balneology and spa tourism in bulgaria

Rediscovering the Healing Waters

Bulgaria as Spa Tourism Destination

Bulgarian Association Of Balneology & Spa Tourism

• 800 operating mineral water springs, with a flow rate

of mineral water at 5,000 l/s.

• Wide range of water temperatures:

• Voneshta Voda (12º C) - Sapareva Banya (over 101ºC);

• Wide range of mineralization:

• Knyazhevo (122 mg/l) - Mirovo (318, 243 mg/l).

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Basic Data and StatsAbout the mineral waters in Bulgaria

Convenient Geographic Distribution

Near to other travel attractions and destinations

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Rich Traditions

In balneology and spa treatment since the antiquity

• Thracian ‘nymphaeums’ since 500 B.C.E.

• Greek and Roman ‘asklepions’ since 200 B.C.E.

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Climate and Natural Environment

Perfect combination between all elements of nature

• Ecologically clean surroundings

• Moderate climate even during the winter months

• Exceptional purity of the waters due to deep source springs

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Qualifiers for Success

Emerging market opportunity

• Double digits growth of Bulgaria as travel destination in thelast 10 years

• Major travel markets: European Community and

Neighboring countries

• Market Size: 3 Million tourists per year and growing

• Competitive prices: Bulgaria is one of the 10 most cost-

effective destinations in the world

• Number 1 Emerging destination for 2006

• Untapped potential for Balneology and Spa Travel -currently representing less than 5% of the entire travelmarket of incoming tourism

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Perfect Combination of Infrastructure and Human Capital Concentration

• More than 200 Balneology and Spa Hotels

• Most hotels are 3, 4 and 5 stars

• Most hotels were built in the last 10 years

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Perfect combination of infrastructure and human capital concentration

• All hotels accessible by air or 1st class road transportation

• Highly qualified multilingual tourism workforce

• World class certified medical and spa procedures personnel

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Favorable legislation and cultural traditions

• Low taxes and labor costs triggers new real estate construction• Natura 2000 program legislation in place to preserve the natural

beauty of Bulgaria and to avoid overbuilding• EU programs for infrastructure improvement and tourism

development help financing of ambitious projects• Culture of preservation and enjoyment of balneology centers as part

of the national traditions

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The Role of the Bulgarian Association for Balneology and Spa Tourism

The organization and its activities

The Bulgarian Association of Balneology and Spa Tourism is a non-profit association*created to represent and unify the mission, goals and activities of several cross-industryorganizations, foundations, private enterprises and companies, in the field of Spa, Wellness,Balneology and Alternative Medicine Tourism.

The main activities of the Bulgarian Association for Balneology and Spa Tourism

• Policymaking:

• Consulting, Training and Education

• Marketing and Advertising

• Geographic Focus: Bulgaria, European Community and other International markets

*As defined by the Act on Non-profit Corporate Bodies and which main objectives are to performactivities to the benefit of society.

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Tourism Rediscovering the Healing Waters in Bulgaria

The Role of the Bulgarian Association for Balneology and Spa Tourism

Mission Statement

The mission of The Bulgarian Association of Balneology and Spa Tourism is

• To assist strategically and practically its members to develop sustainableservices and travel product in the Spa, Wellness, Balneology and AlternativeMedicine Tourism as a part of this priority sector for the Bulgarian economics,in an atmosphere of protection, development and efficient use of the Bulgarianresources of mineral waters, ecological environment, and other naturalresources.

• To lead the process of innovation, research and development of new programs,standards, services and trend-implementation, helping this way its members tobecome leading organizations in their field.

• To create a climate of multi-sector cooperation with governmental and publicinstitutions on all geographic levels (European Community, Regional, Local) inorder to assist in policy making and legislation improvement thus creatingbetter business conditions and possibilities for its members.

• To promote and advertise the advantages of Bulgaria as prime Europeandestination for Spa, Wellness, Balneology and Alternative Medical Tourism.

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Further information and contact

Bulgarian Association

for Balneology and Spa Tourism

Ms. Tzveti Milanova

President

76 James Baucher Blvd.,

Orbita Hotel

Sofia

Bulgaria

Tel. + 359 2 816 47 25;

Fax + 359 2 816 48 42

E-mail: [email protected]

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