Bansko and Thassos develop a cross-border tourism development project

Bansko and Thassos develop a cross-border tourism development project

BulgariaSki team, October 14, 2013

Bansko and Thassos municipalities develop a cross-border project under the EU-funded Bulgarian-Greek Cooperation Programme 2007-2013 aiming to develop an integrated tourist product between the municipalities of Bansko and Thassos and popularize their history, culture, traditions and landmarks. The one-year project is due to conclude in November. The project has looked into the tourism potential of the two regions and the prospects for development.

The project is expected to increase the local tourist product competitiveness. Tourism organizations in the cross-border area will improve the quality of their services achieving high customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Higher competitiveness will stimulate the local cross–border economy and generate multiplying affects on unemployment reduction, social cohesion and standard of living. It is also expected to strengthen the relationships between the neighbors, increase investment efforts and ensure continuous improvement. The ultimate objective is to transform the cross-border area to an economic and investment centre with multiplying benefits on the economic and social life of all its residents. A long term objective is to establish the proper framework that will ensure the sustainability of cooperation between technological – academic institutions and tourist business organizations, where academic institutions will orientate their research towards the direct needs of the local tourist companies.