site.btaHead of the Association for Promoting and Tourism of Edirne Bacioglu: Cross-Border Tourism and Cooperation with Bulgaria Growing Stronger

Cross-border cooperation between Turkiye and Bulgaria has intensified in recent years, Bulent Bacioglu, Head of the Association for Promoting and Tourism of Edirne (ETTDER), said in an interview for BTA on Friday. He noted that the very concept of a “border” has shifted from being a dividing line to becoming a shared working area.

According to Bacioglu, interest in Interreg IPA cross-border cooperation programmes has risen notably, attracting not only public institutions but also local associations and professional bodies. These programmes, he explained, create opportunities for joint projects, build trust between regions, and encourage exchange of information, even though participation remains below the region’s true potential. Earlier, Bacioglu noted, the heavy technical language and complicated application processes discouraged some organisations, but this is now changing as more focus is placed on practical solutions for local needs.

He pointed out that western Turkiye and eastern Bulgaria share tourist potential that has often been overlooked. The programmes have strengthened ties between institutions, making it easier to promote regional values and improve mutual understanding, even if many promotional activities still rely on short-term project funding rather than sustainable strategies.

Bacioglu described recent cross-border cooperation as a gradual process, supported by EU financial and technical assistance, that now emphasises shared values and long-term partnerships. Projects have spanned infrastructure and cultural heritage to economic development, leading to improved trust and understanding between border communities. However, challenges remain—such as uneven project management experience and bureaucratic differences.

The ETTDER head said the association is now giving greater priority to education-focused projects. One new initiative, developed under the Interreg-IPA Bulgaria – Turkiye programme 2021-2027, aims to create an agrotourism destination and educational campus in Edirne, partnering with the Thrace Institute of Agricultural Research, the Institute of Agriculture – Karnobat, and the History Museum – Karnobat. The goal, Bacioglu said, is to establish an adaptable educational model that directly enhances local skills and tourism capacity.

Addressing tourism trends in Edirne, Bacioglu noted a marked rise in day visitors, especially from Bulgaria, thanks to the city’s proximity and appeal as a shopping destination. However, he acknowledged concerns that this activity often fails to generate lasting benefits for the local economy, as most visitors stay only briefly and spend little. At the same time, rising prices and currency changes have reduced Bulgarian visitors’ purchasing power. Interestingly, Bacioglu observed a reverse trend: more Turkish citizens now cross to Bulgaria and Greece for shopping, making Edirne less affordable for international tourists and its own residents.

Bacioglu argued that tourism in Edirne needs qualitative transformation, not just higher visitor numbers. He believes the sector’s future depends on price stability, service quality, and strategic planning, rather than quick returns.

Asked about the Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills project, Bacioglu welcomed initiatives that foster regional ties and sustainable development. The Balkans, he said, have a history of diverse interactions, and such projects inspire cooperation, a sense of shared identity, and long-term progress through education and skills.

Bulent Bacioglu attended the BTA conference “Europe on Balkans: Cohesion Skills” held in Edirne on March 25, as well as other BTA cross-border forums focused on regional cooperation.