Economic Yearbook, Stara Zagora Region, Bulgaria, 2011
perience for tourists from all over the world as it makes them participants in the magic of rose oil. Supporters of mountain hiking can enjoy wonderful, natural beauty among the coolness of oak and pine forests of the mountain range, which lent its name to the peninsula. Tourists can give themselves over to hunting, fishing, hang gliding and other activities. Nature has gifted the region of Stara Zagora with an abundance of medicinal mineral springs. They are the basis for the development of spa centres and sparelated tourism today. The mysterious megalithic sites near the ancient Sevtopolis and the villages in the vicinity, which afford the opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in authentic Bulgarian life, also attract numerous tourists. The region is the birthplace of many poets, musicians and artists, who have left their mark on the world of culture and art. Stara Zagora hosts many art exhibitions and is the scene of international festivals including: the art of opera and ballet, puppetry, and the unique Roma Fest. Many towns hold unique celebrations connected with Bulgarian traditions and spirit. During the 500-year period of Ottoman rule, the Bulgarians maintained their spirit, language and culture; the region of Stara Zagora was a centre for uprisings and battles for national liberation. The National Revival Era (18-19th centuries) has been preserved via literature, the activities of the cultural reading rooms and the typical architecture of residential and religious buildings. The heroism and self-sacrifice of those Bulgarians, who fell while liberating their homeland, as well as soldiers from Russia, Romania and Finland, are remembered via dozens of monuments. The rose, which has become a symbol of Bulgaria due to its richness in essential oils, is cultivated between two mountain chains in the Valley of the Roses. The unique Rose Festival, held in Kazanlak during May, is an unparalleled ex-
The historic and cultural legacy, which represents all strata of civilization, along with the natural qualities of the region, are an excellent basis for the development of alternative tourism. A website (www.stara-zagora.travel) has been designed as a type of tourism calling card for the region through the united efforts of regional and local authorities, business and other organizations working in the field of tourism, and the local Chamber of Commerce. With the cooperation of the MIEL Travel tourism agency, and in the person of the Executive Director of the World Association of Travel Agencies (WATA), Christine Fournier, the united tourism potential of the Stara Zagora region was presented at a variety of different forums, including the 60th General Assembly of the Association in Barcelona.
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