A strategy for alternative tourism development in the framework of cross-border cooperation between Bulgaria and Greece

Abstract

This paper relates to the possibilities from cross-border cooperation programmes in order to increase the socioeconomic development and to improve the quality of life of inhabitants in border areas. In this sense, it specifically focuses on the implementation of some concrete measures for the promotion of rural and ecological tourism in the Bulgarian municipality of Banite under the Interreg IV A European Territorial Cooperation Programme Greece-Bulgaria 2007-2013 with the Greek municipality of Doxato.

Such measures include the organization of joint cultural activities, the establishment of an information system for cultural tourism, and the organization of promotional seminars and conferences aimed at increasing tourist visits in the involved border regions.