Potential for alternative tourism

The development of marine recreational tourism in Balchik municipality is a priority. One of the biggest Bulgarian seaside resorts – Albena Resort Complex is situated within the municipality. At the same time, the potential for alternative tourism should not be underestimated. The particularly rich cultural heritage is a precondition for the development of cultural tourism. In this connection, of main interest to tourists are the Architectural and Park Complex The Palace in the town of Balchik and the Botanical Garden, as well as the Temple of Cybele, the excavations of the fortress walls, gates and defense towels of the ancient city in Horizont quarter and the Art Gallery in the town. The cultural proposal may also include Dzhini Bair and Mal Tepe near the village of Kranevo and the Tekke of Akyazili Baba near the village of Obrochishte.

The cultural calendar maintained by the municipality is full of various cultural events with international, national and local participation[1]. The festivals that are organized are a prerequisite for the development of festival tourism. Traditionally, the following festivals are held: International Choir Festival Black Sea Sounds (in June), International Children’s Art Festival of English The World in Children’s Hands (in June), National Folklore Festival See of Rhythms (in September), International Festival Balchik Classic Days (in July-August), National Festival Artists, Balchik, Love (in April), Photography Symposium (end of October), Theatre Festival of Young Art ViaPontica (beginning of September), International Children’s Art Festival Trixie (middle of August), European Horizons Symposium (in July), International Short Film Festival (last two Saturdays of June), International Festival Process-Space (beginning of June), International Children’s Festival The Smiles of the Sea (last week of June), International Church Music Festival St Athanasius in St. Athanasius Monastery, village of Obrochishte (in May), St. Lazarus Saturday Amateur Art Groups Festival (held on Lazarus Saturday), International Dance Festival Sunny Bulgaria (in August). Detailed information of the listed events is available on the website of Balchik municipality: http://www.balchik.bg, section Culture.

Many events of international and national importance are also organized in Albena Resort, such as the Golden Pompon International Cheerleading Dance Festival (in September) and the International Festival of Children’s Choirs Master Zahari Mednikarov (in June and August). In the village of Kranevo the International Dance Marathon Slavonic Wreath (first half of August) and the International Festival Slavonic Wreath (second half of August) are held successively.

In the villages of the municipality local gatherings are also organized. They are usually dedicated to the patron-saint of the village, the holiday of the church or a day selected as an official holiday. These gatherings are often associated with specific local traditions and are in this sense a resource of rural tourism. In the villages of Obrochishte, Sokolovo, Rogachevo, Bezvoditsa, Gurkovo and other there are conditions for tourist interpretation of the traditional lifestyle and occupation of the population. Visiting them, tourists can experience the unique atmosphere of the old village houses and yard and try traditional dishes of this region such as Ludogorie homemade cheese pie “banitsa”, Dobrudzha balls, Dobrudzha pisyur sarma in oven, sauerkraut in Dobrudzha style with meat and sausages[2].

Ecological and photo tourism can be developed in the maintained reserve Baltata and in the part of Golden Sands Nature Park adjacent to Balchik municipality. At the same time, the proximity to Kavarna municipality, Yailata, Birds Bay and Cape Kaliakra additionally increase the opportunities to practice them.

Medical tourism can be developed in Balchishka Tuzla mud-cure establishment and sea resort. The resort has unused potential that can definitely be developed by means of renovation and diversification of the facilities and services provided.

Built in the town of Balchik, the marina is the basis for the development of yacht tourism. It is considered as one of the most developed in the Bulgarian Black Sea region. Its capacity is up to 70 vessels and is planned to be increased. It is used throughout the year by both Bulgarian and foreign citizens. Yachtsmen are offered a variety of trips, picnics, fishing and romantic night cruises. The port offers also various additional services that create opportunities to practice fishing tourism. Interesting proposal is the one-day cruise to Cape Kaliakra with lunch in Dalboka Mussel Farm. The International Cor Caroli – Bavaria Yachts Regatta and the regatta Cape Kaliakra are organized in Balchik and boats can be rented through the website: http://nahotel.net/rentyahts.php?village=77. Specialized services are offered also by many tour operators such as: Beach Bulgaria (http://www.beachbulgaria.bg/yachting/index.shtml); Travel Season (http://www.travelseasontours.com/shop/194/desc/jakhti-i-lodki-pod-naem); Via Star (http://www.viastars.com/bg/yachts/port_baltchik/yachts_baltchik.html); Kaliakria Resort (http://kaliakria.com/bg).

Hunting tourism is also developed in Balchik municipality. State Game Breeding Station - Balchik organizes and conducts hunting tourism for hunting of: red deer, fallow deer, wild boar, roe deer, rabbit, pheasant, quail, woodcock, ducks and geese. It covers totally 132 000 hectares and consists of three state hunting areas (which include territories of six municipalities). Hunters are offered accommodation in hunting lodge, experienced guides, specialized transportation, hunting dogs and shelter.

Visitors to the town and municipality can also practice golf tourism, using the services of two professional golf courses, located between Balchik and Kavarna. The two golf resorts offer specialized training to those, who wish to be trained, as part of the vacation or as an additional service. Group and individual gold lessons are offered by Bulgarian Golf Tours – The First Bulgarian Golf-Tour operator (http://www.bggolftours.com).

Out of season, conference, spa and other services are also offered in Albena Resort Complex, where a conference center and three hotels operate all the year round.

On the beaches of the town of Balchik, in Albena Resort Complex and in the town of Kaliakra you can rent pedalos, jets or other water entertainment services. In the region of Balchik there are swimming pools and water slides for younger guests.

Rent-a-bike is also offered. The service is provided from a specialized website (http://www.motoroads.com/bulgaria/bicycle-rentals-balchik-cycle-hire-bulgaria.aspx) and from hotels in the municipality. In the town of Balchik, Albena Resort and village of Kranevo there are bicycle parking.

[1]http://www.balchik.bg/bg/infopage/

[2]www.1001recepti.com; www.bgrecepti.com; www.e-vestnik.bg.