Драгоманско блато и Чепън планина – формираща се дестинация за алтернативен туризъм

Abstract

The survey covers the territory of Dragoman Marsh – the largest natural karst wetland in Bulgaria and Chepan Mountain, situated near the town of Dragoman. The destination is Natura 2000 site, storing a number of significant conservation plant and animal species. An analysis of the potential for alternative tourism has been made, including the recreation potential, development of educational tourism, the degree of involvement of local people in environmental activities and additional services supply. The role of the new visitor center, proposals for new tourist attractions and opportunities for observation of interesting plant and bird species is examined, in order to offer an integrated tourist product. The following are guidelines for the sustainable development of unknown tourist destination out of the popular routes, which contributes to the promotion and conservation of natural resources in a wetland with significant biodiversity.