow, which is realized in 

the tourist area of the region, is dominated by in-house tourism (88% of visitors and 85% of overnight 

stays), with no significant differences in the average stay of Bulgarian and foreign visitors. The bulk of 

Bulgarian tourists are usually student groups, pensioners, organized tourists from tours offered by tour 

operators in the country. 

The seasonality of tourism in the Ruse region is low. The Bulgarian visitors are experiencing a weaker 

summer season typical of urban tourism. Peak season for foreign tourists is the summer, which accounts 

for 35% of their overnight stays. The average stay does not change significantly quarterly. 

The main characteristics of the structure of tourism activities(tour operator, tourist agent and 

information) are: 

- The structure of the activities in Ruse municipality and more precisely in the city of Rousse, where 70% 

of the active companies in the sector are concentrated 

- In the other municipalities there is additional tourist activity, which is dependant on the cultural and 

economic center of Ruse 

- Family hotels (including eco and rural tourism guest houses) are still poorly developed, both in Ruse 

and in the other municipalities in the area. 

In July 2018 there were 48 accommodation establishments on the territory of Ruse District with a total 

capacity of 1 979 beds, of which 20 are hotels with a total of 1 071 beds. 

The total number of nights spent in all accommodation places registered in July 2018 was 18 281, of 

which 10 123 were Bulgarian citizens and 8 158 were from foreigners. Compared to July 2017, overnight 

stays increased by 24.9%. For foreign tourists the increase was by 39.1% and for domestic guests - 

15.4%. In July 2018, 52.6% of all overnight stays of Bulgarian citizens and 22.8% of those of foreigners 

were realized in the Ruse district in establishments categorized with 1 and 2 stars. 

Of these accommodation places 16 are located in the rural areas of Ruse district, in the 10 villages 

selected, which is insufficient for the development of tourism, but compared to the other settlements in 

the region gives a good basis. 

1 

TERRITORIAL STATISTICAL OFFICE - NORTH, Department of Statistical Research - Ruse 



Фиг. 1. Overnight stays in Ruse area by months 

20 In thousands 

18 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

I'13 IV VII X I'14 IV VII Х I'15 IV VII X I'16 IV VII Х I'17 IV VII X I'18 IV VII 

Total Bulgarians Foreigners 

The relative share of nights spent by foreigners in the seventh month of 2018 is 44.6% and in comparison 

with July 2017 it has increased by 4.5 percentage points. 

In July 2018, the largest share (46.4%) of the total number of nights spent by foreigners in all 

accommodation places on the territory of Ruse region were tourists from EU Member States. Compared 

to the same month of 2017, this share declined by 10.8 percentage points. Most nights were made by 

guests from Romania - 1,073, followed by German citizens - 594 and France - 356 nights. Among foreign 

guests from European countries outside the EU, tourists from Ukraine registered the highest number of 

nights - 810, who were there for an average of 1.1 nights. 

The number of people arriving in all accommodation establishments in the area in July 2018 was 10 596 

and, compared to the same month of the previous year, they increased by 31.5%. The relative share of 

overnight guests is 40.8%. The average number of overnights per guest in July is 1.7, the level of the 

indicator for Bulgarian citizens is 1.6 and for guests from abroad 1.9 nights. 

Total bed occupancy in all accommodation establishments is 30.6% and has increased from the seventh 

month of 2017 (28.3%). Total bed occupancy is significantly lower than the country average, which in July 

2018 was 61.8%. 

In July 2018, the realized income from accommodation in Ruse region amounted to BGN 887.4 thousand, 

with BGN 454.5 thousand (51.2%) being Bulgarian citizens and BGN 432.9 thousand (48.8% ) foreigners. 



Фиг. 2. Revenue from accommodation in Ruse district by months 

Thsnd leva 1000 

900 

800 

700 

600 

500 

400 

300 

200 

100 

0 

I'13 IV VII X I'14 IV VII Х I'15 IV VII X I'16 IV VII Х I'17 IV VII X I'18 IV VII 

Total Bulgarians Foreigners 

In November 2018, 47 accommodation establishments with a total capacity of 1 942 beds functioned 

on the territory of Ruse District, of which 19 are hotels with a total of 1 030 beds. 

The total number of nights spent in all accommodation establishments registered in November 2018 

was 14 429, of which 11 074 were Bulgarian citizens and 3 355 were foreigners. Compared to 

November 2017, the number of overnight stays has increased by 8.2%, while the number of domestic 

visitors has increased by 21.1%, with the number of foreign tourists decreasing by 19.9%. In November 

2018, the Ruse district establishments categorized with 1 and 2 stars had 57.9% of all the region's 

overnight stays by Bulgarian citizens and 19.1% of the stays of foreigners. 

The other places for short-term accommodation are villa and tourist settlements, hostels, guest 

houses, bungalows, holiday homes, chalets, private lodgings and apartments and other places for 

short-term accommodation in Ruse and its surrounding settlements in the eight municipalities of Ruse 

district. 

Inventory and assessment of villages in the target regions specified by the Contracting 

Authority 

Despite the poor economic development and its unrecognizability as a tourist destination for both 

foreign and domestic tourists, the diverse natural and anthropogenic resources in the cross-border 

region of Ruse-Giurgiu are a prerequisite for popularization of the region and development of yearround 

tourism. 



In terms of nature, the Ruse region has the characteristics of the typical Danubian hilly plain, and of the 

significantly higher in altitude and markedly hilly-plutonic nature of northeastern Bulgaria. Against the 

backdrop of this transient nature, there is an impressive presence of a large water artery that directly 

connects us with Europe - the Danube. The Danube River, together with the Ruse Lom river, which 

flows along Ruse, with its remarkable valley, are tourist sites, the impressions of which are difficult to 

forget. In the middle of the region is the city of Ruse, with its traditional architecture, combining past 

and present, which has a reputation as a remarkable cultural, scientific, economic, tourist and 

shopping center. Ruse is in itself a huge and important tourist attraction not only for the population 

from the nearby and more distant surroundings, but also for the whole country. Especially 

advantageous is the transport-geographic position of the city. Besides the busy harbor, it is also a 

crossing point on the road and railway connections of Bulgaria with all of Eastern Europe and parts of 

Central Europe. It is also an important national transport hub in the direction of Sofia - Varna and 

Western Dobrudzha with the eastern part of southern Bulgaria. For these reasons, there's a huge 

tourist flow through Ruse, including foreign tourists heading to our North and South Black Sea coasts, 

and an even larger number of transit travelers going to and from Turkey and the Middle East. 

In view of these prerequisites, the purpose of this study is to reveal and systematize the most typical 

for this part of the country sites of natural and anthropogenic nature in rural areas around Ruse, 

which can serve as tourism resources for intensive tourism. 

The cultural and historical heritage, as a major tourist resource in the region, is heavily concentrated 

mainly on the territory of the municipalities of Ruse and Ivanovo. In the Municipalities of Dve Mogili, 

Borovo, Slivo Pole, Byala and Vetovo it has smaller concentration points. The sites of cultural and 

historical heritage in the villages around the regional town of Ruse have tourist potential, although 

their current status (physical condition, exposure, mode of operation, accessibility, provision with 

accompanying tourist services) does not allow for optimal realization of this potential. 

Of the anthropogenic tourist resources of northern Bulgaria, about 30 objects, which can be 

considered tourist resources and which are only partially close to monuments of culture, are situated 

on the territory of Ruse region. Among them the most popular and significant for the development of 

tourism in the villages are: 

IVANOVO ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES 

The “St. Archangel Michael” rock monastery-laura at the village of Ivanovo is located in the Ruse Lom 

river valley. It has been established in the 20’s of the 13th century by the monk Yoakim, who later 

became a Bulgarian Patriarch. Its donators are the Tzars Ivan Asen (1218-1241), Ivan Alexander (1331- 

1371) and other representatives of the Bulgarian Royal Court, with their ktitor’s portraits being 

preserved. The monastery has a complex structure and unites several complexes of rock-hewn 

premises. The frescoes are preserved in six of its temples, revealing typical characteristics of Bulgarian 

art during the 13th and 14th centuries. During the Second Bulgarian Kingdom (12th-14th century) the 

monastery strengthened as a major spiritual and literary center. Its activity is associated with the so- 



called “Visarionov Paterik” (Visarion’s Paterikon). On the walls of the monastery’s premises are seen 

graffiti and inscriptions that contain important historical evidence. 

The frescoes of “St. Virgin Mary” Church are world famous and are ranked among the most 

representative examples of Palaiologian Art in the Balkans. Their high artistic characteristics are the 

reason for them being listed as a World Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. In the 14th century the 

monastery became a center of Hesychasm. It existed during the early centuries of Ottoman rule, but 

gradually declined. In 1978 the monastery was declared a National Archaeological Reserve. 

The Medieval town of Cherven is one of the largest military, administrative, economic, religious and 

cultural center of the Second Bulgarian kingdom (12th-14th century). Cherven is the successor of an 

Early Byzantine fortress from the 6th century. During the 14th century, when it reach a peak in its 

development, its territory included an Inner town, located on the high rock plateau at a curve of the 

Rousse Lom river, and an Outer town, located at its foot. Cherven has a complex fortification system, 

constructed by stages, a thick built up and a branched network of streets. The three storey guard 

tower on the western wall of the Citadel is completely preserved. The town grew up to be a large 

trading and craft's center with developed iron production, iron working, goldsmith's trade, 

construction, artistic, everyday life and other crafts. It is a junction of the roads from the Danube 

towards the interior of the country. After 1235 it became the seat of the bishop of Cherven. A large 

number of rock-hewn monasteries emerged in its surroundings. In 1388 the town is conquered and 

destroyed by the Ottoman Turks. In the initial period of the Ottoman rule, the town preserved its 

administrative functions, but gradually decayed. In the 17th century the town had a period of 

economic revival. The family of Grandmother Tonka (Baba Tonka) is descended from there. 

Cherven is an archaeological site with significant contribution to the research on the Medieval 

Bulgarian culture. The beginning of the archaeological investigation is laid in 1910/1911, and since 

1961 excavations are conducted annually. What is discovered so far is a castle, fortification walls, two 

underground water supply passages, 13 churches, public administrative buildings, many dwellings and 

significant archaeological findings. Distinguished among them are several hoards, adornments, 

epigraphic monuments, pottery, objects from the everyday life, craft instruments, armament, etc. It is 

a National archaeological reserve since 1965. 

The Basarbovski Rock Monastery “St. Dimitrius Basarbovski” is situated in the valley of Rusenski Lom 

river, near the village of Basarbovo, 10 km from the town of Ruse. 

The rock monastery was established during the existence of the Second Bulgarian Empire, but for the 

first time its name was mentioned in the Ottoman Tax Register of 1431. For some time during the 19th 

century the monastery was left uninhabited, but in 1937 the priest Hrisant of the Preobrazhenie 

Monastery settled here, and he set a new beginning of the existence of the religious settlement. 

The most famous inhabitant of the monastery was St. Dimitrius Besarbovski who was born in 1685 in 

the village of Besarbovo, and spent his entire life in the holy monastery. After his death the monk was 

buried in the village church, but during the war between Russia and Turkey in 1768-1774 his relics 

were moved to Bucharest in the church St. Konstantin and St. Elena where they have been kept to the 



present day. 

The Basarbovski Monastery is the only active rock monastery in Bulgaria. 

The monastery Saint Marina in Karanvarbovka village. 

The majority of the municipalities in the Rousse District have access to the Danube River and have 

other natural (Lomove) and artificial ponds. This creates the traditions of fishing, fish farming, fish and 

fishery products. The exotics of the environment and the lifestyle in the so-called "Fishing villages" in 

the village of Mechka, Ryahovo, Nikolovo (also existing as a possibility for future construction), 

combined with the opportunities for development of water sports represent a significant resource for 

enriching the offered tourist product. The preserved traditions of local crafts can be offered as a tourist 

attraction - barrel making, carpentry, extraction and processing of stone by traditional means, 

weaving, hand knitting and embroidery with traditional motifs. The utilization of the potential of this 

characteristic of small municipalities and settlements into a tourism product, however, is hampered by 

the low level of development and the lack of acceptable sanitary and hygienic conditions. 

Economic activity and tourist potential 

Some parts of Ruse’s economy also have the potential to enrich the offered tourist package with 

additional attractions. Those are: 

• fish farming and fishing - opportunities for organizing sport fishing; 

• viticulture, wine-making and fruit-growing - opportunities for local wine tasting, participation in 

grape harvests, etc. attractive forms of agricultural work; 

• cultivation of mushrooms in artificial and natural caves and organization of tastings; 

• participation in hunting game breeding activities; hunting in hunting farms; 

• participation in riding, training and equestrian activities (village of Nikolovo) 

On the territory of the Rousse District as of 31.12.2008 there are 88 community center institutions, 16 

of which are in towns and 72 in villages. They carry out a variety of cultural activities in the different 

spheres of art, science, culture, social services and tourism and help shape the cultural and educational 

aspect of the area. Their numerous ensembles find expression outside the region and the country and 

become true cultural ambassadors of Bulgaria in Europe and around the world. 

Natural resources act as a recreational landscape as a whole and have a restorative and healing effect 

over a longer stay. They include only those components of the natural environment that are attractive 

to tourists: rock phenomena, canyon valleys, karst formations, water basins, unique ecosystems and 

attractive landscapes. A key role for their sustainable use for tourism purposes has their complex 

impact and, above all, the attractiveness of the landscape. Within the area are located the Rusenski 

Lom Nature Park, Lipnik Forest Park, as well as protected areas with a smaller area, ornithologically 

important sites covering the Danube coast and islands, riparian lakes, dams and micro dams, the 

floodplain forests of the Bulgarian Danube islands. On the territory of Rusenski Lom Nature Park there 

are thematic alleys and eco paths, as well as eco-trail "Living Water". However, there are not enough 



attractions or infrastructure for sports and active recreation. 

A visit to the islands of Batin and Doichov is possible to be combined with the examination of the 

remains of Thracian settlements and necropolises on the territory of Borovo Municipality, Ivanovo 

Rock Churches, a UNESCO site, the Medieval town of Cherven, and many other cultural attractions. 

On the basis of the area's natural resources there are excellent prerequisites for the development of 

adventure and extreme tourism. The unique canyon in the Rusenski Lom Nature Park along with the 

rest of the territory is a destination for adventure, sports, cognitive and eco tourism. The E6 and E13 

cycling routes, as well as the possibility to trace such routes between the monasteries Basarbovski, 

Ivanovski, St. Marina in Karanvanbovka, and the Danube are one of the guidelines for the development 

of the region as a destination for religious and cycling tourism. Walks along the Danube and the islands 

can be combined with various types of sports tourism targeted primarily at young people. There's a 

good rowing base in the "Lipnik" forest park in the village of Nikolovo. Sports clubs in Ruse and other 

Danube towns can also function as tourist sites. Encouraging youth tourism related to volunteering can 

make a serious contribution both towards promoting cultural exchanges and towards developing a 

responsible attitude towards nature. There are opportunities for campsites near dams and along the 

Danube. 

The Danube Plain offers many surprises and attractions along the Rusenski Lom river, which borders 

the territory of Ivanovo and Ruse. Among the flat as a desert terrain emerge low hills, dotted with 

groves, agricultural crops and pastures. Even before adapting to the new view, a new surprise awaits! 

The earth seems to suddenly drop tens of meters down at the foot of deep canyons, riddled with 

illustrious niches and caves. This unusual picture of different geographic latitudes is typical of the area 

of Polomie, also called "Mountain beneath the plain". 

The valleys that have been sheltered from the winds have preserved incredible biodiversity. Therefore, 

on the initiative of local environmentalists, part of the territory of Polomie was declared a natural park 

back in 1970. Today, 40 years later, this picturesque piece of Bulgarian nature is still wild and 

unaffected by mass tourism - to the joy of ornithologists because Roussenski Lom Park is one of the 5 

places in Bulgaria with the most birds nesting in its rocks. Over the canyons of the Polomie circle black 

storks, Egyptian vultures, little spotted eagles, etc ... There are also different types of owls. The caves 

and deep rock niches harbor a large population of 25 bat species. Walks in the surroundings offer 

unique landscapes of green dense deciduous forests and flower-lined lawns, among which the brilliant 

flowers of 16 orchids. "All this natural wealth is in itself a wonderful tourist attraction", says the 

director of the Rusenski Lom Nature Park. It is important to note that if uncontrolled turbulence is 

allowed, the fragile biological balance of the Polomie can be disturbed. An advantage is that the area is 

far away from big resorts, and the few people who come here are ornithologists, biologists or nature 

lovers. The last few years have seen some tourist revival in the Rusenski Lom Nature Park. 

Ornithologists know the area well as a biologically important site of European significance, but in 

recent years in Rusenski Lom Nature Park there are also tourists who are simply fond of nature walks. 



The Park's Directorate is trying to manage the growing flow of visitors to the Park and to develop 

sustainable tourism. One of the new attractions is a canoe route along the Cherni Lom River - at the 

foot of the medieval fortress Cherven, after a series of beautiful views, you can reach the area of the 

Ivanovo Rock Monasteries. There is also an extreme eco path near the village of Nisovo. It leads to the 

big Nisovski Rock Monastery. For this purpose there are wooden and rope ladders on which tourists 

can climb 40-50 m up the rocks. 

The Rocky niches of the Polomie, populated by a sophisticated bird choir, were used in the past as a 

holy abode by the monks who settled in the area. In the thirteenth century in the rocky limestone 

rocks they began to dig dozens of chapels, monasteries and cells of different heights. For centuries the 

area was one of the largest spiritual and cultural centers in our lands. Later the caves were abandoned 

by their inhabitants and left to the mercy of natural elements. However, in some of them magnificent 

frescoes and inscriptions have been preserved. Nowadays, this invaluable historical heritage is under 

the protection of UNESCO and is one of our most famous tourist attractions. However, most of the 

former rock monasteries are inaccessible due to poor infrastructure. Most of the tourists in the 

Rusenski Lom Nature Park appreciate the biodiversity and the virgin nature of the nature park. They 

combine the eco-routes with the so-called archaeological routes. During this time, tourists are 

acquainted with the flora and fauna of the Polomie. In the rocks near Nisovo are nesting black storks, 

rock eagles and others. In the vicinity of the village there are many reindeer boars. Close to the nature 

park is the Batakliata game-breeding farm. 

A plus for the sector in the region is that in Ruse there is a specialized school for training staff in hotel 

and tourism - a vocational high school, which offers training in subjects related to tourism, hotels, 

catering and public catering. 

Tourist infrastructure in the area is relatively well built, but this is mainly due to the city of Ruse, which 

has a very good hotel base and has been offering a significantly improved hotel product in the last few 

years. Most major hotels have been renovated, and several new ones have been put into operation, 

offering very good conditions. The hotels, mainly in the city of Ruse, have considerably expanded the 

supply of additional services. A significant factor in improving the hotel product is the increased 

competition and diversification of the sector. 

In the area of high-value attractions such as the Cherven Fortress and the Ivanovo Rock Churches, the 

access to tourist sites was improved mainly by means of European programs, the construction of 

tourist infrastructure - parking lots, restaurants, sanitary units, information boards and services, power 

supply and water supply, which further enhances the attractiveness of the objects. Nonetheless, local 

authorities and residents still consider the built tourist infrastructure as inadequate or unsupported. 

The resources in the 74 villages in the Ruse district have been assessed according to approved 

methodology. 

Attacment: Resource assessment matrix of tourism resources in the villages in district Ruse for 

inventory of the available resources in the villages in Ruse district 



Coordination of results 

The 10 villages in Bulgaria were discussed and agreed upon by the two experts hired by the Leading 

Beneficiary. The choice of 10 villages was approved by the project staff. The selected villages are as 

follows: 

Village 

Municipality 

Assesment 

result 

1.Ekzarh Yosif Borovo 496 

2.Karan 

Varbovka Dve mogili 676 

3.Pepelina Dve mogili 702 

4.Ivanovo Ivanovo 807 

5.Mechka Ivanovo 583 

6.Nisovo Ivanovo 672 

7.Cherven Ivanovo 603 

8.Basarbovo Ruse 501 

9.Nikolovo Ruse 543 

10.Ryahovo Slivo pole 693 

Descriptions of natural and anthropogenic heritages specific to each of the selected villages, their 

accessibility as destinations and the intent and openness of the community to adapt to accommodate 

tourists for each of the 10 villages, SWOT analysis, Analysis of the difficulties and weaknesses identified 

locally for each village. 

Recommendations for village development were prepared and attached to the separate reports for 

each of villages. 

Study results 

The study aims to establish which of the sites in Ruse are considered the most attractive, 

the level of awareness of the local population, youth, and tourists of the natural and cultural sights, 

protected areas in the Rousse District, the willingness of the local population to participate in activities 

and services in the region, opportunities and proposals for new tourist products. 

The developed surveys were 2 types: 



1. Addressed to the local population, local organizations and authorities, businesses, local cultural and 

tourist organizations 

2. Target tour operators, travel agents, experts and students incl. local 

The developed questionnaires were distributed among representatives of the local population and 

stakeholders during the tour around the region, as well as among the tour operators and students in 

tourism majors. Out of the 100 questionnaires, a total of 49 were filled in, with 23 questionnaires of 

the first kind and 26 of the second kind of questionnaires. Polls were also sent electronically, but the 

on-line survey that was attempted failed. 

It has been noticed that the most interested in tourism development in the region - local residents and 

local authorities - find it hard to agree to fill out surveys out of concern for their businesses such as 

accommodation or catering owners, or employees in local institutions who are worried to share basic 

problems and difficulties, mostly related to disruption of the infrastructure - sewerage, lack or poor 

state of the tourist infrastructure, lack of mechanisms for letting and managing objects, public owned 

businesses and others. 

Tourists who were interviewed during the tour of the area were most receptive and willing to share 

their mostly positive impressions of the region and the sites visited 31%. The low category of 

accommodation is in many cases offset by the responsiveness and good attitude of the owners who 

personally serve their clients and leave the guests satisfied. 

Interviews with accommodation and catering owners have been a good form of sharing problems and 

expectations. In general, the income from tourists in the accommodation and catering areas in Ruse 

region is extremely insufficient even for the support of a two-member family, which can provide a 

supplementary income rather than provide for their food. Therefore, private owners refrain from large 

investments, and their expectations towards local authorities are related to lack of, insufficiently built 

or poorly maintained tourist infrastructure in the area. 

Of course, there are exceptions such as 7-generations Winery in the Mechka village, which is of a 

higher category, for more picky tourists, larger groups of tourists or individual tourists from the 

country and abroad who organize a short break with 1, 2 up to 3 nights. 



Among the objectives of the survey is to study the attitudes of the local population and their readiness 

for tourism development, their expectations and on the other hand the demand among tour operators 

and their assessment of the potential for development of different types of tourism in the villages. The 

results of the survey will contribute to the development of an integrated approach to promoting the 

cultural and intangible heritage of rural communities in the Giurgiu and Ruse districts in order to 

support local economic development and the development of rural tourism. 

STRUCTURE OF THE SURVEYS 

The first questionnaire consists of a total of 8 questions specifically related to the development of 

tourism in the Rousse region and the assessment of the local people about the tourist resources and 

built tourist infrastructure in the region. The responses are intended to show how well the 

respondents have knowledge of how to assess these resources, identify key obstacles and 

opportunities for development, their willingness to engage in tourism development in the region and 

their expectations of livelihoods from tourism. The last question gives information about the profile of 

the survey participants. Overall, the survey was targeted at local communities including residents, local 

authorities, tour operators, cultural institutions, educational institutions, and tourists visiting sites in 

the area. 



SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS OF THE INFORMATION OBTAINED 

What do you think is the most attractive tourist site - cultural, historical, natural, tradition offering, 

route, package or attraction in the villages in the Ruse region? 

In general, the majority of respondents indicated the same number of answers for Basarbovo 

monastery "St. Dimitar Basarbovski" in the village of Basarbovo, the Ivanovo rock monastery and 

churches located along the Rusenski Lom river, Rusenski Lom Nature Park. Most of the respondents 

have mentioned the Medieval town-fortress Cherven, located about 30 km south of Rousse, within the 

boundaries of Rusenski Lom Nature Park and Orlova Chuka cave, located on the territory of Dve Mogili 

Municipality. Two of the respondents believe that the most attractive site in the Ruse region is fOREST 

Park "Lipnik", which is located in the village of Nikolovo. Among the answers mentioned are the Rock 

Church near the village of Cherven, the Carranborovo Monastery "St. Marina", the Stalpishte school at 

the village of Mechka and the protected areas in the Rusenski Lom Nature Park and around the 

Danube, Danube Bridge and Belene Bridge, located in the northeastern part of the town Byala, Ruse 

Municipality. There are no objects mentioned on the territory of the Municipality of Vetovo. 

2. Please share your ideas / vision for the development of tourism in Ruse region? 

On this issue, the most ideas for the development of tourism in the area are to create preconditions 

for cultural (exploratory, religious), rural (including festival and folklore including traditions, customs, 



cuisine), eco tourism, biking, rock and cave tourism and hobby hiking-fishing. According to four 

surveys, it is necessary to create an appropriate base for leisure and leisure accommodation, as well as 

the development of a culturally recognizable type of tourism. There are suggestions for developing 

rural tourism, improving infrastructure and superstructure. Four of the respondents have indicated 

that the villages in Ruse region need advertising and the creation of specialized tourist products for 

different targeted Bulgarian tourists (individual, organized, seniors), tourists from Romania, from 

Western Europe (eco, ornithological, photo) , attractive products for cruise tourists, cross-border 

products. 

Conclusions: The analysis of respondents' answers indicates that tourism infrastructure needs to be 

developed - attractions, places of accommodation, especially of a higher category, the main 

infrastructure-transport, ecological, sewerage, cultural, eco and bicycle tourism products to the main 

target markets - tourists from Bulgaria - individual, organized, for tourists from Romania, from Western 

Europe, for tourists from cruise ships. This will increase the tourist competitiveness and attractiveness 

of the villages in Ruse region. 

There will be an improvement in local capacity for sustainable tourism management, which will 

increase the positive impacts of tourism on the environment, economy and culture. 

In order to boost the development of tourism in Ruse region it is necessary to build tourist attractions 

to provide entertainment and diversity for the tourists. Tourist infrastructure and superstructure are 

key implementation factors in the development of the area. Without their construction, renovation 

and development, it is difficult, even impossible, to improve the attractiveness of the territory. The 

analysis shows that Ruse region needs to expand the bed base in its villages. The construction of the 

material base of tourism requires substantial investment. Their return is guaranteed by the 

attractiveness of the tourist destination, but for the moment there are not many investment intentions 

in the region. 

The recreational and tourist resources available allow the development of various types of tourism in 

the Ruse region and their combination, as well as their use throughout the year or at least during two 

seasons. 

For the future development of rural tourism in Ruse district it is necessary: further study and 

popularization of resources guaranteeing its sustainable development; preservation and development 

of traditional culture and arts; improving the infrastructure, strengthening the advertising and 

information activity, absorbing the funds for the development of rural regions. 

3. The development of what kind of alternative tourism would you support? 

Cultural/historical 12 



Festival 6 

Spa 6 

Folklore 9 

Eco 11 

Rural 8 

Congress/event 3 

Musical/rock 3 

Sports/hobby 10 

The majority of the respondents support the development of cultural-historical, eco- and sports-hobby 

tourism in Ruse region. Folklore tourism is also a favorite. Eight of the respondents believe that in the 

region of Ruse is in need of developing rural tourism. Six responses are given for festival and balneal 

tourism. Congress and music tourism also has its fans 

Conclusions: Analysis of the survey shows that 41% of the respondents appreciate the cultural tourism 

as a priority for the region and as the most contributing factor for the development of the local 

economy, incl. folklore and festivals and various musical events. Revenue expectations are for cultural 

institutions, museums, hoteliers, restaurateurs and all representatives of the tourism business as well 

as for the population. The expectations of the respondents overlap with the recommendations of the 

experts and it must be ensured that the formation and implementation of the national and regional 

policy for the development of cultural tourism prioritizes the preservation of national culture, 

encourages investments in cultural tourism and promotion of the region. 

Within the municipality of Ruse and the region there are relatively few eco, interpretative and 

pedestrian routes, mainly concentrated in the Rusenski Lom region, but 13% of the respondents define 

ecotourism and 12% hobby and sports tourism as suitable for development in the targeted villages. In 

areas with natural attractions, accommodation is sufficient for short-term rest, but it’s not good 

enough for longer stays in the area. 

The protected cultural and historical heritage in the area varies by type, level of socialization 

(exposure, respectively modern use and accessibility) and attendance. 



The cultural and historical heritage as a major tourist resource is highly concentrated mainly in the 

municipalities of Rousse and Ivanovo and to a lesser extent in the municipalities Dve Mogili, Borovo, 

Slivo pole and Byala. 

The region has rich traditions - local folklore, lifestyle, crafts, rituals, cuisine, etc., which are also a 

valuable resource for tourism. 

With the Rusenski Lom Nature Park and the Lipnik Forest Park are connected other currently offered 

opportunities for active recreation - hiking, sightseeing, mountain biking and riding, boating or 

kayaking, rock climbing, etc. 

16 

14 

12 

10 

8 

6 

4 

2 

0 

14 

13 

12 

10 

9 

6 6 

3 3 

The development of which type of tourism would you support? 

Cultural/ Historical 

Sports / hobby tourism 

Rural 

SPA 

Musical / rock tourism 

Linear (Eco) 

Eco 

Folklore 

Festival 

Congress tourism/ event tourism 

Linear (Cultural/ Historical) 

4. Would you share ideas for other specialized types of tourism? 



For this question, respondents have suggested different types of ideas for specialized types of tourism. 

Most suggestions are for rafting along the Danube and river cruises. Five suggestions are for the 

development of adventure tourism (paragliding), as well as for weddings. Three of the respondents 

offer eco, pedestrian and cultural. There are ideas of religious, congress, cave, wine and healing. 

In addition to the regional center of Ruse, Ivanovo and Byala municipalities have good tourist 

potential. Established tourist destinations in the area are as follows 

• cultural-cognitive - Rousse, Ivanovo, Byala 

• Congres-business - Rousse 

• eco and rural - Ivanovo, Byala 

• ornithologists - Ivanovo, Slivo pole, Borovo 

Conclusions: The analysis of the answers to this question indicates that the respondents are aware that 

despite the presence of the Danube river there is no serious supply of additional tourist services 

related to the river - water sports, walks, cruises, even opportunities for fishing are not available as a 

finished product. The main reason is the lack of a spatial plan for the coastal areas, piers and ports in 

small settlements, separate areas for beach and sports, etc. Greater and more targeted dissemination 

of information and popularization of the region's natural resources is needed, and within and during 

guests' stay. With the exception of Rusenski Lom NP, other natural resources and especially the 

Danube River are not popularized as eco-destinations. 

The development of sports tourism would bring significant benefits to the local economy of the Ruse 

region - in particular for sports institutions, hoteliers and restaurateurs. 

In the selected villages there are a number of ornithologically important places (the fishponds near the 

village of Mechka, the canyons of Lomovete, etc.) attracting fans of this type of tourism. 

Ruse Region needs development and organization of new eco-initiatives, Creating a comprehensive 

network of hiking and cycling routes by linking existing and marking new ones; Marking of new 

thematic routes (urban architectural, educational, ecclesiastical, etc.) · Creation of permanent 

attractions (Scout camp, adventure park, lifts for Ivanovo Rock Churches and Cherven, etc.); 



5. What do you relate to the vision of tourism development in the villages of Ruse and why? 

A large number of respondents have linked the vision of tourism development in villages with rural, 

eco and folk tourism, almost each of the respondents offers as an additional attraction the recreation 

of the old customs in the villages as well as the natural landmarks along the Danube. There are 

suggestions related to climatic tourism hunting and fishing. Part of the respondents believe that 

improving infrastructure and superstructure and creating sustainable economic and social 

development in the region of Ruse will improve the development of rural tourism. An important factor 

for tourism development is the improvement of the image of the region, advertising and creation of 

cross-border products between Bulgaria and Romania. 

Conclusions: The analysis shows that the region of Rousse needs to improve the intra-regional 

relations (state and maintenance of the municipal roads); Organized promotion of demonstration 

opportunities / participation in crafts, customs, traditions would contribute to the improvement of the 

rural tourism outlook. 

The vision for developed tourism in the villages is connected with the new construction and 

development of modern infrastructure, which corresponds to the capacity of the constructed facilities 

in the country, as well as effective marketing and advertising of Bulgaria and its tourist regions as 

tourist destinations. There is no general marketing of the region, incl. common message, positioning as 

a single destination, joint advertising, etc .; 

Tourism is mentioned as a priority factor for the development of the region and the individual 

municipalities in Ruse - Ivanovo, Ruse, Borovo, Dve Mogili, Slivo pole. It is undisputed that in the 

villages selected there is potential for tourism development, which contributes to the development of 

the economies in the target region. In the future, the world's tourism industry is expected to grow 

significantly as a result of increased personal incomes and leisure time, as well as improved transport 

networks and accessibility. Worldwide, tourism contributes to 9.1% of the global gross product and 

creates nearly 240 million jobs. According to experts, the numbers will increase despite the 

deterioration in economic conditions. 



Compared to other sectors (industry, agriculture), services are the main driver of economic growth in 

recent years in Bulgaria. Of particular importance for service growth is tourism, which has grown 

significantly and has made a significant contribution both to value added and to the reduction in 

payment deficit. Tourism is expected to maintain high growth rates as well as its share of gross value 

added and is therefore considered to be the main vector of generation. In this sense, tourism is a 

complex incentive to achieve economic revival for a number of regions in Bulgaria, regions of which 

the heavy industry has withdrawn, thus providing opportunities for unlocking new development 

potential. 

6. Tourism infrastructure. Questions related to tourism infrastructure were as follows: 

• How many places of accommodation are there in and around your village (up to 10-15 km) ? 

Please list them 

• How many dining places are available in and around your village? 


• Can you think of interesting attractions, incl. shops, diners, craft workshops and centers, wineries, 

etc., which would attract tourists to your village? 


 

Accommodation in the villages in Ruse 

Most of the respondents have listed hotels in the regional town of Rousse, which is close to a large 

part of the villages (10 to 40 km.), Being especially popular - Hotel Complex ˵Izvora - Ruse, the 4-star 

Cosmopolitan Hotel, Residence House Ruse Boutique Hotel, located in the historical center of Rousse; 

There are also a number of guest houses, huts and smaller hotels in the villages: 

Orlova chuka chalet - located 35 km. south of the town of Rousse, not far from the village of Pepelina; 

Family Hotel "Cherniyat Shtarkel" and "Rusenski Lom", in the village of Nisovo; 

Hotel "Familia", Hotel "7 generations" in the village of Mechka, 



Guest House "Petrovi" in the village of Cherven 

Krastova house-village of Borovo; 

Lipite complex - village of Nikolovo; 

Roussenski Lom hut - Basarbovo village. 

Conclusion: The analysis shows that the average annual employment of existing shelter and 

accommodation places in the villages of Rousse is very low, which is also indicated as the main reason 

for lack of investor interest. The analysis of the bed base shows significant specifics that have a 

negative impact on the formation and quality of the tourist product. 

The variety of accommodation is significant - hotels, motels, family hotels, holiday homes, chalets, 

guest houses, private rooms, bungalows and more. The lack of a sufficient number of high-class tourist 

sites implies difficulties in forming a competitive product for high-paying tourists (eg in the field of 

cultural tourism). At the same time there is a tendency to generate a large number of small capacity 

tourist sites in a number of settlements, mainly in Ivanovo Municipality, which is a positive 

precondition for eco and rural tourism, which are practiced in small groups. This is also an indicator of 

increased interest, economic expectations and tourism initiatives by the local population. This 

widespread distribution of mostly small tourist sites creates technological difficulties in the formation 

of the tourist product, the sale of hotel services and the organization of group visits but is a positive 

prerequisite for deconcentrated distribution of tourism benefits. The specifics of a family hotel’s 

services require personal contact with guests and service mostly individual tourists, which at the same 

time requires a higher degree of organization of the public sector serving the destination tourism - 

public transport, information, etc. 

A negative feature is the almost total lack of bed capacity in Borovo municipality, which prevents the 

realiziation of its full tourist potential despite the availability of resources for it. 

 

Places for dining in and around the villages of Rousse 

There are proposals for restaurants in Rousse. In the villages, preferred dining establishments are: 

“Razklona” Restaurant; 7 generations Winery - Mechka village. 



Restaurant "Ribarska sreshta" - Ryahovo village 

"Monastery" - Ivanovo village; 

Lipite complex - village of Nikolovo; 

Hotel "Cherniyat Shtarkel" - Nisovo village; 

Alpistat hut - Basarbovo village. 

Fish restaurant "Ribarska sreshta" Ryahovo village 

Other attractions, incl. shops, dairies, craft workshops and centers, wineries, etc., 

which would attract tourists in the villages of Rousse 

Tourist centers are built in Rousse, Ivanovo village, Dve mogili, Rusenski Lom Nature Park, Brashlen 

village. 

Almost in all villages there are grocery stores, pet shops, building materials, furniture and children's 

goods. Attractive for tourism are the Winery; Museums and monuments; Eco Routes and Eco- 

Infrastructure in Rusenski Lom Nature Park, Eco Museum with Aquarium in Rousse 

Fishermen and boats - Mechka, Ryahovo, Nikolovo 

Ayazmo in the village of Karanvarbovka; 

Zoo - Ekzarh Yosif village 

Ethnographic collection of the village of Ekzarh Yosif 

Military Museum of the village of Ekzarh Yosif 

Landscape and art studios in the village of Pepelina 

Monuments – of wars heroes and others 

Existing churches and monasteries throughout the region 

7. What do you think could improve the quality of service and what steps should be taken to do this? 

A large number of respondents noted that for quality improvement, qualified staffing and staff training 

are needed. Five of the surveys responded to more diverse attractions and better advertising. Four 

respondents said that higher wages in tourism would have a positive impact on service quality. Three 



of the respondents point to the infrastructure problem. There are suggestions on the possibility of 

more weekend-based holidays and the opening of new jobs in the field of tourism, 

Conclusion: Analysis of the survey indicates that it is crucial for people working in tourism to have 

professional skills and market knowledge. It is important to pay special attention to owners of small 

family hotels and guest houses, small restaurants and other tourist attractions by helping with 

trainings and seminars to increase the efficiency of their work, with the aim of increasing the 

satisfaction of tourists. 

Increasing the popularity of the region as a tourist destination is a key factor for attracting tourists and 

new private investors 

Region Ruse needs to advertise the tourist website of the TIC of all the municipalities in Rousse district; 

a higher number of advertising and PR publications; printed and distributed catalogs, brochures, 

leaflets, etc. The analysis shows that there is a need to increase the benefits to society and business 

through tourism - new jobs and better incomes, as well as Development of local exhibitions and 

exchanges in the field of tourism- Weekend tourism. 

8. Would you invest in tourist infrastructure, eg. setting up a family business: guest house, 

dining room, craft shop and demonstrations 

Only 17% of respondents have indicated that they know people who have started or intend to invest in 

tourist infrastructure. The poor employment of accommodation bases in the region and the low 

incomes for the local people do not stimulate the attraction of investors in tourism. 

The Second Survey aims to encourage the development of new tourism products and diversify existing 

tourism resources in the region and direct participants to specific tourist products, routes, services, 

sites. 

Which, in your opinion, are the most famous sites of cultural, historical and natural heritage 

in the cross-border destinations within the Rousse-Giurgevo region 



History, architecture (Route suggestion 1) 

The most popular in the region of Rousse are the villages of Ivanovo,Cherven, Basarbovo,Mechka and 

respectively the sights, which are described in detail in the profile of each of the mentioned villages. 

The most popular routes related to the cultural, historical and natural heritage. 

• The town of Ruse - the village of Ivanovo - the village of Cherven - the village of Mechka 

Giurgiu 

• Village of Ekzarh Yosif-Pepelina village-Ivanovo village-Mechka village-Cherven village 

• Village of Mechka-village of Cherven-village of Basarbovo-village of Nikolovo 

• Basarbovo- Ivanovo- Cherven-Karanvarbovka- Pepelina-Ekzarh Yosif- Mechka 

Routes include the villages: Basarbovo, Karan Varbovka, Babovo, Borisovo, Slivo pole, Ryahovo, 

Nikolovo, Nisovo, Kosharna, Brashlyan and Ekzarh Yosif. Nine of the polls marked the city of Rousse as 

the initial destination. Several of the respondents pointed out as the ending point of Giurgiu. Only one 

offer includes the villages of Brashlen, Nisovo and Slivo pole. 

For the duration of one tour in the region as the most suitable number of days 48% of the respondents 

are mentioned 2 day trips, 39% - three days, 9% think they can be organized for long stays. 



9% 

4% 

39% 

48% 

1 day 

2 day 

3 day 

More than three days 

Additional attractions, products, events that can be included in the destination are, for example, a 

hiking tour, cycling, visits to craft workshops and more. 

Respondents have indicated attractions such as a bicycle tour or hike in the Stalpishte and Roussenski 

Lom region, as well as visits to craft workshops and ethnographic gatherings in the chitalishte in the 

villages. 

Nature, sports, recreation 

There is a similar situation with cross-border environmental routes. The most popular for eco-tourism 

in the region are Ivanovo, Cherven, Nisovo, Karanbovka, Ryahovo, Nikolovo, Basarbovo, Mechka. 



Krasen 

Brashlen 

Dve mogili 

Slivo pole 

Mechka 

Gyurgevo 

Babovo 

Karan Varbovka 

Nisovo 

Nikolovo 

Ekzarh Yosif 

Pepelina 

Ryahovo 

Basarbovo 

Ivanovo 

Cherven 

Ruse 

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 

According to respondents with the most popular routes related to nature, sports and recreation are: 

• The town of Rousse - the village of Mechka - the village of Ivanovo - the village of Cherven-Giurgiu 

• Rousse-Ivanovo village-Dve mogili-Bucharest 

• Village of Mechka-village of Cherven-village of Basarbovo-village of Nikolovo 

And respectively the most popular places and object are: Rusenski Lom Nature Park 

Lipnik park – Nikolovo (Teketo) 

Cave Orlova chuka – Pepelina 

Ancient castle Apiaria - Ryahovo 

Rock Church Cherven - Cherven 

Batalkiyata Wild Reserve - Nisovo 

Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo 

Lomovete – Protected area 

Roman tomb - Babovo 

Rock Monastery St.Dimitrii of Basarbovo 

Church “St. Arhangel Mihail”- Ekzarh Yosif 

Monastery St. Marina – Karan Varbovka 



Feodal castle – Cherven 

Kalimok- Braslen Protected area- Ryahovo 

As complementary activities to ecotourism offers and additional attractions are mentioned: 

Batalkiyata Wild Reserve - Nisovo 

Lipnik Pak 

Batin Island 

Eco Museum 

Rock tourism, Sports tourism 

Cycle tourism, Wine tourism 

Festival, Eco, Cultural Tourism 

Craft Workshops und house 

Panoramic tour 

Walking tourism 

0 2 4 6 8 10 

The majority of suggestions are about 2 day holidays and nature trips. 

Educational tourism 

Ivanovo, Cherven, Basarbovo, Ekzarh Yosif are among the favorites for educational tourism within 2-3 

day tours in the region. 

Nikolovo, Pepelina, Tabachka, Ekzarh Yosif, Basarbovo, Ivanovo are preferred for visits to ethnographic 

sites, traditional events and objects of intangible cultural heritage and rural tourism. 

As additional attractions and opportunities for alternative tourism are listed: 

Types of tourism 

General terms 

River / water tourism 

Cruise tourism 

Settlements 

Nikolovo, Ryahovo, Mechka, 

around town Ruse 



Ecological tourism 

Rural tourism 

Cultural and historical tourism 

Ornithological tourism 

Ivanovo, Mechka, Pepelina, Slivo pole, Nisovo, Karan 

Varbovka 

Ivanovo, Nikolovo, Pepelina, Ekzarh Yosif, Karan Varbovka 

Ivanovo, Cherven, Mechka, Basarbovo, Byala 

Ryahovo,Slivo pole, Ivanovo, Nisovo, Pepelina, Vetovo 

Spa and wellness tourism 

Equestrian tourism 

Hunting, fishing 

Ruse, Mechka 

Nikolovo, Ruse, 

Cenovo, Vetovo, Nisovo, Karan Varbovka, Nikolovo, 

Ryahovo, Mechka, Pepelina 

Cycling Ruse, Cenovo, Nisovo, Pepelina, Karan Varbovka, 

Basarbovo, Nikolovo, Mechka, Ekzarh Yosif 

Other complementary forms of 

alternative tourism (alpinism, 

hang gliding, wine, etc.) 

Religious 

Borovo, Ruse, Ivanovo, Nisovo, Cherven, Mechka 

Rock monasteries -Basarbovo, Ivanovo, Cherven, Nisovo, 

Karan Varbovka 

The natural and cultural attractions of the area, complemented by its history and location, make the 

region an interesting place to visit and develop various types of tourism. 

The analysis of the proposed variants of the respondents gives information that tour operators are 

generally familiar with sites of cultural, historical and natural heritage in the region of Rousse-Gurgevo, 

but there is a need to create a constant tourist demand not only during national holidays and during 

major cultural events in the region. 

The aim should be to maximize the potential of the region in terms of tourism resources, which allows 

tourism to be developed throughout the year. Difficult access to and the unfavorable environment of 

some of the attractive cultural and historical monuments limits their inclusion in tourist products. This 

can be overcome by investing in building and improving tourism infrastructure. 

Most of the municipalities in the Rousse district have access to the Danube River, and have natural (the 



Lomove basin) and artificial ponds. This creats the traditions of fishing, fish farming, fish and fishery 

products. The exotics of the environment and the lifestyle in the so-called "Fishing villages", combined 

with the opportunities for developing water sports, represent a significant resource for enriching the 

offered tourist product. 

The preserved traditions of local crafts can be offered as a tourist attraction especially in the villages of 

the area – barrel making, carpentry, extraction and processing of traditional stone, weaving, hand 

knitting and embroidery with traditional motifs. The best conditions for rural tourism are in 

municipalities and settlements near other attractions such as Ivanovo monasteries, fishing villages and 

water basins. In Rousse, these conditions are most suitable in the municipalities of Ivanovo, Dve 

Mogili, Slivo pole and Borovo. 

Some of the economic activities of the district economy also have the potential to enrich the proposed 

tourist product with additional attractions and leisure opportunities: 

• Fisheries and fishing - opportunities for organizing sport fishing 

• Vine-growing, wine-making and fruit-growing - opportunities for tasting local wines, participation in 

grape harvest, etc. attractive forms of agricultural work 

Strategies and possibilities for development of villages as tourist destinations 

Tourism is defined as a priority for development in the National Regional Development Strategy, in all 

regional development plans and regional development strategies as well as in most municipal development 

plans. 

NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN BULGARIA 2014-2030 

In the Strategy for Sustainable Development of Tourism in Bulgaria till 2030 the Danube Region and the 

region around Rousse has been given a significant role and a number of measures and activities: 

DANUBE REGION 2 

1.1. Positioning the region as a destination of the "Free Spirit on the Danube" 

1.2. Creation of a cross-border tourist destination "The Roman Way of Emperor Trajan" (Ulpia Eskus and 

Sexaginta Prista) 

2 PROJEKT OF UPDATING THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM, 

2014 - 2030 



1.3. Development of cultural and historical routes related to the role of the Danube River for the 

penetration of Western European culture in Bulgaria 

1.4. Development of cultural and historical routes to sites under the protection of UNESCO in Ivanovo and 

their inclusion in the Cultural Corridors of Southeastern Europe 

1.5. Development of cultural and historical routes related to the Russo-Turkish liberation war 

1.6. Development of river cruise tourism along the Danube River 

1.7. Development of sport and adventure tourism along the Danube River (Creation and marketing of the 

Danube cycling route) 

1.8. Development of ecological tourism in the region of Rusenski Lom Nature Park 

1.9. Development of urban entertainment and shopping tourism oriented towards the Romanian market 

1.10. Development of routes for wine and culinary tourism in the region of Rousse 

1.11. Development of religious and pilgrimage tourism 

PRIORITIZING THE PRODUCT OF CULTURAL TOURISM 

4.1. Supporting museums for creating and offering innovative cultural products for tourists and attracting 

tourist demand 

4.2. Partnership between museums, municipalities and local NGOs to create temporary or permanent 

exposures to promote local cultural monuments and intangible cultural assets 

4.3. Partnerships between museums and foreign and national TOs for incorporation of the museum tourist 

product into tourist packages 

4.4. State initiative to create a list of national pilgrimage sites and identify potential micro-destinations for 

pilgrimage tourism 

4.5. Collaboration and partnerships with religious temples, churches, monasteries 

4.6. Restoration of temples, churches, monasteries that have lost their former appearance (or have been 

destroyed) and them joining the pilgrimage tourism routes 

4.7. Initiating partnerships between Orthodox churches worldwide and creating opportunities for mutual 

promotion of a pilgrim tourist product 

4.8. Creation of multicultural cultural routes on the basis of cooperation and tolerance between the 



institutional representatives of the religions professed in Bulgaria 

4.9. Improving the quality of the tourist product of wine tourism and helping to promote it 

4.10. Participation of all wine producers in the creation of "national representative cellars", positioned in 

key tourist and transport hubs, in order to promote the whole Bulgarian eco-product 

4.11. State support to private initiative in the creation, development and advertising of spa and wellness 

centers specialized in providing vinotherapeutic procedures 

4.12. Prioritize and promote cultural events of international importance, create new events for which there 

is significant cultural potential 

4.13. Support for the development of events in small towns and villages 

4.14. Partnerships at the municipal and national level with the organizers of international music festivals 

("Tomorrowland", "Ultra Music Festival", "Lollapalooza", "Viña del Mar") to turn big city centers into an 

attraction point for youth and event tourism. 

4.15. Taking measures for preservation and improvement of the general and specialized infrastructure, 

which is important for the development of the event tourism in Bulgaria 

4.16 Combining the efforts of stakeholders in the development of festivals, holidays and customs of 

national or regional importance, creating theatrical, literary, folklore events in certain areas with significant 

cultural potential 

4.17. Encourage the attendance of cultural tourism sites in inactive seasons 

4.18. Establishment of an international SME association EUROTHENTICA, based in Rome, Italy, to 

implement and multiply the results of the DIVERTIMENTO project (the project envisages the introduction of 

the so-called Trilogy (Cultural Route, Booklet, Internet Games about Cultural Heritage) IT technologies and 

the experience of participating partners) 

4.19. Development of multimedia applications and interactive maps for presenting Bulgarian cultural values 

and objects to a wide range of potential users 

4.20. Development of programs for landscape zoning and diversification of regional tourism products based 

on ICT 

4.21. Creation of a media advertising campaign - brochures, videos and presentations aiming at the 

promotion of cultural tourism sub-products and in particular the intangible cultural heritage 

4.22. Offering developed cultural routes to Bulgarian and foreign TCs 



4.23. Joint packaging of cultural tourism sub-products with the products of other priority or niche species 

and forms of tourism (health, youth, sports, etc.) in order to reach a larger consumer audience 

4.24. Using the possibilities of the Internet and information and communication technologies (ICT) to offer 

cultural tourism trips through virtual intermediaries, CRC and GDS 

4.25. Cooperation between public and private owners in the distribution of tourist products, including fully 

or partially cultural tourism, in order to improve consumer perceptions as to the quality and usefulness of 

the service offered. 

SPECIALIZED SPORTS TOURISM 

5.1. Coordination of institutions for the proper use of state hunting farms for the development of 

international hunting tourism 

5.2. Coordination of institutions for the proper use of private artificial water basins for practicing 

international and national sport fishing 

5.3. Increase the number and variety of sports tournaments for professionals and amateurs held in summer 

tourist resorts 

5.4. Determination of the specific communication mix (advertising, promotion, direct marketing, PR) for the 

concentrated presentation of the products of sports tourism on domestic and in priority foreign markets, 

concentrated advertising campaign with presentation of Bulgarian sporting events. 

5.5. Promotion of sporting events including forms of cultural tourism (concerts, festivals, etc.) in order to 

attract a target audience with low interest in sporting events. 

5.6. Using the potential of cultural and historical values to enhance the physical state of the individual 

through municipal, regional or national races of the "Race to Victory" type. 

DANUBE STATEGY 

The market shares with the biggest development potential at regional level are the following: cruises on 

Danube River, rural tourism, sports tourism (water sports) and fishing, leisure tourism, weekend tourism 

(for citizens from Bucharest Municipality, 65 km away, but also as breaks from the city), cultural tourism, 

business and transit tourism. 



There is the potential for creating and promoting a "Danube destination with rich cultural and 

historical heritage, with many events and preserved nature, offering opportunities for 

cognitive trips and experiences ", as well as the creation and promotion of the" Destination for Cultural 

Tourism, Events and Experiences on the Danube River ". 

International cultural corridors 

The Danube Road is a cultural corridor along the great Danube River. Beginning from Schwarzwald 

(Germany), the river flows through ten countries, including Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro, Bulgaria 

and Romania, to flow into the Black Sea. It is the only large floating river in Europe that runs from west 

to east, which has also defined its crucial importance as an important link between Western Europe 

and the Black Sea for centuries. 

The Danube is the largest river in the European Union, linking ten countries, features picturesque 

ports, and hosts a plethora of cruises. Experience this dynamic river from the largest port in Ruse, 

Bulgaria, where neo-Baroque and neo-Rococo architecture dots riverside pathways as people jog and 

cycle alongside. From here you'll see some unusual monuments, such as a crumbling medieval castle 

on a rock above the Danube. Grab a bite at a restaurant by the river, snap photos of this site amidst an 

urban setting, or board one of the riverside cruise boats to learn about the region's history and 

ecosystems. Some itinerary builder as Inspirock's, trip30, travaa, trip advisor etc. make planning a 

Ruse trip simple and quick. 

The Eastern Trans-Balkan Road crosses South East Europe in the North-South direction. The corridor 

passes through Romania, Bulgaria and Greece and connects the Baltic sea with the Aegean and 

Mediterranean seas. Along its way to the North, the Eastern Trans- Balkan road connects with the 

great European route Via Regia (the Royal Road) in L’viv (Ukraine) – crossing Europe from Kiev to 

Santiago de Compostela (Spain). 

The Eastern Trans-Balkan road is the spine of the monastery centres in South East Europe in North-East 

direction. Staring from the religious area of the churches in Moldavia and the wooden churches in 



Maramures (Romania), the corridor goes to the South to the Holy Mount in Veliko Tarnovo and the 

Holy Mount in the Rhodopi Mountains. The corridor infuses the religious axis Via Egnatia by the former 

great monastery centre Mount Papikion. The Eastern Trans-Balkan road passes through three 

mountainous massifs, each with a specific character – the Carpaths, the Balkan range (the Balkans) and 

the Rhodopi Mountains. These secluded places have preserved as odd isles of time – traditional village 

agglomerations with preserved Balkan architecture. 

A specific feature of the Eastern Trans-Balkan Road is its fragment on the territory of Bulgaria. It 

reflects a complex stratification of time layers – from most modern times in Ruse on the Danube river, 

through the monasteries, churches and vernacular architecture of Modern Times in the cultural areas 

of Veliko Tarnovo and Assenovgrad, the Medieval fortresses to the north of the Balkan range and in 

the Rhodopi Mountains, reaching most ancient civilizations – the Thracian tombs in Kazanlak and 

Sveshtari,, the Neolithic dwellings in Stara Zagora, the Valley of Thracian Kings, the rock sanctuaries in 

Perperikon and Belintash. 

The Eastern Trans-Balkan Road exhibits the most distinctive achievements of craftsmen – builders, 

woodcarvers, painters in the unique churches of Moldavia, Maramures, the imposing rock monasteries 

in Ivanovo, the monasteries of the Holy Mounts in Veliko Tarnovo and the Rhodopi Mountains. A 

number of historical towns are also located along the road - Sighisoara, Sibiu, Brasov, Bucharest 

(Romania), Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Gabrovo, Plovdiv, Smolyan (Bulgaria), Xanthi, Drama, Kavala, 

Alexandroupoli, Didimoticho, Samothraki (Greece). 

People have been living in Ruse and its vicinities for millennia. Thus, the traces of its habitation are so 

many – legends, ruins, necropoles, monuments. Few know that the town and the region have a unique 

cultural heritage of national and world significance. There are also a lot of places that leave a lasting 

memory and are important for the local community and for the formation of its cultural identity. The 

knowledge about the existence of these sites supports their preservation. 

Ruse is an old Bulgarian town on the Danube river. Since the beginning of time people have settled 

along the river, which granted them means of living – thus the tale of Rousse began in Prehistory. The 



discovered clay idols – patrons of life, are nowadays kept in the museum. The houses of the past were 

arranged in a row, forming streets. This is why the specialists are considering the territory of Rousse 

tell to be a prototype of a town from around the fifth millennium BC. 

In the beginning of the 1st century AD the Romans founded here a military camp – a fort, where the 

navy of Lower Danube was gathered in the winter. In the mouth of Ruse Lom river were anchored the 

“pristis” ships, which gave the name of Sexaginta Prista – port of the sixty ships. According to other 

legends – the nomination “sixty ships” meant the number of ships needed to transport a legion of 

soldiers. The latest archaeological research showed that long before the arrival of the Romans on the 

high bank at the mouth of the Rousse Lom river there has been a Thracian settlement. It existed for 

three centuries BC and traded with the eastern part of the Balkans – amphorae from the island of 

Rhodes were also found. 

In the beginning of the 5th century AD the Slavic invaders entered on the territory of the Roman 

Empire and destroyed the fort of Sexaginta Prista, like the Goths did before them. The Slavs, however, 

established settlements of their own in proximity to the contemporary town and after the creation of 

the Bulgarian state, the fortress on the riverbank restored its guarding functions. Archaeological 

evidence from the time of the First Bulgarian Kingdom are stating the presence of a Bulgarian fortress 

and a settlement there. 

Recommendations for the development of villages in the cross-border region Ruse- Giurgiu 

Cross-border cooperation is one of the main objectives in Europe and the cohesion policy of the 

member states determines its importance. The integration of regions separated by national borders, 

facing common problems requiring unified solutions, is the ultimate goal of this cooperation. The 

membership of Bulgaria and Romania in the European Union has important strategic implications. It 

reduces the traditional function of the border as an obstacle to social, cultural and economic 

cooperation and removes administrative obstacles to the free movement of goods and people. Crossborder 

cooperation between Bulgaria and Romania encompasses all spheres of the economy. This 



implies the development of common programs, strategies and actions, the active participation of 

different societal groups and management levels, especially in the field of tourism. 

The cross-border region of Ruse-Giurgiu is filled with a variety of natural and anthropogenic tourist 

resources, which are largely unknown to visitors. Unique cultural and natural resources are among the 

strengths of the Bulgarian-Romanian region. Archaeological and architectural heritage, traditional 

folklore, cultural and urban landscapes are the subject of many programs and their further 

encouragement and development leads to diversification of tourism activities. This creates the 

conditions for the management of cross-border tourism programs and projects and for joint 

management of funds from different sources. However, a large number of tourist sites are difficult to 

access, with underdeveloped infrastructure and insufficient tourist interpretation to meet the 

contemporary requirements of international tourism. Poor economic development, depopulation of 

the region and aging populations have had a negative impact on the human factor and the shortage of 

skilled workers. The lack of a clear vision and awareness of the benefits of developing the region as a 

tourist destination leads to fragmentation of existing projects, worsened communication between 

stakeholders and difficulties in forming a common identity. 

The cross-border region Ruse-Giurgiu should be increasingly oriented towards the business sector and 

the market in planning and realization of its economic priorities and activities. 

The fundamental question is how the overall cross-border region of Ruse-Giurgiu can evolve and adapt 

to growing competition, how to offer sustainable development to meet the challenges of the market. 

The region must meet market conditions and adapt to user requirements and searches. 

The sustainable development of the cross-border region of Ruse-Giurgiu is a reflection of the 

continuous struggle for market positioning, through innovation and preservation of historical values 

and traditions. The basic idea of community development and the formation of an environment is 

related to the people who live and work in this community at this time; regional planning aims to 

establish the economic base of the community and to protect the "public interest". Economic 



development offers not only more productivity, but also the productive usage of resources, more 

innovation, and focus on enhancing competitiveness. At the heart of these approaches is the idea that 

in order to succeed, it has to use its business potential and develop and operate the planning 

methodology (strategic market planning). 

The region's brand should be created and enforced as an opportunity to integrate the competitive 

advantages of the site as major economic development goals. 

The Cross-border Region Ruse-Giurgiu must take into account the main resources and on their basis 

plan and select the most appropriate marketing tools (advertising, organizational, functional and many 

others), tailored to the specifics of the different consumer groups and their expectations and 

requirements. In order to build strategic and successful marketing, the region needs several key 

elements - effective planning, marketing factors that include infrastructure, attractions, image, quality 

of life and people, and as a last but very important factor - well-defined target markets. 

In summary, the following conclusions can be drawn: 

• There is a need for a new understanding of the positioning of the cross-border region Ruse-Giurgiu as 

a tourist destination - positioning based on strategic advetisement tailored to a specific target group of 

users. 

• This follows the creation of a comprehensive cross-border strategy for the cross-border region Ruse- 

Giurgiu, coordinated and realized with all stakeholders (state institutions, civil, cultural and educational 

organizations, society, private organizations, etc.). 

The construction of an effective tourist brand in the cross-border region of Ruse-Giurgiu is related to 

asking the question: what is the brand image that the cross-border region can present to the world in 

the 21st century? A brand that is recognizable, bearing the emotion to be evoked and accepted by the 

consumer of the tourist destination Cross-border region Ruse-Giurgiu. 

An effective factor for success in attracting investment and funding is effective cooperation between 

institutions and various tourism organizations. The development of this factor in the Bulgarian- 

Romanian cross-border region is greatly favored by the fact that the creation of public-private 



partnerships is a major task in both countries. A wide range of measures at national level has been 

developed to achieve this. At local level, however, it is also necessary to build even more cross-border 

partnerships with different organizations and institutions. 

For the Bulgarian-Romanian cross-border region, partnership can be defined as an agreement to work 

with a public or private organization to create and develop components of a tourism investment 

promotion program. This partnership can be identified and developed by all institutions and 

organizations that play a role in the development of tourism and can be based on formal or informal 

relationships. It aims to accomplish tasks that can be better achieved through collaborative work than 

on their own. Partners need to be included in such a way that they can add value to a range of 

upcoming tourism activities and contribute resources. 

Vulnerability and threats 

Despite its growth in recent years, tourism in Bulgaria suffers from serious structural weaknesses such 

as uniform supply, dependence on a limited number of markets, poor tourist infrastructure and 

services, low occupancy rates, average stay and income from each tourist, and last but not least, an 

exclusive territorial concentration that limits the wider distribution of the benefits brought by tourism, 

while a significant part of the tourism potential of the country remains unused. 

In this sense, the Rousse-Gurgevo region and especially the rural areas have potential for 

development. The growth of tourism and its contribution to the regional economy and prosperity can 

not be maintained under the existing approach that leads to significant environmental, social and 

economic pressures and risks, which is why interventions are needed to ensure sustainable tourism 

development, diversification of products and markets, improvement of the performance indicators 

and wider territorial distribution. 

Throughout the country, tourism is seen as one of the main tools to support regional and local 

development. The expansion of the tourism sector can have a positive impact not only on the sector 

itself but also on the development of the related sectors of industry and services, employment and the 

general economic wellbeing of the regions. This is of particular importance to peripheral areas where 

development opportunities are limited. 



Tourism is defined as a priority for development in the National Regional Development Strategy, in all 

regional development plans and regional development strategies as well as in most municipal 

development plans. 

Natural recreational-tourist resources are the destination of the majority of tourist travels worldwide - 

2/3 of them visit destinations with predominantly natural resources. These include the main natural 

components both individually and in their complexity and integrity. The perception of the landscape 

and of the individual components is mainly visual – forms of the relief, rocks, open waters, vegetation 

and the animal world. For most types of tourism, climate, air quality, and water quality, as well as their 

restorative and psychophysical properties, are particularly important. Besides by their components, 

natural recreational resources can be considered by types of natural environment - mountainous, low 

mountainous, alpine, seaside, lakes, hilly-plain, settlements, etc. 

Of all the natural components, the climate has the greatest influence on all types and forms of tourism, 

which in turn is determined by the geographical location and the relief of the destination. During all 

recreational activities, tourists are in a specific air environment with characteristic microclimatic 

features. These climate features that have the greatest impact on people are called bioclimate. It is 

manifested by various parameters - air temperature, humidity, level of pollution, atmospheric 

pressure, duration and strength of sunshine, strength and direction of winds, timeframe and duration 

of the snow cover, clouds, fog, etc. 

The main climate changes affecting tourism are related primarily to changes in temperatures and 

precipitation in spatial and temporal (seasonal) aspects. Therefore, further analysis is based on studies 

and forecasts on these two parameters 3 . 

Registered observations show that the global climate is changing and the on-going changes are visible 

across the world. Over the past decades, there has been a clear trend of temperature increase, 

accompanied by a reduction in rainfall and its amount. Naturally, the notability and pattern of these 

changes are regionally differentiated. 

The conclusions of famous studies on the impact of climate change on Bulgarian tourism can be 

3 ANALYSIS AND RISK ASSESSMENT OF THE SECTORS IN THE BULGARIAN ECONOMY FROM CLIMATE 

CHANGE "MOEW, 2018 



summarized by the following trends: 

• The summer tourist season will be extended (both in spring and autumn) - the reason is the increase 

in temperatures in the country, especially in the autumn season; 

• Biocomfort will be reduced during the peak summer season, when a significant decrease in the 

number of overnight stays, mainly by foreigners, can be expected; 

• The winter tourist season will be significantly shortened, and in places with lower altitudes it may 

very well disappear - due to increasing temperatures in the country, increase of the rate of liquid 

rainfall, increase the height of the constant snow line, earlier melting of the snow; 

• Seasonality as a whole will decrease or at least grow at a slow pace at the expense of shrinking 

winter season and growing summer season; 

• There will be a significant shortage of water for drinking and hygiene needs of tourists, especially in 

Eastern Bulgaria, where about 75% of the accommodation base of tourism is located. 

• There will be significant changes in the structure of tourist inflow into the country. Some of the 

traditional visitors will decrease or even disappear due to improved weather conditions and 

recreational opportunities in their own countries (eg Germany, Great Britain, Poland, Scandinavian 

countries, etc.) 

• Bulgarian tourism should increasingly rely on domestic tourism. Tourism enterprises and 

organizations should be redirected in a timely manner and turn their attention to the retention of 

Bulgarian tourists in the country and their satisfaction; 

• The occupancy of the accommodation base has a chance to increase. Cause - the extended summer 

tourist season; 

• Labor employment in tourism also has a chance of being increased, thus creating opportunities for 

less turnover, increasing the skills and income of the staff and ultimately increasing the quality of 

tourist services in Bulgaria. As a consequence, increases in tourism revenue can be expected; 

• Revenues from tourism can increase during the summer season if the forecasts mentioned above 

come true. The response and adaptation of the tourism business to the new challenges it faces as a 

result of climate change will be of major importance. 

In conclusion, it can be summarized that climate change will have a significant impact on tourism in 



Bulgaria, especially on the two main types of tourism - sea summer recreational and winter ski 

tourism, which have pronounced seasonal characteristics and are most susceptible to changes in the 

climate. 

At the same time some alternative perennial types of tourism, which are very promising for our 

country but are not sufficiently developed for different reasons (cultural, religious, route, culinary, 

wine etc.) will not be influenced to a great extent or climate change will not cause significant 

differences in them. Even they can become compensatory in terms of using the accommodation base 

and the available tourist staff. With good marketing strategies, tourism in the country can increase its 

contribution to Bulgarian GDP - gross domestic product. 

In this sense, the Bulgarian tourism industry as a whole and the individual economic units in it should 

develop strategies for their future development and for appropriate adaptations to the expected 

changes. New integrated and diversified tourism products, which are not so dependent on the climatic 

and meteorological conditions of the country and its individual destinations, should be developed in 

new markets and especially in the Bulgarian one, which is no less useful and productive than its foreign 

counterparts. The reduction of income and employment as a result of climate change can be very 

successfully offset by offering higher quality tourism products and attracting richer, more educated 

and more cultured tourists. Quantity, both in terms of supply and demand, should be successfully 

replaced by quality. 

Another important issue related to climate change which can have a significant cross-border effect and 

which will be increasingly important for Bulgaria in the coming years is related to the management of 

cross-border river basins. Given the peculiarities of local geography, Bulgaria is less dependent on the 

distribution of water resources than its neighboring countries. 

On the other hand, all River Basin Districts (RBDs) are part of international pools, which makes 

management responsibility not only more important but also requires cooperation with neighboring 

countries. The problems with the management of cross-border basins for Bulgaria are not fully 

resolved, but only the Danube basin has all the necessary attributes: an existing cooperation 

agreement, a cooperation body and a general river basin management plan. 



Main principles of sustainable tourism: 

The principle of satisfaction of visitors 

There are several main factors that lead to the visitor's curiosity about the tourist supply in the 

culinary, youth, rural and extreme tourism: 

(a) tourist attractions that represent a challenge to the intelligence of visitors and which enable visitors 

to use their skills and abilities; to offer a variety of tasks, freedom and feedback on how well they’re 

doing. At a moderate level of challenge, most visitors experience satisfaction; 

(b) a fair price / quality ratio of the tourist product - visitors want a clear price for the service they 

charge, which they consider to be fair, relevant and responsive to their expectations; 

(c) Conditions for maintaining the quality of the tourist product - visitors appreciate the environment 

in terms of both personal comfort and facilities to achieve the satisfaction of expectations; 

d) group support - for most tourists in the part of ethnographic, culinary, youth, extreme and rural 

tourism, the work on the realization of an integrated tourist product is not only a means of achieving 

gratification but also a process that satisfies their social needs. The friendly and supportive behavior of 

other visitors and tourists and the tour leader increases gratification; 

e) Matching the personality of the tourist with the tourist product of culinary, youth, rural, and 

extreme tourism - when the character of the product fits the visitor's personality, the tourists have the 

opportunity to develop their talents and abilities, and this leads to high satisfaction ; 

The project on the territory of the villages in Ruse aims to increase the visitor's satisfaction. 

The principle of economic growth of the receiving community 

Increasing the local economy's revenue from tourism development and job creation is the most 

accessible monitoring indicator. It is determined not only by the creation of jobs in accommodation, 

food, and entertainment but also in jobs created in other sectors such as agriculture, transport, 

construction, banking, telecommunication, etc. The UN Statistical Commission recommends local 

communities to maintain a so-called satellite balance of tourism revenues that take into account the 

contribution of tourism to the local economy as a whole. The municipality should see the overall 

contribution of tourism, which plays an important role in improving the local economy. 



The project on the territory of villages aims to increase the revenues for the local economy, to improve 

the competitiveness of the tourist product and to create new jobs. 

Principle of protection and conservation of the environment 

Environmentally friendly tourist products 

The environmental impacts of tourism products are always taken into account and evaluated during 

the development process that covers the full life cycle of the product. Providers of tourist services on 

the territory of the villages in Ruse district - tour operators and travel agencies should inform visitors 

about the nature of the tourist product in the categories of cultural, culinary, youth, extreme and rural 

tourism and the procedures for safely handling the tourist product. 

Environmentally friendly supply 

During the course of individual and organized tourism it is necessary to use modern technologies of 

tourism supply, combined with environmental protection procedures. Reducing the use of resources 

should be a clearly defined goal. 

Competence and protection of visitors' economic rights. 

The conscious protection of the environment by all our visitors and tourists should be promoted and 

expanded regularly through information, skilled staff, and the environmental consciousness of the 

visitors. Local authorities should commit to continuously improve the protection of the health and 

safety of tourists and their protection as consumers of the tourist product. 

Reliable partnership 

The implementation of the project should affect all suppliers of tourist packages and services to apply 

equivalent environmental principles and require tourists to comply with the standards when 

participating in the recreation and realization of tourist products in the cultural, culinary, youth, rural 

and extreme tourism spheres. Collaboration with waste-disposal companies in conducting activities in 

nature or in common public spaces, starting to organize waste generation and ending with their final 

disposal, must be a permanent duty of the local authorities. 

Management of environmental protection and control. 

Effective implementation of environmental protection principles and compliance with legal and 

administrative standards must be ensured by municipal environmental management systems that take 



the necessary precautions. Local communities should strive for a continuous improvement of 

environmental protection, which is established within the framework of environmental protection 

objectives. 

Ecological damage 

The aim of the products for cultural, culinary, youth, extreme and rural tourism should be to minimize 

environmental damage from tourism products by implementing internal conservation management 

processes at the planning stage. At the same time, organizers and participants in tourism events 

should strive to avoid harm to the environment and reduce the use of natural resources by reducing 

waste and waste water and also by trying to pass on recycled materials. Through a process of constant 

improvement on the territory of villages in the target region, the optimization of the overall ecological 

performance of the destination should be sought. 

Social dialogue 

When an environmental issue is raised on the territory of the villages in Ruse district, they should 

strive for each case to find a solution that is most favorable to the environment. Through the exchange 

of knowledge between municipalities, visitors and tourists, suppliers of basic and additional tourism 

services, authorities, different associations, and citizens, it is necessary to develop environmentally 

friendly processes and products with confidence in the measures being taken to protect nature. 

Sources of information 

1. Regional Development Plan for the North Central Region 2014-2020; 

2. Regional Strategy for Development of the Ruse District 2014-2020; 

3. Municipal development plan of Ruse, Ivanovo, Borovo, Byala, Vetovo, Slivo pole, Dve mogili 2014- 



2020 

4. Development tourism programs of Ruse, Ivanovo, Slivo pole; 

5. The National Register of Immovable Cultural Property, Rousse 

6. The National Tourist Register - places for accommodation, dining places, tour operators; 

7. Bachvarov, M. Recreational and Tourist Functions of Settlements - Geographical Fusion. C., 1990; 

8. Bachvarov, M., S. Kiradjiev. Anthropogenic resources for the development of recreation and 

tourism in the mountains of Bulgaria. C: The natural and economic potential of the mountains in 

Bulgaria. S., 1989. 

9. Evrev, P., V. Marinov and others. Concept for territorial development of tourism. S., NCTR, MRDPW, 

December 2003. 

10. Protected Areas Act. 

11. Tourism Act 

12. Regional Development Act 

13. Criteria and territorial scope of tourist potential sites, MRDPW 2004. 

14. Marinov, C. Significance of the tourist flows indexes for the resort-tourist zoning and the 

classification of the tourist region units. - Typology and zoning of the areas for tourism and 

recreation. C., 1986, 

15. National Strategy for Sustainable Development of Tourism in Bulgaria - Project 2014-2030 

16. Bulgaria's Sustainable Development Strategy 

17. Ecotourism Strategy of Bulgaria 

18. World Heritage List (http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?CID=31&) ; 

19. List of Reserves - Monuments of Culture, NIMC. 

20. List of 100 National Tourist Sites (www.btsbg.org) 

21. ANALYSIS AND RISK ASSESSMENT OF THE SECTORS IN THE BULGARIAN ECONOMY FROM CLIMATE 

CHANGE "MOEW, 2018 

22. http://bestbgtrips.com 

23. https://www.visit.bg/patevoditel/parkove-rezervati/pp-rusenski-lom-171/ 

24. http://strannik.bg/o/562/turisticheski-informatsionen-tsentar-ivanovo 

25. THE INVESTMENT PROFILE OF RUSE-GIURGIU EUROREGION 



26. http://www.tourism.government.bg/en/tourist-destinations/2804/5495 

27. https://www.museumruse.com/ 

28. http://hotelrusenskilom.com/ 

29. http://www.bulgariatravel.org

Final_report-last - study - BG(1)

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