First operational meeting of the project teams

On 16 and 17.09.2020 The first working meeting between the project teams of the two partner organizations was held. The meeting was hosted by CCP Keshan. The initial steps in the implementation of the project activities were discussed, the main tasks and responsibilities of the teams in the implementation of the joint activities and the development of the planned materials were distributed. A contingency plan was also identified to allow for the continuation of activities in unforeseen circumstances related to imposed restrictions and prohibitions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initial Conference, Burgas, Bulgaria
26-27 November 2020

On November 26 and 27,2020. Burgas Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kesan, Turkey - partners in the project "Altemative types of tourism - a prerequisite for increasing the sustainability of the tourism business in the cross-border region" held a joint event - The initial conference of the project.

The purpose of the event was to acquaint the interested representatives of the target group and the general public with the project activities, its goals and objectives and the expected results. In strict compliance with all antiepidemic measures for holding indoor meetings, the regions of Burgas and Keshan and the opportunities they offer for joint development of the tourism business on both sides of the border were presented to the participants.

In their presentations, the partner organizations presented a detailed description of the activities, the methods for their implementation, the target groups that will be included and the expected final results of the project implementation. It became clear that the current project is a kind of upgrade of the results of a previous joint project of the two organizations, successfully completed several years ago.

Getting to know the two regions now helps to further develop the opportunities for inclusion of alternative forms of tourism, which can be a prerequisite for extending the tourist season and attracting customers with different interests.

During the meetings, interest was expressed by the representatives of the tourism business on both sides for in-depth work and active participation in the project events. The upcoming exploratory trips, discussion forum and training will provide the necessary basis for tourism entrepreneurs to build a successful strategy to attract new groups of tourists, deepen business
relations and contacts with partners from the neighboring country and as a result intensify crossborder tourism.

Operational meeting in Burgas

The second operational meeting between the teams of BCCI and CCI Keshan, aimed at coordinating the actions of the joint project "Alternative types of tourism - a prerequisite for increasing the sustainability of the tourism business in the cross-border region" was held in Burgas in the period 15.-16.03.2021.

The start of the project and the course of activities in the complicating pandemic situation were discussed. It was established that for the time being, there is no need to postpone activities and events. This is also due to the good joint activity between the teams and the partner institutions, who have extensive experience in working in different situations.

The main attention was paid to the forthcoming activities and the planning of possible options for action in case of complicating the COVID situation. At the center of the discussions were the clarifications on the dates, programs and the way of conducting the upcoming events - Discussion Forum and two Exploratory trips with representatives of the target groups in the regions of Keshan and Burgas, respectively.

Discussion Forum, Burgas, Bulgaria
21-22 April 2021

The event took place on April 2l and 22,2021 in Burgas, Hotel Bulgaria. The participants were acquainted with a short presentation of the analyzes of the potential opportunities for development of altemative types of tourism in the two border regions.

Presentations were also given for some specific types of alternative tourism in the Burgas region and in the Keshan region. During both days, a discussion was provoked between the participants from the Bulgarian and Turkish sides about which are the most suitable types of altemative tourism for the two regions.

Where appropriate conditions could be created for their development and promotion. The most promising alternative forms of tourist services and attractions were outlined, which would have real applicability in future tourist destinations between the two border regions. These alternative forms of tourism will be included in the "Guidelines for the development of alternative forms of tourism in cross-border regionsoo and will be the subject of the upcoming training.

The three-days Exploratory trip in the region of Burgas, Bulgaria
23-25 June 2021

In the period 23-25.06.2021, representatives of the target group from Turkey - representatives of the tourism business - tour operators, hoteliers and representatives of travel agencies took part in a exploratory trip to the region of Burgas, Bulgaria. The participants in the trip visited interesting places in the region of Burgas, which can be included in the tourist destinations developed under the project, including alternative forms of tourism.

On the first day of their trip, the participants visited the town of Primorsko - one of the developing tourist towns on the southern Black Sea coast and were welcomed by representatives of the Municipal Government, who expressed their readiness to welcome tourists from Turkey and promote good bilateral relations. The guests visited the Thracian sanctuary Beglik Tash - one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the region - a prerequisite for the development of cognitive and eco tourism. The next stop was the ancient town of Sozopol. The guests were acquainted with the history of the city and the region and the opportunities for development of cultural and historical tourism.

Pomorie was the next destination - the Museum of Salt, the Pomorie salt pans and the Pomorie wetlands - part of the Via Pontica migratory bird route aroused great interest. Here the participants found wonderful conditions for the development of ornithological tourism. At a special open-air meeting in one of the largest spa hotels in Pomorie was presented to the guests a presentation lecture on the valuable qualities of Pomorie lye and mud - used as major components in the development of spa treatment and health tourism in the city - known as the Capital of balneal tourism. Here guests were given the opportunity to see the hotel's spa and get acquainted with the procedures and methods of treatment.

The guests were organized a sightseeing tour of one of the most modern and famous wine cellars in the region. The Pomorie region is known as one of the best in the production of wines of different varieties. Here the participants discussed the possibilities for development of wine and culinary tourism.
The last object of the program of the Turkish guests was the attractive and unique for Burgas historical complex Akve Khalide, which is developing as a modern cultural center complementing in a remarkable way the alternative tourist routes in the region.

The three-days Exploratory trip in the region of Keshan, Turkey

In the period 08-10.06.2021 representatives of the target group from Bulgaria - representatives of the tourist business - tour operators, hoteliers and representatives of travel agencies took part in a exploratory trip to the region of Keshan in Turkey.

The participants in the trip visited interesting places in the Keshan region, which can be included in the tourist destinations developed under the project, including alternative forms of tourism. They visited the town of Enez, where there are prerequisites for the development of sightseeing tourism, the wetlands of Lake Gala, where there are opportunities for the development of ornithological tourism, the area Erikli and the conditions that exist for underwater tourism, diving and fishing tourism.

The famous village of Chamlidja and the opportunities for development of rural tourism, the Gokcetepe area and the opportunities for adventure and eco tourism. Many of the sites were presented by the hosts as potential attractions for inclusion in alternative tourist routes in the Keshan region.

The Bulgarian participants in the delegation were received by the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Keshan - Mr. Ismail Shapchi, who expressed his satisfaction with the joint activities of the project and assured the guests that he will continue to support the cooperation of the two partner organizations in their activities for development of sustainable tourism in the two border regions.

Third operational meeting of the project teams in Keshan

The third operational meeting of the teams was held in Keshan on July 6 and 7, 2021.

During the working meeting the teams discussed the overall implementation of the project activities. They coordinated the activities according to the activities described in the schedule and outlined measures for the implementation of the project events in case of a possible restrictive regime imposed by the situation with the COVID pandemic 19.

1. At the meetings, the project team discusses the events and activities that are set during the fourth quarterly reporting period.
2. Organizing and conducting activity 5 - Training "Opportunities for alternative tourism in the cross-border region" in Keshan. Date and program of the event.
3. Discussion of the activity 6 - Development of joint alternative tourist routes.

The three-days Training "Opportunities for alternative tourism in cross-border regions" in Keshan, Turkey

In the period 27-29.07.2021 representatives of the target group from Bulgaria - representatives of the tourist business - tour operators, hoteliers and representatives of travel agencies took part in a Training "Opportunities for alternative tourism in cross-border regions" in Keshan in Turkey.

During the three-day training the participants were acquainted with the opportunities for development of alternative types of tourism in the two border regions, with the methods for preparation and sale of tourist products - destinations and routes including alternative types of tourism.

On the basis of the elaborated guidelines for the development of alternative tourist routes based on the analysis of the potential of the two cross-border regions, university lecturers working in the field of tourism develop a training plan dealing mainly with the following topics: "Fundamentals of Alternative Tourism - a general description of the alternatives tourism "; "Types of alternative tourism for which there are conditions in the two cross-border regions"; "Methods for development of cross-border tourist routes including alternative forms of tourism".

The participants of the training had the opportunity to present their experience in the development and implementation of innovative tourism products. Good practices from the experience of the representatives of the tourism business were shared and ways for joint cooperation and partnerships were identified based on the existing opportunities in the two regions.

Fourth operational meeting of the teams - Burgas, August 12-13, 2021

At the meeting, the members of the teams of the project partners reviewed the implementation of the project so far and the remaining activities until the end of the project period.
1. Details of the program for the upcoming event in Keshan - the Final Conference of the project were outlined.
2. The characteristics and content of the catalog to be prepared under the project were specified.
3. The content of the CD and the website of the project were also specified.
4. Details on the final reporting and successful completion of the project were discussed.

FINAL CONFERENCE

During the two-day event, which took place on 24 and 25 August 2021 in Keshan, the main tourist routes prepared under the project were presented, including alternative types of tourism and additional attractions on both sides of the border.

They were offered to the representatives of the tourism business on both sides of the border. Tupist routes can be offered to customers with different interests, which would lead to an intensity of visits by tourists from Turkey and Bulgaria. The opinion of the conference participants was that the use of the developed tourist routes with alternative types of tourism included will lead to prolongation of the tourist season, deepening of the contacts between the tour operators from Bulgaria and Turkey in order to exchange good practices and increase the sustainability of the tourism sector. in the cross-border region.

During the Conference were presented the activities implemented under the project, the results and the achieved goals of the project. According to the leaders of the two partner organizations, the effect and benefits of this project are already apparent, as the two regions have become easily recognizable to residents of both regions and this will give impetus to new partnerships and excellent relationships.