site.btaChirpan Has Been Developing Camper, Camping Tourism over Past Two Years - Mayor Kracholov

In addition to its festival-based wine tourism, for the past two years Chirpan has also been developing camper and camping tourism, Chirpan Municipality Mayor Ivaylo Kracholov said at a press conference ahead of the 9th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism, which will take place here on October 6 and 7. 

Kracholov said that when they began developing Chirpan’s tourism strategy five years ago, people looked at them with disbelief. “Now, five years later, we are sitting at the table of one of the biggest forums held in Bulgaria,” he added.

The Mayor said that this success is due to the municipality’s decision to build on its advantages - its location in the heart of Bulgaria and the fact that two major highways pass through it. Chirpan is also a region long known for its winemaking traditions and vineyard cultivation. "We built on that, on our rich cultural heritage, and succeeded by combining wine with events and festivals,” Kracholov noted.

He cited the International Lavender Festival and the Midalidare Rock Festival, the latter of which this year alone attracted over 50,000 people. "Now we are promoting a new event called Vineyard Trails, which took place just two weeks ago and combines nature, sports, and wine," he said. Kracholov noted that the event covers more than 60 kilometres of the most  stunning vineyard landscapes, offering opportunities for cycling and running, while also allowing visitors to enjoy tastings along the way.

Kracholov added that, unlike established tourist destinations like Hisarya and Plovdiv, Chirpan lacks a large accommodation capacity. This led them to explore a different segment of the tourism market, which is why they have been developing camper and camping tourism in the municipality over the past two years.

He noted that they now have a well-developed base in the village of Mogilovo, and are currently preparing two more sites, one of which is the oldest functioning monastery in Europe, located in the village of Zlatna Livada. “I am glad the Ministry recognizes the efforts of small municipalities, because without their support, we would not succeed,” he said, stressing the importance of a shared vision. “Every municipality has its own vision, and when the Ministry puts all the pieces of the puzzle together, we can offer a competitive product,” he said.