Bulgaria – Tourism Strategy for America for Bulgaria Foundation Bulgaria
What
SW Associates was commissioned by the America for Bulgaria Foundation (ABF) to develop a strategic framework for connecting the ABF tourism-related support activities in their area of “Cultural Heritage and Nature Tourism.” The framework was also for the establishment of an ABF nationwide strategic approach on tourism that builds on other initiatives and activities. The approach focused on “Arts, Adventure & Culture” emphasizing initiatives that invest in changemakers, helps them build their networks, leverage the creative economy, and connects existing ABF tourism-related initiatives and others.
ABF has proven to be an effective catalyst – a “change agent” — across Bulgaria in a variety of sectors. Through a strategic approach to tourism, ABF initiatives, such as examples in Vratsa and Plovdiv, could magnify the benefits and positive impacts in this sector and related sectors.
Results:
- Detailed set of recommendations for combining tourism, art, and culture, including the following:
- Invest in the Changemakers of Bulgaria – several were interviewed for this framework.
- Help develop new art, culture, and adventure experiences to nurture innovation and creativity.
- Leverage the “creative economy” of Bulgaria – the art, culture and creative ideas of individuals and their communities to help unlock the stories that stimulate and sustain growth and development.
- Connect existing ABF tourism-related initiatives and others to one another for the possibility
of joint business and cooperation.
