PROGRAMME
Exhibition opening hours 10:00-19:00 | Business Center Veliko Tarnovo
During the three days of the exhibition:
Representative exhibition of the National High School of Applied Arts “Trevnenska Shkola”, foyer, floor 1
With selected works the school presents the full academic cycle in the three specialties – “Artistic Woodcarving”, “Interior Design” and “Icon Painting”. Within the framework of the event, our young talents will demonstrate their skills in woodcarving and icon painting.
Photographic exhibition “Living Crafts of Southeast Europe”, foyer – gallery, floor 2
The exhibition is realized by the Sofia – UNESCO Regional Center with the support of cultural institutions and museums from all member states of the center. It presents the rich cultural heritage and diversity of traditional crafts of the region and their role in social cohesion and the development of the creative potential of people in the modern world. The Regional Center for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Southeast Europe under the auspices of UNESCO.
The Magical World of Daniela and Vladimir Ovcharov, foyer, floor 1
Exhibition – painting. The artistic family Daniela and Vladimir Ovcharov, after 28 years in the USA as freelance artists, settled in Novo Selo (V. Tarnovo region), where they created the “Colorful House” – the first private museum of art and porcelain, where they create and exhibit their works, and many artifacts from all over the world.
October 8, Wednesday
11.00 – 12.30, Conference Hall 4, 2nd floor
Official opening of the 20th anniversary edition of the ITF Cultural Tourism
Presentation of honorary awards to individuals and organizations with contributions to the development of the International Exhibition “Cultural Tourism”
12.30 – 13.30
Viewing of the exhibition by officials
14.30 – 16.30, Conference Hall 4, 2nd floor
Conference: Intangible Cultural Heritage – the Unadulterated Charm of Destinations
The contribution of creative industries and crafts to the formation of the unique image of destinations is invaluable. They are becoming an increasingly serious economic factor. We are about to discuss the policies and resources for the preservation of intangible cultural heritage in Bulgaria and the data from the study “Crafts – between the creative economy and the preservation of heritage” will be presented. After the EU introduced a reform in the registration regime of geographical indications for craft and industrial products (GIs) and the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2023/2411, what are the steps for preserving a regional brand and how can a geographical indication for craft and industrial products be registered, etc.
The conference is organized in partnership with the National Chamber of Crafts and under the patronage of the Minister of Tourism Miroslav Borshosh.
Tastings of regional products and delicacies, lobby, 2nd floor
10.30
PGHT Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov, Gorna Oryahovitsa
Banitsa with Gorna Oryahovitsa sausage and chard
14.00
Bansko presents authentic flavors of Bansko cuisine, which preserve the spirit and traditions of the region.
Banska Kapama – a dish prepared according to an old recipe, characteristic Bansko appetizers, served with selected white and red wines, which harmoniously complement the flavors of the traditional Bansko table.
16.00
NC “Zarya-1900”, Strelets village
“From Grandma’s Skillful Hands”
Potato; Pancakes; Sugar broom cake; Watermelon cake; Grape cake; Watermelon Heart Marmalade
19.30
“Welcome to Veliko Tarnovo!” – a party for the participants of the exhibition
Party area “Terrace”
October 9, Thursday
10.00 – 10.30, Hall 2, Floor 2
READ & TRAVEL Competition
Presentation of the participants and the jury
10.30 – 11.00, Hall 2, Floor 2
Award ceremony of the National Student Competition for the Best Development on a Tourism Theme
11.00 – 12.30, Conference Hall 4, Floor 2
Conference “The Festival – a Recipe for Revitalization”
Within the framework of the 33rd edition of the International Theater Festival “Varna Summer”, the Ministry of Tourism and the Via Fest Foundation launched a strategic dialogue between culture and tourism with the discussion “Bulgarian Festivals through the prism of tourism dynamics”. The Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo is hosting another discussion on the topic and has invited festival organizers, municipalities and researchers to discuss together how to get traditional festival events out of the trap of budget procedures; how to plan for the long term and attract audiences more successfully; how to measure the financial impact of large cultural events that municipalities organize. The information system for stage spaces will also be presented, which allows concert venues, halls and club areas to become part of the locations of famous artists.
Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irena Bokova
13.30 – 16.30, Hall 2, Floor 2
Seminar: Museums and cultural landmarks – expanding audiences, together with the Association of Communication Specialists from Municipalities.
How to avoid the confrontation between scientific and research work and creative approaches to attracting audiences. The museum through the eyes of visitors. Friends, partners and like-minded people – where to look for them and how to keep them.
Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sonya Alexieva
14.00 – 16.30, Conference Hall 4, 2nd floor
Conference “Set Jetting – Season 2. Cinema and the Creative Industries – Dimensions for the Local Economy”
The potential of cinema as a stimulus for the economic development of regions and settlements and for increasing visitor interest in cinema destinations is the topic of the second edition of the “Set Jetting” conference. We also comment on the data from the National Representative Sociological Survey on Access of Bulgarian Citizens to Cinema Visits and Access to Platforms.
Moderator: Dr. Diana Andreeva-Popyordanova
Tastings of regional products and delicacies, lobby, floor 2
10.30
Belogradchik presents:
“Bel muzh” – the most characteristic dish of the Turla region
12.00
NC “Ivan Vazov-1893”, Parvomaytsi village
Authentic flavors with a modern vision. New Year’s bathed banitsa; Nikuldenski ribnik; Sbordzhiyski May Day pickle; Potato meatballs with Gorno-Oryahov sausage; Kachamak; Lyutenitsa; Pepper and cheese pate;
16.00
NC “Gradina-Varbitsa-1894”, Varbitsa village
Culinary tradition from the Gorna Oryahovitsa Municipality
The village of Varbitsa presents the richness of the local culinary culture through different types of banitsa – a symbol of the Bulgarian table.
17.00
Ruse Municipality presents the emblematic cake “Garash”
October 10, Friday
10.30 – 11.30, Conference Hall 4, 2nd floor
Roman military camp and early Byzantine city of Nove
Presented by Apostol Samokovliev, TIC Svishtov
10.30 – 12.00, Hall 2, 2nd floor
Seminar: Museums and cultural landmarks – expanding audiences, together with the Association of Communication Specialists from Municipalities.
How museums can make the story of personalities, events and discoveries interesting for the modern audience. Lessons from practical work with museum specialists. The educational museum game MiMU – connecting technologies with the knowledge of cultural heritage.
Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sonya Aleksieva
11.00 – 12.00, Hall 2, Floor 2
The Innovative Museum in Pavlikeni and the Ancient Ceramic Center – between the modern narrative and the ancient heritage
Presented by Elena Chanakchivarova-Hristova, Director of the Historical Museum-Pavlikeni and the archaeological site of the Ancient Ceramic Center near Pavlikeni.
12.00 – 13.00, Hall 3, Floor 2
Event tourism as a driver of cultural destinations – from the corporate event to the overall experience
Presented by Ralitsa Ivanova – owner and manager of Event Plus BG EOOD and Ekaterina Petrova – Marketing Manager at Event Plus BG EOOD
13.00 – 14.00, Hall 2, Floor 2
Meeting discussion: Science in support of tourism development and promotion of regions
Association “Hub for Innovation and Tourism” and journalist Miroslav Dechev present the book “Traditional customs, village holidays and promotion of cultural and historical sites from the past in the Pre-Balkan region” – field research and active support of the local community.
14.00 – 16.00, Conference Hall 4, Floor 2
National meeting of tourist information centers. Under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism.
Tastings of regional products and delicacies, lobby, floor 2
12.00
National Restaurant “Napredak-Krusheto-1906”, Krusheto village
Presenting the flavors of the Golden Pear Festival – dishes in which the pear is the main character, and the culinary masterpieces will be a surprise!
National Restaurant “Ivan Vazov-1893”, Parvomaytsi village
Authentic flavors with a modern vision
Cabbage rolls with saffron rice mousse; Haralampieva pita; Kozunak with beet powder under Turkish delight gel; Mastakulki with sugar broom mousse and caramelized hazelnut; White halva; Voynishki cookies.
14.00, lobby, floor 2
Award ceremony of the culinary competition “Local Bites – The Taste of the Regions”
The jury will distinguish the best traditional taste, the best regional product, the most impressive presentation and will present the prize to the audience.
16.30, Conference Hall 4, 2nd floor
Award ceremony for the participants of the 20th edition of the International Exhibition “Cultural Tourism” 2025.
READ AND TRAVEL
FILM FESTIVAL
WORKSHOPS
