From 8 to 10 February 2015, Mr. Richard Denman, a world-renowned expert on sustainable tourism visited Bulgaria and the town of Sozopol. His visit was related to the assessment of the project presented by Sozopol Foundation: „Architectural and Historic Complex with a museum collection Southern Fortress Wall and Tower – history, culture, tourism”. The Foundation applied with this project for “Tourism for Tomorrow” Award at the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in category Destination. After passing a preliminary selection of 158 candidatures the complex was identified as one of three Finalists in its category.
The visit of the British expert is part of the second stage of selection: evaluation on site of the complex and the possibilities of Sozopol for sustainable tourism. During the first day of the visit the foreign expert examined Architectural complex Southern Fortress Wall and Tower.
The next day Mr. Denman met with the mayor of the town, Mr. Panaiot Reyzi and representatives of the “Union of Owners – Sunny Beach”. It was discussed issues related to the possibilities of types of tourism practiced in the municipality of Sozopol and Burgas region, the development of the tourism sector, with promotional activities of the town as a tourist destination, as well as future plans for development of tourism in city. The Mayor of Sozopol particularly stressed that the results are the fruit of excellent cooperation between the municipal administration, business and NGOs.
Mr. Denman, the Mayor of Sozopol Mr. Reyzi, Mr. Arnautski, Chairman of Sozopol Foundation,deputy mayors and experts at Sozopol Foundation
Mr. Richard Denman took part in the discussion forum, which was attended by representatives of the tourism business, private and public organizations from the town of Sozopol and the municipality of Chernomorets and the civil sector also. Foreign expert was extremely impressed with the activity of the local people and their desire to work together for the development of tourism in the region. “I’ve been to many similar meetings, but so engaged and responsible people I have never met. I think Sozopol has big chances to win the Award in its category,” said Mr. Denman.
From left to right: Mr. Panaiot Reyzi – Mayor of Sozopol, Ms. Galya Stefanova – representative ofSozopol Foundation and Mr. Richard Denman – expert on sustainable tourism
A meeting between Mr. Denman and the Chairman of Sozopol Foundation Mr. Kiril Arnautski followed, which included experts from the Foundation that have participated in the design and creation of Architectural and Historic Complex Southern Fortress Wall and Tower.
Mr. Richard Denman and Mr. Kiril Arnautskiin Architectural and Historic complex “Southern Fortress Wall and Tower”
During the last day of the visit the foreign expert visited the Municipal Archaeological Museum and met with the director of the museum, Mr. Dimitar Nedev, who acquainted him with the unique artifacts found in Sozopol. To him was shown the most extensive collection of ancient amphorae in Bulgarian lands, as well as exhibits of the museum included in the big retrospective exhibition dedicated to the Thracians, which our country will present this year at the Louvre.
Mr. Richard Denman, Ms. Galina Stefanova and Ms. Lyubov Draganova from Sozopol Foundationand Mr. Dimitar Nedev
A meeting in Duni Royal Resort with Ms. Valentina Ivanova, CEO of Duni AD and members of the management of the complex followed.
After returning in Sozopol foreign expert was welcomed by Mr. Ivan Karagiozov, Regional Director of the Center for Psychological Studies – Bourgas, who acquainted him with the project for accessible environment for people with special needs carried out by Sozopol Foundation. Together they went around the accessible route: from the City Hall of Sozopol Municipality through the church “St.St. Cyril and Methodius” on the “South panoramic promenade” street to Architectural and Historic Complex Southern Fortress Wall and Tower.
At the end of his visit, Mr. Denman discussed with the team of Sozopol Foundation all aspects of tourism in Sozopol. Mr. Kiril Arnautski answered to numerous questions of the international expert relating to the statutory criteria to which the city must comply regarding the global award.
In the coming days, Mr Richard Denman will submit his evaluation report to WTTC regarding what he saw in Sozopol. A jury of eminent international experts in the field of tourism will take the final decision on the arrangement of the Finalists.
The Award ceremony of the finalists in the five categories of Tourism for Tomorrow will be held on 14 and 15 April in Madrid, Spain, on the Global Summit of WTTC. For the first time this year the ceremony could be seen live on the WTTC website (http://www.wttc.org/).