The Research on the Stakeholders of the LOFT Project Associate Prof. Dr. Preslav Dimitrov Head of the LOFT Project Implementation team Associate Prof. Dr. Desislava Stoilova, Researcher at the LOFT Project Implementation Team South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross- border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България 1. INTRODUCTION (1 of 3)  The cross border regions of South-West Bulgaria and Northern Greece have incurred an increasing number of the tourism arrivals since the accession of both Bulgaria and Romania to the European Union in The European territorial cooperation programme “Greece – Bulgaria 2007 – 2013” has also contributed to the joint cross border development of tourism in these regions by a certain number of projects.

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България 1. INTRODUCTION (2 of 3)  One of the last projects funded by theEuropean territorial cooperation programme “Greece – Bulgaria 2007 – 2013” Programme is the project named “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT). The project aims to serve a dual purpose: (i) to promote and reinforce local cultural events, which are directly linked to local production in the cross-border region of Greece and Bulgaria; (ii) to further promote typical local traditional products widely recognized as an essential part of the local culture and of the branding of the eligible cross border regions.  The completion of these project goals and especially the envisaged study of the impact of the local fairs and festivals on the number of the tourism arrivals need to be backed up by some preliminary analysis and forecasts. This is especially valid for the network of organizers of local fairs and festivals that should serve a booster for the joint cross border development of tourism in both South-West Bulgaria and Northern Greece.

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България 1. INTRODUCTION (3 of 3)  The LOFT Project will map local festivals, study local/ traditional products and assess the growth potential of the former. It will offer visitors/ interested parties a website including an interactive web-GIS tool to allow easy navigation into these events and products and provide a wealth of information.  2 promotion stands will be produced, 1 per country, as a travelling road-show visiting local festivals to promote relevant events & products.  The LOFT project will also implement pilot activities at local level in both countries (e.g. 2 new local products' festivals). The LOFT Project provides also for its sustainability by creating a network of local festivals organizers, established during the project, which may undertake the operation of the website and the annual contest.  Overall, the LOFT Project will create significant value for the cross-border region as it will strengthen the linkage between culture/ tradition and economic activities. Equally, it will have a major positive impact in the cross-border collaboration by: reinforcing cultural & economic relations, promoting local products and further developing tourism activities and tourists flow

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България 2. PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES IN FORNT OF THE ORGANIZERS OF LOCAL FAIRS AND FESTIVALS FOR LOCAL PRODUCTS  THE FIRST QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY - under work actions 3.1 and 3.2

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България The main objective of the study To set up recommendations for increasing the quality and the effectiveness of the events To identify the problems in front of the organizers of local fairs and festivals

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България Methods for data collection  Online questionnaire survey with a controlled access(the link to the online questionnaire was sent to a list of responders by ).  The general population of respondents involves organizers of events for presenting of local products in the regions of Blagoevgrad, Smolian, Haskovo and Kardzhali of Bulgaria (by the use of a preliminary prepared list of respondents).  The achieved response rate is 36,9%.

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България Respondents’ profile Gender femalemale 91%9% Educational status highersecondary 82%18%

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България Reasons for holding the event Very importantOf average importance Not important To raise the prestige of the place To inform the publicReligious reasons To increase the popularity of a local product Economic reasonsHistorical reasons Tourism growthContacts with leaders of public opinion To create a brand in the festival sphere Contacts with sponsors, advertisers etc. To provide opportunities for entertainment

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България Assessment of perceived benefits

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България Profile of participants in the events

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България Visitors’ profile

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България Distribution of events by presence of regular participants

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България Main difficulties in organizing the eventAssessment Insufficient funds3,81 Insufficient popularity of event3,36 Lack of interest by local population3,2 Lack of interest by local business3,09 Poor tourist infrastructure3,09

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България Authenticity of event

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България Conclusions and recommendations: A better advertising campaign would attract a greater number of visitors and therefore would support local businesses. The reasons for lack of permanent participants in more than 1/3 of events should be analyzed. Perceived benefits do not correspond to the goals set by organizers. Taking advantage of European Operational Programmes. Volunteering. Main difficulties: insufficient funds and insufficient or ineffective advertising Staff training. Inclusion of local communities. Low level of authenticity

Проект “LОcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (LOFT), финансиран по Програмата за Европейско териториално сътрудничество „Гърция – България 2007 – 2013” с Договор № B / г. Програмата се финансира от Европейския съюз (Европейския фонд за регионално развитие) и националните фондове на Гърция и България 3. PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY REGARDING LOCAL FAIRS AND FESTIVALS FOR LOCAL PRODUCTS  THE SECOND QUESTIONNAIRE STUDY - under work actions 3.1 and 3.2

Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece-Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria Objective of the study Support the development of result „Study on the cultural and historical value of local products“. Support the development of result „Map of the local fairs / festivals on local products“.

Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria Methods for data collection Questionnaire survey. The target group includes local communities in the districts of Blagoevgrad, Smolyan, Haskovo and Kardzhali. Participants in the questionnaire survey – 224

Demographic Profile Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria  Age: % % % % % %  Permanent residence: Blagoevgrad district - 37,00% Smolyan district- 17,45% Haskovo district - 12,74% Kardzhali district - 7,55%  Education: higher- 42% secondary- 43% primary - 13% no education - 2%  Gender: Male- 38% Female- 62 %

STATISTICAL DATA Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria  Have you participated in a festival, fair or another event held in your town/ village? Yes, as a spectator - 62% No, I have not participated in such event - 25% Yes, as a performer / promoter of own products- 13%  Which was the last attended local event? Concert - 11,56% The Night of Museums and Galleries - 7,48% Trifon Zarezan - 5,44% Fertility festival- 4,08% Kehlibaren grozd (Amber Cluster)- 4,08% Enyovden (Celebration of Herbs)- 2,72%

44,31% 34,65% 21,04% Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

Having turned into both national and international celebrations, the folklore festivals are of special interest for the respondents: Pirin pee (Pirin sings) - 4,08% Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

National and international folklore celebrations Kukeri - 3,40% Events presenting the contemporary mummers’ groups, the tradition history, the news and opportunities for kukerski tourism Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria Елешница Разлог Благоевград

Orphic Mysteries, Trigrad - 2,72% The Night of Orpheus - 2,72% Orphic Nights, village of Tatul - 2,04% Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

Some of the main conclusions: Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria  The attended event was not connected with a visit to another attraction in the particular region – 66,0%  Most of the respondents approve the event venue – 89,0%  Most of the respondents believe that the event time is appropriately chosen – 63%  Greater part of the respondents feel satisfied with the event programme – 55 % Some of the suggestions:  The event promotion should be improved - 16,7%  Special attention should be paid to the young people and they should be provided with greater opportunities for performance – 11,1%  The events should include a wider presentation of history and local traditions – 11,1%

The main benefits from holding local festivals / fairs Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria Preservation and popularization of local traditions and customs - 35,81% Contribution to the tourism development in the region - 28,38% Support for the local business - 14,64% Popularization of the town / village and the region - 12,84% Opportunity for meeting relatives and friends - 8,11%

Respondents have identified three of the most popular traditions: Trifon Zarezan (Day of vine grower) – 8,84% Kukerski festival – 2,74% Local traditions for preparing specific meals and culinary treats for each region - 2,13% Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

The local products are presented by many products and meals typical of the regions, most famous of which are: Wine - 12,80% Kapama (11,28%) - very rich winter dish typical of Macedonian region and the Bulgarian national cuisine, prepared with different types of meat, very rich in flavor, which is served at Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

Bagpipe (7,01%) is identified as a typical local product occurring in almost all ethnographic regions in the country. Very popular in the Rodopi region is the so-calles “kaba”-bagpipe distinguished for its low sonority. Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

Beans – 6,10% The bean soup is a traditional Bulgaria dish. It is believed that the most delicious bean soup is prepared from the sort of Smilyanski beans, which is grown in the region of the Rodopi village of Smilyan. Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

Malebi – 4.88% Originally, the malebi is an especially tasty oriental dessert. No one knows when and how it was brought from the Arab countries in Mustafapasha (present Svilengrad, which was within the boundaries of Ottoman Turkey till 1912). Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

Katak or krukmach (krukmach, kurtmach, katmach) – 4,75% It is a milk product with salty and sour taste. Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

Gyuzleme (gyuzlemi, gyuzlemeta) – 4,27% This is a dish taken from the Turkish cuisine, like banitsa or pancake (from sheeted pastry), roasted on a hot plate (the updated version of the grill pan) Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

Katmi – 4,27% A pastry dessert typical mostly of the Rodopi region. Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

The LOFT Project: Some more visible results….. The official website of the LOFT Project: The LOFT webpage at the Faculty of Economics of SWUNR website: projects/project-local-products-festivals-and-tourism-development-in-cross- border-cooperation-greece-bulgaria-project-loft/ Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!!! Project “LOcal products Festivals and Tourism development in cross-border cooperation Greece- Bulgaria” (Project LOFT), Funded under the European Territorial Cooperation Programme “Greece-Bulgaria 2007 – 2013”, Subsidy contract B / , ref. № 2577 The programme is funded by the European Union (ERDF) and National funds of Greece and Bulgaria Associate Prof. Dr. Preslav Dimitrov Head of the LOFT Project Implementation team Associate Prof. Dr. Desislava Stoilova, Researcher at the LOFT Project Implementation Team South-West University “Neofit Rilski”, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria