Collective Members
Bulgarian Association for
Alternative Tourism
BAAT was established on 31.01.1998 and is a national non-government organization.
As of early 2003 BAAT has 70 members: national and regional NGOs in the field
of tourism and ecology, local authorities and tourist councils, tour-operators,
producers of traditional national food, nature parks, hoteliers, guesthouses,
editors, transportation providers, monasteries and individuals. It is the
most progressive public association in the tourism sector.
BAAT participates
in many events and initiatives related to tourism, regional development and
ecology. The association is a member of the National Tourist
Council. Its activity is highly estimated and presented in several reports
on the Bulgarian tourist branch.
The main goals of BAAT are: to protect the
interest of its members, encourage cooperation between organizations involved
in alternative tourism, to work
to improve the services and the knowledge of the service providers, to contribute
to the support of alternative tourism at national and international levels,
to promote the sustainable development of the villages, natural and cultural
place, to create standards for quality services.
For the period of its founding
BAAT is working in field of:
Projects
Made an inventory
of guesthouses, family hotels and monasteries, situated in mountain and rural
areas.
Created the Quality
Standards Chart "Bulgarski Dom" that established
consistent guidelines for accommodation in guesthouses, family hotels and other
B&B establishments; conducted training courses that help providers raises
and maintains quality.
Initiated the project " The
Rhodope craftsman trail" in the Rhodope
mountains.
Trainings
Held training courses for mountain guides, local authorities and providers
of rural and eco-tourism services.
Consultation end expertise
Completed the first SWOT analysis for Bulgarian Alternative tourism; Participated
in the debates for the tourism law, SAPARD and PHARE "Culture Tourism";
Cooperated with the Bulgarian-Suisse Biodiversity Conservation Programme on
a research framework defining a new Plan for management of National Park Pirin
Promotion
Initiated and supported the production of 2 series of 10 posters dedicated
to the International Year of Eco-tourism and mountains'2002; Organized promotion
trips for the medias; Represented members on different national and international
tourist fairs and events; Gave input and supported the publication of an information
booklet " The Monastery Route" and the UK Activity series guide books
- " Natural Parks in Europe" and " Walking in Europe".
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Bulgarian Association of Travel Agents
Bulgarian Hotel & Restaurant Association
The Sofia City Tourist Council
Varna Association of Travel Agents
Union of Bulgarian Tourist Guides
