Velingrad to become world spa and sports tourist centre

Expert.bg

The alternative tourism is among the main priorities for Velingrad municipality. “We want to turn Velingrad in a brand new tourist destination and to make the region a world sports and spa centre”, said the mayor of the town Ivan Lebanov.

The strategy includes the development of Velingrad from seasonal to all year round mountain resort. Spa, ski, sports, rural, congress, hunting and fishing tourism, hiking and trekking will help the program to be accomplished. A ski centre and facilities will be built in the region of Yundola, Kurtovo and Belmeken sites near the Rodopean town.

Tourist routes connected with the cultural and historical heritage of Velingrad region will be developed too. Some of the historical sites near Velingrad are the ancient Thracian sanctuary above Kleptuza Lake and the Thracian shrine on the Ostrets peak. The medieval church and the medieval fortress Gradot are also among the spots of interest.