The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Brussels


	Bulgaria is one of the oldest European states, having been founded in 681. It gave the Slavic script to the world, and in 2007 will become the only European Union member using the Cyrillic alphabet. One of the great civilizations developed and flourished in these lands in antiquity - that of the Thracians. The monuments of culture the country is studded with date back to the second millennium BC Bulgaria is a democratic European republic, with freedom of choice, speech and religion. It is located on a strategic crossroads between the West and the East that is a prerequisite for its dynamic and progressing economy and international trade. The stable macroeconomic environment and legislation, harmonized with European standards also contributes to this end. Bulgaria is an incredibly diverse country with beautiful and unspoiled nature, spectacular landscapes and a unique combination of mountains and sea, all on a com-




	paratively small territory. This makes it an attractive tourist destination, which offers vacation opportunities to people of all ages and in all seasons. It is easy to reach via the four international airports in Sofia, Bourgas, Varna and Plovdiv, the two major sea ports of Bourgas and Varna and the international waterway Bourgas along the Danube - the country's border to the North. This country has an incredibly fertile soil, suitable for growing all crops typical of the moderate continental zone, among them delicious fruit and vegetables, as well as the typical local plant species. These include the oil-yielding rose, original wine and tobacco varieties and herbs. The Lactobacillus Bul-garicus bacterium, used in the making of Bulgarian yogurt (an acknowledged source of longevity) is endemic to this country. The Bulgarian lands were among the first territories where Christianity took root. In 865 it became the official religion of the state. Today, Bulgarian society is multi-cultural and multi-ethnic - Bulgarians, Muslims, Jews, Armenians, Roma. Bulgarians are sociable, hospitable and open to the world. A good education is traditionally high up in their system of values, as are family and friends. Bulgaria is a country with millenary history. Sensational archaeological finds were unearthed on its territory in recent years - ancient sanctuaries and rock cities, dated to thousands of years BC, which may well change some parts of world history altogether. Bulgaria is part of the family of the world’s tourist destinations. The value for money of the services offered makes it one of the most attractive tourist countries in Europe - at the top-notch cafes in Sofia, which can well compare with the most famous ones in Europe. A cup of coffee costs around 1 euro.




	grapes and tobacco. It hot springs, more tha 1 600 in number, attrac people from all fourquar ters of the globe, who see^krelief for their ailments, relaxation or who simply want to keep fit. One advantage the Bulgarian climate has is that it is predictable, which means it allows long-term planning of one's vacation. The country has four distinct seasons. Summer is long and hot (around 25-30C), winter is cold and snowy (temperatures stand around 0C). Spring and autumn are breathtakingly beautiful, and the moderate temperatures make them suitable for all kinds of vacation.



	Bulgarian lands have been inhabited since ancient times and have been part of several ancient civilizations, the dominant one among them being the Thracian. Some of the oldest gold objects in the world were found along the Black Sea coast (near Varna), indicating that Bulgaria was a centre of metal extraction and processing. Later, these lands were incorporated into the Roman Empire; proof of this is the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre in Plovdiv.


	The ancestors of what is today the Bulgarian state were the Bulgarian Khans from Central Asia, who were later converted to Christianity, warred with the Byzantine Empire and dominated the Balkan Peninsula and the region for centuries.
	Bulgaria asserted the Slavic alphabet in the 9th century, making it the third alphabet in use in Europe after the Greek and the Latin. In 2007, when the country is to join the EU, the Union documents will also be written in the Cyrillic alphabet, placing Bulgarian among the official European languages. The non-violent end of the communist system in 1989 paved the country's way to democracy, leading up to its joining NATO in the spring of 2004.
	TYPE OF STATE AND ECONOMY Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic, with legislative power playing the leading role. Legislative power is exercised by the Parliament (National Assembly), comprising 240 MPs. The government (Council of Ministers) is the central body of the executive power, headed by the Prime Minister. The Council of Ministers is in charge of and carries through the country's domestic and foreign policy, ensures the public peace and the national security, exercises control over the state administration and the armed forces. The President is head of state and is elected by direct elections every five years for no more than two terms. He is the supreme commander

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	of the armed forces of the Republic of Bulgaria. There has been a functioning market economy in the country with high and sustained growth rates in recent years - an average of 4.5 - 5%. This enables it to attract more and more foreign investments. With its macroeconom-ic stability and low inflation rate, as well as with its well-developed healthcare and education system Bulgaria is an example to the region.



	People as open to foreigners, as the Bulgarians are, is something rare and far between. They are sociable, hospitable and open to the world. Present day Bulgarian society is multi-cultural and with many different ethnoses - Bulgarians, Turks, Armenians,




	Jews, Roma. The most numerous among them are the Bulgarians - 84% of the country's population, and the Turks - around 9,4%. 86% of the population professes Christianity. There are many Muslim and other religious communities in Bulgaria, but there is no tension and the country is often cited as an example of religious tolerance in the region.
	HOLIDAYS AND RELIGION

	Bulgaria is one of the first places in the world where Christianity spread. In the 9th century it became an official religion in the state. Orthodox Christianity was preserved during the 5 centuries of Ottoman oppression, and through the 50 years of communist atheism. Today, Bulgarians mark both the Christian holidays and the traditional feasts, many of which have come down to us from heathen times. Orthodox churches with their interior and smell of incense, with their wonderful icons made of wood and gold, create a sense of mystery and awe. Easter is the biggest church holiday in the country. Many people gather in




	churches at midnight, holding candles. The traditional holidays, embedded deep in the nation’s memory, connected with the harvest and with health, have been preserved to a greater degree outside large cities. At the beginning of the fast the "kukeri" or mummers, men dressed in animal hides with grotesquely painted masks - go around the village, clanging big bells to chase away evil spirits and ensure a good harvest. In southern Bulgaria the "nestinari" dance on live coals, to mark the beginning of summer with the celebration of the day of St. Constantine and St. Elena. Even refined city folk join the "horo" (traditional Bulgarian chain dance) at weddings or on other festive occasions to the rhythm of folk music. Name days such as St. Stefan for example are especially popular, particularly if your name is Stefan. On that day you are visited by friends and relatives, to celebrate it together. The tradition is observed also in towns, even though life there bears all the signs of alienation.




	Some researchers of the ancient world say that the first wine was produced in the region of the Black Sea and the temple to Dionysus - at the same time a Thracian and an ancient Greek god of wine - was here in Bulgaria. Latest archaeological finds (in Perperikon, Tatul, Starosel and elsewhere on the territory of the country) are about to prove them right. True or not, contemporary Bulgaria has a lot to offer as far as exceptional wines go. Besides the great diversity of internationally renowned varieties such as Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, there are several local wine grape varieties as well. One of the popular varieties is Mavrud (a deep red wine from Assenovgrad), Melnik (a full-blooded wine, rich in tannin) and Gumza. The local white wines include Misket and Dimyat. A bottle of wine costs around 2 euro in shops, and for 4-5 euro you can buy a mature wine of a fine variety. Most Bulgarian breweries are owned by leading international companies and manufacture high-quality lager. The most famous brands, made in Bulgaria are



	Kamenitza, Zagorka and Shumensko. Beer prices at beerhouses and bars varybetween 0.50 and 1.00 euro per pint. High- alcohol drinks such as vodka and whiskey are popular among Bulgarians, but most popular of all is "rakia" - a traditional local type of brandy made of grapes, plums, apricots, pears or some other kind of fruit. In winter, rakia may be served hot, and in summer - ice cold. In both cases the appetizers are fresh salads made of tomatoes and cucumber or pickled vegetables in a special marinade.



	Bulgarians love to have fun. They are fond of going out with friends; that is why restaurants, cafes and bars are full almost every evening, even on weekdays. Coffee plays a special role in the lives of Bulgarians and you will see a lot of different cafes, serving espresso of exceptional quality at terraces or indoors.

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	There are plenty of good restaurants in Sofia and new ones are constantly appearing. These of a higher class offer international and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as traditional Bulgarian dishes. There are many fast-food outlets and most cafes serve breakfast. Food is a form of relaxation and entertainment for Bulgarians. Whatever your preferred type of food is the quality is good and the prices - low by European standards. A good meal for two with beverages costs 15-20 euro. There are at least several specialized restaurants offering traditional Bulgarian cuisine in each town. If you want to try out authentic Bulgarian dishes, using old recipes, it would be a good idea to visit one of the open-air museum towns such as Melnik, Shiroka Luka, Koprivshtitsa, Tryavna, Bozhentsi, Zheravna. Besides the other attractions, the houses there have preserved the unique atmosphere of the 19th century.



	Bulgaria offers a great variety of clubs. There are some genuine "underground" regions that may not even be found on the map, but which are famed for their good music. You can come accross all kinds of variations of different musical styles like house, chillout music, rap, rock

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	bands and popular local styles, covers and original songs, as well as electronic experiments. Bulgaria has hip-hop performers and rappers, singing in Bulgarian, rather than in English, as is the case in typically Balkan clubs, where the music is a compilation of eth-no-rhythms in contemporary arrangements (what is known as pop-folk). At least once a month, popular first-class DJs and musicians perform at large concerts at stadiums or at other open-air venues to a big audience. It is important to know that the club programmes begin at 10 PM. 16



	Bulgaria is a compact country with cheap and accessible transportation. It is a country where you can see different kinds of landscapes and cultures, all within one brief visit.Sofia is suitable for visiting all the year round, but in summertime, especially in the months of July and August, the partying is transferred to the Black Sea coast, where night life seems never to cease. Favourite places at this time are Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Varna and the Golden Sands. Bulgarian towns are a splendid blend of antiquity and modernity. They are also famed for their abundant cultural heritage. The capital Sofia is a beautiful and bustling city, located at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain . In the second biggest city of Plovdiv, the pace of life is somewhat slower. It would be a good




	idea to visit one of the traditional houses in the old part of the city and listen to the sound of the street organ. The Medieval capital of Veliko Turnovo dazzles with its ancient fortress and picturesque location - high up the Yantra river gorge. Rousse, the biggest Dan-ubean port, has preserved the slow rhythm of life and the superb 19th and 20th century buildings built by Italian, Austrian and Swiss architects. Bulgarian national revival architecture has been preserved in numerous museum towns.



	Half of the territory of Bulgaria is covered with mountains. Rila and Pirin are the tallest and are to be found in the southwestern part of the country. Sparsely populated, with picturesque alpine lakes, both are perfect for rock climbing, hiking or just for taking a walk. With its 2 925 meters, Mussala peak in the Rila Mountain is the tallest on the Balkan Peninsula. The Rhodopes (in the Southern part of Bulgaria) are a mountain with a warmer climate and are better suited for easier tourist itineraries. The Rhodope Mountains are also fascinating for their unique folklore and way of life in most villages. The Balkan Mountain (or Stara Planina in Bulgarian, meaning old mountain) cross Bulgaria - from Sofia to the West to the Black Sea to the East.

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	Remote villages, enveloped in timelessness, have preserved the elements of an astounding folklore culture, coming down to us from antiquity. Shi-roka Luka, Bozhentsi, Kovachevitsa and Zheravna have long-standing traditions in welcoming guests and have constantly been enriching their rural tourism opportunities. Bulgaria has a coast line that is 380 km long, with small, secluded beaches and large, smoothly functioning sea resorts with numerous luxury hotels. 25% of the coast line is covered by wonderful sandy beaches, which attract numerous tourists to the famous resorts like Sunny Beach, the Golden Sands and Albena. But if you want a taste of the authentic charm of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, you should visit the small historical towns studding the coast - Nessebar, Sozopol and Balchik. With their ancient ruins and colourful landscapes, they offer an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the Black Sea atmosphere all the year round. The warm and sunny Bulgarian summer lasts from June right through to the end of September, and even then the Black Sea is an ideal place for seaside vacationing and for different kinds of water sports.


	Sofia The capital of Bulgaria is its largest city with a population of 1.2 million. It impresses visitors with its stylish buildings, modern shopping boulevards, as well as its pretty, narrow streets. In the center of Sofia, visitors can see ruins dating back to the time of the Roman Empire, as well as impressive monuments, among




	them, the biggest church on the Balkan Peninsula, the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral with its famed gilt domes. With numerous concert halls, an opera, cinemas and theatres Sofia is the heart of the country's cultural life. Not forgetting the multitude of bustling restaurants and cafes. Mount Vitosha rises in the city's southern part - the distance from the city center to the foot of its tallest peak Cherni Vruh (Black peak) is about a 30 minute drive. The mountain is suitable for a day's outing (by car, cabin lift, by bus or on foot), for climbing, cycling or skiing - depending on the season, or simply for a cup of coffee and for the breathtaking view, opening to the city itself.

	Plovdiv The Old town, sprawled over three hills, is the most fascinating part of Plovdiv. Visitors can see the cobblestone streets and houses from the period of the National Revival. The majestic 2nd century Roman Amphitheatre, unearthed in 1972 after a landslide, is located in the southern end of the Old town. In summer, the amphitheatre becomes a stage for opera stagings and classical music concerts. The bustling pedestrian zone, lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, is an ideal place to take a walk in the very heart of the modern city.

	Varna The sea capital of Bulgaria is a cosmopolitan city, with numerous tourists during the summer season and a romantic atmosphere all the year round. The cathedral "The assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary" is a sight not to be missed. It is also connected with the city's holiday - August 15. The sea front alley of Sea Garden with its numerous restaurants and cafes is as interesting in the day as it is at night, with people of all ages being attracted to the biggest dolphinarium

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	on the Balkan Peninsula, which offers a breathtaking show all the year round. The city's Museum of archaeology attracts visitors with finds dating back millennia. Fans of historical reconstructions can go back in time to the period when the Bulgarian state was founded, at the authentic settlement called Phanagoria in the city's outskirts.

	Koprivshtitza Huddled in the heart of Sredna Gora Mountains, the town has played a key role in the uprising against the Ottoman empire at the end of the 19th century. Many prominent Bulgarians were born there. Their homes have been preserved as museums and can be visited while taking a pleasant stroll along the winding cobblestone alleyways. Many of the authentic houses are now small family hotels or restaurants. The mehana-style restaurants (taverns) also offer traditional home-cooked dishes. Every five years Koprivshtitsa hosts one of the biggest folklore festivals in the Balkan region, its next edition being in 2005. VILLAGES

	The Rhodope Mountains! in Southern Bulgaria are I teeming with small villages and settlements I with an authentic at-1 mosphere. This part ofl Bulgaria is relatively un-1 known to Bulgarian and I foreign tourists alike, though interest in it has been growing. More and more private hotels and family guesthouses have been appearing in these parts. People here usually live on farming. Many of them own cows and sheep and make their own white brine cheese and yogurt. Numerous pagan rituals, reffered to health and a good harvest have been preserved in




	local folklore to this day. Shiroka Luka, Kovachevitza and Leshten have longstanding traditions in welcoming guests. The Tri-grad region in the Rhodopes is a piece of heaven for cave lovers. Other places not to be missed are Bozhentsi - near the town of Gabrovo in northern Bulgaria and Zher-avna - at the Southern foot of the Balkan range, near the town of Sliven.

		MOUNTAIN RESORTS



	Bansko Located at the foot of Mount Pirin, Bansko is the new star among the ski resorts in Bulgaria, with 17 ski runs with a total length of 56 km. The resort is well equipped with cabin lifts, tows and artificial snow guns. The museum town is fully adapted to cater for the tourist industry, losing nothing of its original charm. Bansko offers excellent vacationing conditions all the year round - beautiful landscapes, delicious food and wine, friendly and sincere local people and a variety of good accommodation opportunities. Those traveling on a limited budget can rent rooms in traditional family stone facade houses with wooden balconies and flower-studded gardens. Bansko is the perfect place for sports lovers throughout the year, starting with skiing and ending with hiking, rock climbing, horse riding, and angling. In 2005, Bansko will become the world's fourth winter resort with a five-star hotel from the Kempinski chain.

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	Borovets This is the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria, having been founded in 1896. At that time it was called Chamko-ria and was a favourite holiday spot for the Bulgarian aristocracy. Nowadays, Borovets is the biggest Bulgarian mountain resort, located at an altitude of 1 350 m on the Northern slope of Mount Rila. It stands only 73 km from Sofia, and offers luxury hotels and year-round sports and entertainment opportunities. The total length of the ski runs here is 40 km, descending from a height of 2 534 m. The resort also offers most up to date artificial snow facilities, ensuring visitors excellent skiing opportunities, whatever the whims of nature are. Pamporovo This resort rises at an altitude of 1 655 m at the foot of Snezhanka peak in the Rhodope Mountains. It is only 260 km from Sofia and 85 km from Plovdiv. This is the southernmost skiing resort in Bulgaria and in Europe, offering an optimum number of sunny days to skiers. It has a moderate mountain climate with a Mediterranean influence. The hotels here have been renovated and new ones have been built; there are several spa centers as well. Most hotels have swimming pools with mineral water. The ski runs are suitable for beginners and are safe for children's ski schools.

	Rila Monastery The biggest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria, founded by monk Yoan of Rila in the 10th century in the Rila Mountain is only a 2-hour bus ride from Sofia. Through the ages it has become the most important Christian Orthodox sanctuary for Bulgarians. Behind the fortress wall,




	surrounding the monastery, visitors will see a beautiful cobblestone yard, fringed by rows of balconies, church spires and medieval towers. Beautiful frescoes have been preserved in the Rila Monastery. The Rila Monastery is one of the nine sites in Bulgaria on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The list includes also the Old town of Nessebar on the Black Sea, the Boyana church, the Thracian tombs in Ka-zanluk and Sveshtari, the Sreburna Nature Reserve and Pirin National Park.


	Balchik This portion of the Northern Black Sea coast was chosen by the Romanian Queen Maria for her summer residence, which she built in 1924. The palace and its botanical garden attract numerous visitors to this day. The gardens, where over 3,000 different species are grown - from exotic cactuses to huge poplar trees more than 300 years old - roll down scenic rocky hills to reach the sea. The completely transformed rocky beach and the restaurants are an ideal place to take a breather after taking a stroll in the park. Cape Kaliakra North of Balchik and close to the border with Romania there is a region known to the experts of unique flora and fauna species, which has been declared a nature reserve. Cape Kaliakra is perfectly suited for a day's outing. Its landmarks include a 4th century fortress, and the steep rocks soaring up to a height of 70 m.
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	Nessebar Nessebar is one of the favourite holiday destinations in Bulgaria. The Old town was built on an isthmus and used to be a major Black Sea port in antiquity. The cobblestone streets are full of history and architecture; cars are prohibited inside the Old town. It is a perfect place for taking a walk by the sea or having a tasty lunch or dinner at a restaurant in one of the cozy wooden houses perched on the crags. There used to be many churches in Nessebar; only a few of them have come down to us. But they are so picturesque against the background of the cobblestone streets and the typical houses of Nessebar. The resort of Sunny Beach, nearby, offers exciting nightlife opportunities.

	Sozopol Having been founded by the ancient Greeks, who called it Appolonia, Sozopol is a quaint little town on the Southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Appolonia was more than a bustling trade junction; it was also a cultural center of the ancient world. And this has not changed to this day, being frequented by many Bulgarian authors, actors, men of art. At the beginning of September, Sozopol plays host to the annual Appolonia festival of arts, offering a diverse programme of theatre stagings, concerts, exhibitions, book presentations, etc. USEFUL TIPS Accommodation If you are traveling to Bulgaria, we recommend that you make early reservations along your chosen route, rather than trying to find a hotel or house accommodation on the spot. You can find modern private


	hotels, offering excellent facilities at all resorts but also off the beaten track. In some scenic regions, you can find accomodation in categorized family houses.

	Backpacking Bulgaria also offers opportunities to those who opt for economical traveling - they can travel the country on a minimal budget. Private bus companies offer regular transportation from all major cities and railway stations. Bus transport in Bulgaria is of higher quality and therefore preferred to railway transport. There are hostels in all big cities, offering lodging depending on their category. Private house accommodation is on offer at the mountain resort towns and along the Black Sea. Rooms can be rented directly from the local people at a good price, which is negotiated on the spot. Hitchhiking is not forbidden and some young Bulgarians practice it, though it is not recommended for safety reasons.



	COMMUNICATIONS




	Mobile phones There are two mobile operators in Bulgaria, covering the better part of the country's territory. The two companies also offer prepaid services: MobilTel -Prima packages and Globul - b-connect SIM cards. You can buy them at newspaper stands or mobile phone stores.

	Internet There are Internet clubs in all major Bulgarian cities and towns and the fees are affordable. Almost all hotels offer Internet access. Postal services There are post offices in most villages, in all towns and tourist resorts. Standard working hours are from 9 AM till 5 PM, Monday to Friday. Drinking water Tap water is good for drinking across the country - its taste differs depending on the region (mountain or seaside). There is a wide variety of tasty and cheap bottled mineral water in Bulgaria in bottles of 0.5 and 1.5 l. Some of the best brands are from Bankya, Velingrad, Gorna Banya, Devin and Hissar.

	Language In the tourist regions, most of the tourist signs as well as the restaurant menus have been translated into English. The staff at hotels, restaurants and cafes also speak foreign languages. Road signs




	in the countryside, sometimes even in cities are usually in the Cyrillic alphabet and passersby may find it difficult to understand your questions. It may be worth learning some basic phrases in Bulgarian or at least being able to decipher some of the Cyrillic signs. Medicines and first aid Pharmacies in large cities are well stocked. You can find just about anything you may need before leaving for smaller towns or remote rural regions. All towns and villages have highly qualified physicians. Check whether your insurance covers accidents! Currency The Lev is the national currency; 1 Lev has 100 stotinki. The coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 stotinki and 1 Lev. The bills in circulation are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Levs. Currency exchange You can find ATM in all Bulgarian towns - most European and North American debit cards are accepted. Money can be exchanged safely in banks and authorized exchange bureaux, but banks are recommended. Exchange bureaux are not allowed to charge additional commission. Always read the exchange instruction at the bureau - it is their obligation to display the exact exchange rate where it can be clearly seen. The currency exchange rate is fixed on a daily basis. Never exchange money in the street! Credit cards Most hotels, shops and restaurants in Sofia accept credit cards, but this is not so in the country and in smaller towns. Cash is the most widespread form

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	of payment, so be prepared. Smoking As of January 1, 2005, Bulgarian restaurants, cafes, nightclubs etc., have zones for smokers and for non-smokers. There is no smoking in public places. Tipping Do not feel obliged to leave a tip, if you do not think the service you have been offered has been good enough. Some restaurants include a service percentage in the bill. The standard tip is around 10%. Visas Foreign nationals must have a valid travel passport and a visa in order to enter the country. Visas are issued by the consular services at the Bulgarian embassies around the world, as well as by the consulates of the Republic of Bulgaria. Citizens of the European Union, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Israel and other countries Bulgaria has bilateral agreements with, may sojourn in the country for up to 30 days without a visa, just with a valid travel passport.


	IMPORTANT EVENTS

	June - elections for 40th National Assembly April - signing of Bulgaria's treaty of accession to the European Union

	CULTURAL FESTIVALS

	March music days - Rousse, March 2005 Sofia music weeks - Sofia, May-June 2005 Varna summer (music and theatre) - June-July 2005 "Love is folly" (film) - Varna, August 2005 Appolonia art festival (music, theatre, cinema, fine arts) - Sozopol, September 2005 New Year music festival - Sofia, December-January 2005

	ECONOMIC FORUMS AND FAIRS
	Vinaria - International Vinaria Exhibition of Vine - Growing and Wine-Producing and Wine Festival, Fair grounds, (February 16 - 20), Plovdiv International fair of consumer goods and technologies (May 9-14), Fair grounds, Plovdiv International Technical Fair (September 26 -October 1, 2005), Fair grounds, Plovdiv Southeast Europe Economic Forum (November 1-4), National Palace of Culture, Sofia

For infomation:
Bulgarian association of Tourist agencies - BATA
1000 Sofia
Tzavigradsko shausse, BIC-120T
FL. 6, off. 614
Tel/Fax: (+359-2)-774503, 98554201
Email: bata@interrinet.bg

For more information:
http://www.mi.government.bg/eng/tur/orgs.html
http://www.mi.government.bg/eng/tur/centr.html

Organisation Structures in Tourism

Bulgarian Tourism Agency

http://www.bulgariatravel.org

Bulgarian Tourist Chamber (BTC)
A non-profit Association established in 1990. The Chamber has commissions set up for consultations in hoteliership, restaurateurship, staff training, and economic problems of tourist companies. Presently it has about 800 members - individuals and legal entities. It has regional structures in towns of Varna, Bourgas, Plovdiv, Pleven, and Veliko Turnovo. A member of the Bulgarian Industrial Association.

Tel.: (++359-2) 987 40 49

Bulgariam Hotel and Restaurant Association
A non-profit Association, which organises, co-ordinates, and encourages the development of private hoteliership and restaurateurship in this country. It works out programmes on developing the activities of its members and popularises their achievements and capacities in Bulgaria and abroad. It monitors the observing of professional ethics, the principles of loyal competition between its members, and assists for raising their qualifications.

Tel.: (++359-2) 989 05 38

Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism (BAAT)
A non-profit Association, which assists the development of alternative types of tourism - rural, agrarian, eco-, and mountain tourism; ornithology, religious, etc. It co-ordinates the interests and the actions in the forming and implementing the tourist product of the respective alternative types of tourism.

Tel.: (++359-2) 989 05 38

Bulgarian Association for Rural and Ecological Tourism(BARET)
A non-profit Association, whose tasks relate to the promotion of rural and ecological tourism, developing the tourist supply in towns and regions of preserved natural-and-ecological fund, etc. The Association has developed the "Bulgarian eco-paths" national programme.

Tel.: (++359-2) 971 34 85

Regional Tourist Organisations ? Pirin Tourism Forum, Bourgas Regional Tourist Association, 'Stara Planina' Association, Varna Tourist Chamber;

Local Tourist Organisations ? Tourism Board - Smolyan, Tourism Board - Veliko Turnovo, Tourism Board - Kazanlak, Tourism Board - Plovdiv;

Commission on Trade and Consumer Protection
The Commission has the functions of a controlling body under the Tourism Act. It is a subdivision of the Ministry of Economy; it has regional structures and monitors the observation of regulations in the field of tourism.

Local and Regional Tourist Organisations
These are non-profit organisations uniting companies and organisations of the respective levels interested in the development of tourism. Their activities are focused on marketing and advertising, IT servicing of tourists (through tourist information centres), development and implementation of programmes on the development of tourism, monitoring of demand and supply, development of tourist products and training in tourism. As of January 2000 this country had 53 local and 4 regional organisations functioning, which maintain 24 tourist information centres.

Municipal Administrations
The Tourism Act envisages that municipal administrations have the status of the basic institutions for the development of tourism on a local level. This takes place through the programmes on the sector's development, assisting the local marketing, IT servicing of tourists, categorisation of tourist sites as stipulated by the Tourist Act, as well as exercising control over their activities.

The Official Web Page of Bulgarian Tourism is Supported by the National Information and Advertising Centre