site.btaSmolyan Municipality Proposes Tourism Development Strategy for 2026-2030

Smolyan Municipality Monday proposed a new Tourism Development Strategy for the 2026-2030 period. The document has been published on its website for public discussion.

The strategy aims to establish Smolyan as a competitive destination offering sustainable, year-round tourism, the Municipality said. Priorities include improving tourism products and infrastructure, developing tourism resources, strengthening marketing and digitalisation, and promoting effective governance.

Planned measures include restoring cultural landmarks, developing natural attractions and improving tourism routes. "Pamporovo is a key focus, with plans to diversify its offer and reduce dependence on the winter ski season," the strategy reads. The newly opened Rudоzem–Xanthi border crossing is seen as an opportunity to improve access to Greece and the Aegean, including potential bus links and a joint Rhodope Mountains-Aegean Sea tourism product.

Key risks include a shortage of skilled workers, demographic decline, economic pressures, limited public funding and reduced snowfall affecting the ski season.

Interested parties have 30 days to submit comments and recommendations.