The project is financed with the gratuitous support for the Regional Development Strategy in respect of the local initiative Fisheries Action Group Shabla-Kavarna-Balchik, under Operational Programme for Development of the Fisheries Sector 2007-2013, co-financed by the European Union, through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. Grant contract No. 394/01.09.2014.

Investing in stable fishery.

Global parameters of the modern world quickly transform the forms of tourism, defined as alternative, into part of the programs for development and implementation of social objectives at national and local level.

The nature, focus and manifestations of alternative tourism correspond to the potential and interest of the local government and provide the host-community with a range of opportunities for economic growth and development, which are realistically and practically achievable. In this direction of planning and implementation, alternative tourism contributes to local economic growth and establishes itself as an important instrument of the local self-government. Alternative forms of tourism are considered the basis of durable and sustainable regional associations and networks for tourism. Attracting wealthy foreign and domestic tourists at any time of the year, they overcome seasonality and provide year-round movement of people and funds in the regions that develop them.

In their diversity and in combination with traditional forms of tourism, alternative forms expand the list of offered tourist routes and develop positive attitudes and knowledge in local communities to the conservation of biological diversity and cultural awareness. At the same time, they have a lasting positive impact on the continuation and/or revival of local crafts and occupation that actually protect the environment and its valuable resources.

In the conditions of dynamic changes in both the global economy and global society, tourism activities undergo changes in terms of their basic characteristics. At the same time, the trends occurring within the international tourist market determine the changes[1]. In this line of thinking, alternative forms of tourism can be viewed as an opportunity to generate revenues, economic growth and create jobs for the population, especially in economically less developed regions that have the potential to attract tourists and a strategic approach to achieving sustainable development[2].

[1]It is envisaged to target the competitive relations between providers of main tourist activities to fight to keep the market position and redistribute the market shares under the pressure of two key factors, namely: re-motivation of the modern tourist and increasing intensity of the competitive struggle.

[2]Stankova, М., 2006, Alternative forms of tourism: organizational principles and management practices, Neofit Rilski University Press, Blagoevgrad, pages 5-10.