Sofia to woo young tourists with wine, churches

news.dnevnik.bg

Sofia should be transformed into a culture, religious and food tourism and target foreign travelers aged between 16 and 30, according to a new strategy prepared by Austrian company ATC Consultants.

The project forms part of an experience sharing programme between Sofia and Athens financed by BGN 276,000 under the Regional Development operational programme.

The consultants claim the Bulgarian capital could attract tourists with its varied music scene, nice shopping opportunities, the young and attractive population, good food and fine wine.

According to the strategy, Sofia could become one of the next youth hotspots following in the steps of Barcelona, Prague, Budapest and Vilnius.

Sofia’s popularity as a tourist destination could benefit greatly from social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, according to the consultants.

To bring in young travelers, the municipality should poll efforts with budget airlines.

Sofia’s major drawback is bad infrastructure. New information signs should be created and an information centre set up.

A special company should be incorporated the oversee implementation of the entire strategy.