Presentation for my client, the Bulgarian Association for Balneology and Spa Tourism from 2007.

1. Rediscovering the Healing Waters
Bulgaria as Spa Tourism Destination
Bulgarian Association Of Balneology & Spa Tourism

2. Rediscovering the Healing Waters in Bulgaria
Part 1: Background & Resources
Basic Data and Stats
About the mineral waters in Bulgaria
• 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).

3. Rediscovering the Healing Waters in Bulgaria
Part 1: Background & Resources
Convenient Geographic Distribution
Near to other travel attractions and destinations

4. Rediscovering the Healing Waters in Bulgaria
Part 1: Background & Resources
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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5. Rediscovering the Healing Waters in Bulgaria
Part 1: Background & Resources
Climate and Natural Environment
Perfect combination between all elements of nature
Ecologically clean surroundings
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Moderate climate even during the winter months
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Exceptional purity of the waters due to deep source springs
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6. Rediscovering the Healing Waters in Bulgaria
Qualifiers for Success
Emerging market opportunity
Double digits growth of Bulgaria as travel destination in the
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Part 2: Present & Future
last 10 years
Major travel markets: European Community and
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Neighboring countries
Market Size: 3 Million tourists per year and growing
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Competitive prices: Bulgaria is one of the 10 most cost-
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effective destinations in the world
Number 1 Emerging destination for 2006
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Untapped potential for Balneology and Spa Travel -
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currently representing less than 5% of the entire travel
market of incoming tourism

7. Rediscovering the Healing Waters in Bulgaria
Qualifiers for Success
Perfect Combination of Infrastructure and Human Capital Concentration
Part 2: Present & Future
• More than 200 Balneology and Spa Hotels
• Most hotels are 3, 4 and 5 stars
• Most hotels were built in the last 10 years

8. Rediscovering the Healing Waters in Bulgaria
Qualifiers for Success
Perfect combination of infrastructure and human capital concentration
Part 2: Present & Future
All hotels accessible by air or 1st class road transportation
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Highly qualified multilingual tourism workforce
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World class certified medical and spa procedures personnel
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9. Rediscovering the Healing Waters in Bulgaria
Qualifiers for Success
Favorable legislation and cultural traditions
Low taxes and labor costs triggers new real estate construction
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Part 2: Present & Future
Natura 2000 program legislation in place to preserve the natural
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beauty of Bulgaria and to avoid overbuilding
EU programs for infrastructure improvement and tourism
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development help financing of ambitious projects
Culture of preservation and enjoyment of balneology centers as part
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of the national traditions

10. Part 3: Bulgarian Association for Balneology and Spa Tourism Rediscovering the Healing Waters in Bulgaria
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-industry
organizations, 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 perform
activities to the benefit of society.

11. Part 3: Bulgarian Association for Balneology and Spa 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 sustainable
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services and travel product in the Spa, Wellness, Balneology and Alternative
Medicine Tourism as a part of this priority sector for the Bulgarian economics,
in an atmosphere of protection, development and efficient use of the Bulgarian
resources of mineral waters, ecological environment, and other natural
resources.
To lead the process of innovation, research and development of new programs,
•
standards, services and trend-implementation, helping this way its members to
become leading organizations in their field.
To create a climate of multi-sector cooperation with governmental and public
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institutions on all geographic levels (European Community, Regional, Local) in
order to assist in policy making and legislation improvement thus creating
better business conditions and possibilities for its members.
To promote and advertise the advantages of Bulgaria as prime European
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destination for Spa, Wellness, Balneology and Alternative Medical Tourism.

12. Part 3: Bulgarian Association for Balneology and Spa Tourism Rediscovering the Healing Waters in Bulgaria
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: bgspa@abv.bg