Risks 9(3) Special Issue Quantitative Methods in Economics and Finance Ⅱ, 2021
In the context of current crises following COVID-19 and growing global economic uncertainties , t... more In the context of current crises following COVID-19 and growing global economic uncertainties , the issues regarding financial transactions with FINTECH are increasingly apparent. Consequently , in our opinion, the utilization of FINTECH financial transactions leads to а risk-reduction approach when in contact with other people. Moreover, financial transactions with FINTECH can save up customers' pecuniary funds. Therefore, during crises, FINTECH applications can be perceived as more competitive than the traditional banking system. All the above have provoked us to conduct research related to the utilization of financial transactions with FINTECH before and after the COVID-19 crisis outbreak. The aim of the article is to present a survey analysis of FINTECH utilization of individual customers before and after the crisis in Bulgaria. The methodology includes a questionnaire survey of 242 individual respondents. For the data processing, we implemented statistical measures and quantitative methods, including two-sample paired t-tests, Levene's test, and ANOVAs performed through the computer language Python in a web-based interactive computing environment for creating documents, Jupyter Notebook. The findings bring out the main issues related to the implementation of financial transactions with FINTECH under the conditions of the crisis. The findings include the identification of problems related to FINTECH transactions during the COVID-19 crisis in Bulgaria.
In the context of current crises following COVID-19 and growing global economic uncertainties, th... more In the context of current crises following COVID-19 and growing global economic uncertainties, the issues regarding financial transactions with FINTECH are increasingly apparent. Consequently, in our opinion, the utilization of FINTECH financial transactions leads to а risk-reduction approach when in contact with other people. Moreover, financial transactions with FINTECH can save up customers' pecuniary funds. Therefore, during crises, FINTECH applications can be perceived as more competitive than the traditional banking system. All the above have provoked us to conduct research related to the utilization of financial transactions with FINTECH before and after the COVID-19 crisis outbreak. The aim of the article is to present a survey analysis of FINTECH utilization of individual customers before and after the crisis in Bulgaria. The methodology includes a questionnaire survey of 242 individual respondents. For the data processing, we implemented statistical measures and quantitative methods, including two-sample paired t-tests, Levene's test, and ANOVAs performed through the computer language Python in a web-based interactive computing environment for creating documents, Jupyter Notebook. The findings bring out the main issues related to the implementation of financial transactions with FINTECH under the conditions of the crisis. The findings include the identification of problems related to FINTECH transactions during the COVID-19 crisis in Bulgaria.
The concept of tourism destination attractiveness does not constitute a new topic in the scientif... more The concept of tourism destination attractiveness does not constitute a new topic in the scientific literature in the field of tourism. On the contrary, attention has been brought towards it since last century's 60 years. For a relatively long period, however, the existing studies show out that they not only did not lead to the creation of a single platform for evaluation, but rather have resulted in a fragmentation of the researchers' opinions. At present, numerous authors have been trying to identify the destination's attractiveness and factors influencing tourists' decision-making process to assess a given area as a desirable vacation spot. The attractiveness of the area does not only depend on the characteristics of its corresponding site and the local population, but also from tourist cognitive image perception of the destination. The present paper comprises the results from two separate studies conducted in parallel from 2011 to 2014 and it aims to outline the various factors that could influence the process of increasing of attractiveness and image recognition of Bulgaria as a tourism destination. For this purpose, a multifactorial analysis of the whole tourism destination of Bulgaria was applied alongside with a cultural profiling of an almost iconic and landmark micro destination for cultural tourism such as the town of Plovdiv (or the ancient Phillipopolis found by the king Phillip the Second, the father of Alexander the Great). Resumo O conceito de atratividade do destino turístico não constitui um novo tópico na literatura científica no campo do turismo. Pelo contrário, a atenção foi focada nesse tema desde os últimos 60 anos do século passado. Por um período relativamente longo, no entanto, os estudos existentes mostram que eles não só não levaram à criação de uma única plataforma de avaliação, mas que resultaram numa fragmentação das opiniões dos investigadores. Atualmente, numerosos autores têm tentado identificar a atratividade do destino e os fatores que influenciam o processo de tomada de decisão dos turistas para avaliar uma determinada área como um local de férias desejável. A atratividade da região não depende apenas das suas características físicas e da população local, mas também da perceção da imagem cognitiva turística do destino. O presente trabalho compreende os resultados de dois estudos separados realizados em paralelo de 2011 a 2014 e pretende esboçar os vários fatores que podem influenciar o processo do aumento da atratividade e reconhecimento da imagem da Bulgária como destino turístico. Para tal, foi feita uma análise multifatorial do destino turístico Bulgária como um todo e foi aplicada ao lado de um perfil cultural de um micro-destino quase icónico e histórico para o turismo cultural, como a cidade de Plovdiv (ou a antiga Phillipopolis, fundada pelo rei Filipe II, O pai de Alexandre, o Grande). Palavras-Chave: Atratividade do destino, reconhecimento da imagem, análise fatorial, análise semântica.
This paper aims to investigate and analyse the attractiveness of destination Bulgaria. Research s... more This paper aims to investigate and analyse the attractiveness of destination Bulgaria. Research subject are foreign tour operators and tourists interest towards destination Bulgaria and its attractiveness components. Object of the study are the top ten tourist markets foreign tour operators and tourists attitudes towards Bulgaria's attractiveness as a destination. The later mentioned which include Romania, have been positioned and determined by the Ministry of Tourism (2015) as the ones which generate the highest tourist flows to the destination. Relative to the object and subject in order to achieve the purpose the methodology of the study abides by the system approach and conservative research methods as the results are generated by the factor analysis. Furthermore, with its conceptual staging and established results, the study would be useful for all stakeholders interested in Bulgarian tourism development.
The concept of tourism destination attractiveness does not constitute a new topic in the scientif... more The concept of tourism destination attractiveness does not constitute a new topic in the scientific literature in the field of tourism. On the contrary, attention has been brought towards it since last century's 60 years. For a relatively long period, however, the existing studies show out that they not only did not lead to the creation of a single platform for evaluation, but rather have resulted in a fragmentation of the researchers' opinions. At present, numerous authors have been trying to identify the destination's attractiveness and factors influencing tourists' decision-making process to assess a given area as a desirable vacation spot. As the attractiveness of the area it does not only depend on the characteristics of its corresponding site and the local population, but also from tourist cognitive image perception of the destination. The present paper comprises the results from two separate studies conducted in parallel from 2011 to 2014 and it aims to outline the various factors that could influence the process of increasing of attractiveness and image recognition of Bulgaria as a tourism destination. For this purpose a multifactorial analysis of the whole tourism destination of Bulgaria was applied alongside with a cultural profiling of an almost iconic and landmark micro destination for cultural tourism such as the town of Plovdiv (or the ancient Phillipopolis found by the king Phillip the Second, the father of Alexander the Great).
Tourism as a socioeconomic phenomenon, combines market aspects of economic relations and social-o... more Tourism as a socioeconomic phenomenon, combines market aspects of economic relations and social-oriented society's development objectives. In the contemporary environment for tourist industry development destination is a key element of tourism system, particularly manifested all interconnections and interdependencies of a given system with external socioeconomic environment at the regional level. Furthermore, we monitor a need to replenish the theoretical and methodological destination analysis foundations as well as improvement of the mechanisms of its practical application. The destination is a vital element of the tourism system. It could be characterized as a territorial location with numerous and various facilities, means of accommodation, cater and services to 12
Threats of natural and social issues and uncertainty are inherent characteristics of the environm... more Threats of natural and social issues and uncertainty are inherent characteristics of the environment in which tourist destinations operate. They are related to specific decisions taken in terms of risk determined for the destination management approaches. Respecting this peculiarities, the study focuses on the problem, which is particularly topical in recent years concerning the events and phenomena threatening the development of tourist destinations. It analyses essential aspects of crisis management, together with the role of the countries and international organizations in this process. The main objective of the study is to explore and analyse the current supranational documents, formulating, controlling, and monitoring the actions against potential and real threats, and it focuses on contemporary theory and practice of regulation and management of threats of natural and social type in Bulgarian tourism. It discusses the tasks to be solved which significantly affect the overall process; following this, some promising alternatives to limit the negative effects have been deduced. In the methodological aspect some theoretical and empirical methods such as analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction, observation, description, and comparison were used. Introduction The threats of natural and social origin and the instability are common features of the environment where the tourist destinations function. They are related to specific decisions made in terms of risk, but conditioned for destination management approaches. The analysis and threat assessment suggests actions for their identification, measurement, and mitigation. They are also connected with the fact that the expected effects of their manifestation does not correspond to real benefits or negatives and express different probability for practical implementation of the decisions and determinations. The effect of applying one or other approach depends heavily on the views and perceptions about the nature of threats. Considering the issue of threats to tourist destinations, they certainly cannot be examined separately and independently. This finding comes from the definition of a tourist destination perceived as a geographical entity(Burkart & Medlik, 1974) or as a private centre, a village or a city (or district) area, island, country or continent, in each case spatially identified. Following this, the geographical indication of a tourist destination provides a convenient focus for the study of potential threats and their diverse impact and importance. In this case it allows linking of international policy on limitation of threats to their dimensions in the various national policies and the specialized documents that are applicable in the different destinations. Also, attention is required for the fact that every distinct threat may cause other resulting effects thereof. For example, the tropical cyclones (known as hurricanes in the Atlantic, cyclones in the Indian Ocean, and typhoons in the Pacific) are accompanied by strong winds, storms, and heavy rainfall leading behind secondary hazards such as floods and landslides. A similar series of threats can trigger a domino effect or the cascade and cause
Tourism has a major contribution to the contemporary experience economy. Tourism destination’s at... more Tourism has a major contribution to the contemporary experience economy. Tourism destination’s attractive image representation and perception play an important role in tourist flows shift. Image representations are a key part of all cultures, a major element of attractiveness perception and an increasingly important attraction for tourists. The linkages between tangible cultural heritage and tourism also provide a platform for local economic development, which can be strengthened by the use of touristic experiences for destinations’ branding and marketing. This publication aims at providing an insight of the role of tourism destination attractiveness in local economic development and its potential for country branding thru a positive destination image representation and perception.
Worldwide, festivals and local special events are used as key elements within regional developmen... more Worldwide, festivals and local special events are used as key elements within regional development strategies. Festivals and local special events are widely acknowledged to make an important contribution to the economic development of their local areas, as they provide opportunities for tourism promotion, commercial outcomes and increased inward investment in host regions (Getz, 2007; Van de Wagen, 2005) and contribute to the extension of the tourism season (Huang, Li & Cai, 2010; Boo and Busser, 2006; Kotler, Haider & Rein, 1993; Mehmetoglu and Ellingsen, 2005). However, the question of their contribution to the conservation of cultural heritage and traditions through an interpretation in tourism also requires attention. In the paper, the approach of cultural profiles is implemented as a tool to raise the awareness for local tradition, being presented on local festival. In this regard, based on a survey among organizers of festivals, local entrepreneurs participating in festivals and tourists visiting them, the degree of authenticity of local traditions in South Bulgaria was estimated. With the main purpose – identification and establishment of opportunities for sustainable economic, social and cultural development of those regions, preserving and handing the existing heritage to future generations. Keywords: festivals, festival tourism, local products, traditions, cultural awareness.
Focusing on the cultural issues, cultural identity and their local manifestations is associated w... more Focusing on the cultural issues, cultural identity and their local manifestations is associated with a particularly sensitive issue for modern civilization and society. Namely, identity loss eventuate in global village conditions where relationships with relatives, traditions, values and moral values are more vulnerable and more difficult to be preserve. Many scholars wrote about the topic,but the problem still attracts attention with the idea to find a solution in time. Furthermore, putting the research together was inspired by the thoughts of Damien Perrot in stating in his blog: “Modern societies like cultural diversity, preferably when it is far away… During the last two centuries, modern civilization has absorbed most of Earth's cultural diversity and is currently quite busy assimilating or destroying the rest while multiplying the subcultures in its midst…”
Given the above,the study examines Bulgaria as tourist destination, for which the expression of seasonality has a strong negative influences, measured both in financial terms, as well as in social manifestations. Therefore, relying on a comprehensive analysis of all potential sites,phenomena and events with cognitive significance the attractiveness of Southwestern Bulgaria as a tourist destination is displayed.
Tourism has undergone major transformation, from the rise of the mass tourism which has brought s... more Tourism has undergone major transformation, from the rise of the mass tourism which has brought several negative impacts. Such are overcrowding, environmental issues, degradation of a local culture, etc. On the other hand, cultural tourism was often addressed as a “soft”, “good” form of tourism, which was small-scale, high-spend and low impact. Moreover, cultural tourist, as a segment of the market, were perceived as desirable target, due to the fact that they usually are high-educated, good mannered and well paid from the so called upper middle class. Tourism industry has developed so rapidly that is one of the industries outpaces car, steel, electronic and agricultural industries. The economic effect of tourism is to some extent that provoked researchers study it from several aspects – as industry, customer behavior, travel flows, host opportunities, recreation needs, attractiveness, satisfaction, establishments, human capital investments, etc. Studying recreation and tourism as a part of common knowledge shows that cultural tourism is developing from the mass tourism and the relationship between them it’s a mutual advantage. A constellation of prominent scholars have proven that arts and culture are tourism attractions and tourism provides great number of customers for art and culture. Key words: culture, tourism, competitiveness, attractiveness and tourist destination image.
Tourism is a major part of the contemporary experience economy, in which food plays an important ... more Tourism is a major part of the contemporary experience economy, in which food plays an important role. Food is a key part of all cultures, a major element of global intangible heritage and an increasingly important attraction for tourists. The linkages between food and tourism also provide a platform for local economic development, which can be strengthened by the use of food experiences for branding and marketing destinations. One of the major challenges in the experience economy is dealing with the shift towards intangible culture and heritage. The focus of many tourists has changed from the classic 'must see' physical sights such as museums and monuments towards a ‘must-experience’ imperative to consume intangible expressions of culture, such as atmosphere, creativity and lifestyle. This provides new opportunities for tourism destinations as well as new challenges, particularly in the areas of experience development, marketing and branding. This publication provides an understanding of the role of food tourism in local economic development and its potential for country branding. It also presents several innovative case studies in the food tourism sector and the experience industry. Key words: experience economy, local cultural experience, food tourism, tourism development.
Summary
In recent years, preservation of cultural heritage linked increasingly with sustainable d... more Summary In recent years, preservation of cultural heritage linked increasingly with sustainable development objectives. Until 1990 prevailed the notion that the cultural heritage is spiritual resource that must be stored without a requirement of investment in return. Today, the government and nongovernment sector realized that heritage is also an economic resource that should use for development (with mandatory preservation of its authentic cultural values). Activates and public debate on the role of inheritance: improving the quality of life through the development of cultural tourism to increase employment, improve the business climate for mobility in the European Union and others. Thus, conservation policy is associated with the activities of regional planning and environmental protection and economic development and stability of regions in Europe. Heritage conservation is becoming one of the priority objectives of the development policy (particularly in terms of historic settlements and areas with prominent cultural resource) and linked to targets significant environmental protection, which often is a traditional area of cultural or itself has a cultural resource. It was drawn attention to new objects of protection, which are harmonious combinations between nature and human activity in it - tangible and intangible cultural sites. Key words: cultural heritage; sustainable tourism; development; destination.
Abstract: Choosing a holiday destination and formatting a preference for it is based on a recogni... more Abstract: Choosing a holiday destination and formatting a preference for it is based on a recognizable image, a good reputation, awareness of the main competitive advantages of a destination, and hence - the importance of this image and reputation for the competitiveness of tourist destinations. The image is an important, significant part of the tourist destination, for its representation to an international audience, moreover also influences consumer’s preferences. In that connection this study purposes are to examine the concept of forming positive image of tourist destination Bulgaria, in social and psychological perspectives influencing positively Bulgaria’s tourism competitiveness and development. Furthermore, the study has the following aims: (1) to propose the formation of a positive image of tourist destination Bulgaria, and (2) to focus on Thracians culture heritage as resource potential that can develop Bulgaria’s positive tourist destination image thus enhance its tourism competitiveness and development. This hypothesis is based on a survey results which established that the initial image of Bulgaria as a tourist destination differs from the actual experience of tourism services consumers.
Keywords: tourism, destination, image, competitiveness, historical and cultural heritage
Risks 9(3) Special Issue Quantitative Methods in Economics and Finance Ⅱ, 2021
In the context of current crises following COVID-19 and growing global economic uncertainties , t... more In the context of current crises following COVID-19 and growing global economic uncertainties , the issues regarding financial transactions with FINTECH are increasingly apparent. Consequently , in our opinion, the utilization of FINTECH financial transactions leads to а risk-reduction approach when in contact with other people. Moreover, financial transactions with FINTECH can save up customers' pecuniary funds. Therefore, during crises, FINTECH applications can be perceived as more competitive than the traditional banking system. All the above have provoked us to conduct research related to the utilization of financial transactions with FINTECH before and after the COVID-19 crisis outbreak. The aim of the article is to present a survey analysis of FINTECH utilization of individual customers before and after the crisis in Bulgaria. The methodology includes a questionnaire survey of 242 individual respondents. For the data processing, we implemented statistical measures and quantitative methods, including two-sample paired t-tests, Levene's test, and ANOVAs performed through the computer language Python in a web-based interactive computing environment for creating documents, Jupyter Notebook. The findings bring out the main issues related to the implementation of financial transactions with FINTECH under the conditions of the crisis. The findings include the identification of problems related to FINTECH transactions during the COVID-19 crisis in Bulgaria.
In the context of current crises following COVID-19 and growing global economic uncertainties, th... more In the context of current crises following COVID-19 and growing global economic uncertainties, the issues regarding financial transactions with FINTECH are increasingly apparent. Consequently, in our opinion, the utilization of FINTECH financial transactions leads to а risk-reduction approach when in contact with other people. Moreover, financial transactions with FINTECH can save up customers' pecuniary funds. Therefore, during crises, FINTECH applications can be perceived as more competitive than the traditional banking system. All the above have provoked us to conduct research related to the utilization of financial transactions with FINTECH before and after the COVID-19 crisis outbreak. The aim of the article is to present a survey analysis of FINTECH utilization of individual customers before and after the crisis in Bulgaria. The methodology includes a questionnaire survey of 242 individual respondents. For the data processing, we implemented statistical measures and quantitative methods, including two-sample paired t-tests, Levene's test, and ANOVAs performed through the computer language Python in a web-based interactive computing environment for creating documents, Jupyter Notebook. The findings bring out the main issues related to the implementation of financial transactions with FINTECH under the conditions of the crisis. The findings include the identification of problems related to FINTECH transactions during the COVID-19 crisis in Bulgaria.
The concept of tourism destination attractiveness does not constitute a new topic in the scientif... more The concept of tourism destination attractiveness does not constitute a new topic in the scientific literature in the field of tourism. On the contrary, attention has been brought towards it since last century's 60 years. For a relatively long period, however, the existing studies show out that they not only did not lead to the creation of a single platform for evaluation, but rather have resulted in a fragmentation of the researchers' opinions. At present, numerous authors have been trying to identify the destination's attractiveness and factors influencing tourists' decision-making process to assess a given area as a desirable vacation spot. The attractiveness of the area does not only depend on the characteristics of its corresponding site and the local population, but also from tourist cognitive image perception of the destination. The present paper comprises the results from two separate studies conducted in parallel from 2011 to 2014 and it aims to outline the various factors that could influence the process of increasing of attractiveness and image recognition of Bulgaria as a tourism destination. For this purpose, a multifactorial analysis of the whole tourism destination of Bulgaria was applied alongside with a cultural profiling of an almost iconic and landmark micro destination for cultural tourism such as the town of Plovdiv (or the ancient Phillipopolis found by the king Phillip the Second, the father of Alexander the Great). Resumo O conceito de atratividade do destino turístico não constitui um novo tópico na literatura científica no campo do turismo. Pelo contrário, a atenção foi focada nesse tema desde os últimos 60 anos do século passado. Por um período relativamente longo, no entanto, os estudos existentes mostram que eles não só não levaram à criação de uma única plataforma de avaliação, mas que resultaram numa fragmentação das opiniões dos investigadores. Atualmente, numerosos autores têm tentado identificar a atratividade do destino e os fatores que influenciam o processo de tomada de decisão dos turistas para avaliar uma determinada área como um local de férias desejável. A atratividade da região não depende apenas das suas características físicas e da população local, mas também da perceção da imagem cognitiva turística do destino. O presente trabalho compreende os resultados de dois estudos separados realizados em paralelo de 2011 a 2014 e pretende esboçar os vários fatores que podem influenciar o processo do aumento da atratividade e reconhecimento da imagem da Bulgária como destino turístico. Para tal, foi feita uma análise multifatorial do destino turístico Bulgária como um todo e foi aplicada ao lado de um perfil cultural de um micro-destino quase icónico e histórico para o turismo cultural, como a cidade de Plovdiv (ou a antiga Phillipopolis, fundada pelo rei Filipe II, O pai de Alexandre, o Grande). Palavras-Chave: Atratividade do destino, reconhecimento da imagem, análise fatorial, análise semântica.
This paper aims to investigate and analyse the attractiveness of destination Bulgaria. Research s... more This paper aims to investigate and analyse the attractiveness of destination Bulgaria. Research subject are foreign tour operators and tourists interest towards destination Bulgaria and its attractiveness components. Object of the study are the top ten tourist markets foreign tour operators and tourists attitudes towards Bulgaria's attractiveness as a destination. The later mentioned which include Romania, have been positioned and determined by the Ministry of Tourism (2015) as the ones which generate the highest tourist flows to the destination. Relative to the object and subject in order to achieve the purpose the methodology of the study abides by the system approach and conservative research methods as the results are generated by the factor analysis. Furthermore, with its conceptual staging and established results, the study would be useful for all stakeholders interested in Bulgarian tourism development.
The concept of tourism destination attractiveness does not constitute a new topic in the scientif... more The concept of tourism destination attractiveness does not constitute a new topic in the scientific literature in the field of tourism. On the contrary, attention has been brought towards it since last century's 60 years. For a relatively long period, however, the existing studies show out that they not only did not lead to the creation of a single platform for evaluation, but rather have resulted in a fragmentation of the researchers' opinions. At present, numerous authors have been trying to identify the destination's attractiveness and factors influencing tourists' decision-making process to assess a given area as a desirable vacation spot. As the attractiveness of the area it does not only depend on the characteristics of its corresponding site and the local population, but also from tourist cognitive image perception of the destination. The present paper comprises the results from two separate studies conducted in parallel from 2011 to 2014 and it aims to outline the various factors that could influence the process of increasing of attractiveness and image recognition of Bulgaria as a tourism destination. For this purpose a multifactorial analysis of the whole tourism destination of Bulgaria was applied alongside with a cultural profiling of an almost iconic and landmark micro destination for cultural tourism such as the town of Plovdiv (or the ancient Phillipopolis found by the king Phillip the Second, the father of Alexander the Great).
Tourism as a socioeconomic phenomenon, combines market aspects of economic relations and social-o... more Tourism as a socioeconomic phenomenon, combines market aspects of economic relations and social-oriented society's development objectives. In the contemporary environment for tourist industry development destination is a key element of tourism system, particularly manifested all interconnections and interdependencies of a given system with external socioeconomic environment at the regional level. Furthermore, we monitor a need to replenish the theoretical and methodological destination analysis foundations as well as improvement of the mechanisms of its practical application. The destination is a vital element of the tourism system. It could be characterized as a territorial location with numerous and various facilities, means of accommodation, cater and services to 12
Threats of natural and social issues and uncertainty are inherent characteristics of the environm... more Threats of natural and social issues and uncertainty are inherent characteristics of the environment in which tourist destinations operate. They are related to specific decisions taken in terms of risk determined for the destination management approaches. Respecting this peculiarities, the study focuses on the problem, which is particularly topical in recent years concerning the events and phenomena threatening the development of tourist destinations. It analyses essential aspects of crisis management, together with the role of the countries and international organizations in this process. The main objective of the study is to explore and analyse the current supranational documents, formulating, controlling, and monitoring the actions against potential and real threats, and it focuses on contemporary theory and practice of regulation and management of threats of natural and social type in Bulgarian tourism. It discusses the tasks to be solved which significantly affect the overall process; following this, some promising alternatives to limit the negative effects have been deduced. In the methodological aspect some theoretical and empirical methods such as analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction, observation, description, and comparison were used. Introduction The threats of natural and social origin and the instability are common features of the environment where the tourist destinations function. They are related to specific decisions made in terms of risk, but conditioned for destination management approaches. The analysis and threat assessment suggests actions for their identification, measurement, and mitigation. They are also connected with the fact that the expected effects of their manifestation does not correspond to real benefits or negatives and express different probability for practical implementation of the decisions and determinations. The effect of applying one or other approach depends heavily on the views and perceptions about the nature of threats. Considering the issue of threats to tourist destinations, they certainly cannot be examined separately and independently. This finding comes from the definition of a tourist destination perceived as a geographical entity(Burkart & Medlik, 1974) or as a private centre, a village or a city (or district) area, island, country or continent, in each case spatially identified. Following this, the geographical indication of a tourist destination provides a convenient focus for the study of potential threats and their diverse impact and importance. In this case it allows linking of international policy on limitation of threats to their dimensions in the various national policies and the specialized documents that are applicable in the different destinations. Also, attention is required for the fact that every distinct threat may cause other resulting effects thereof. For example, the tropical cyclones (known as hurricanes in the Atlantic, cyclones in the Indian Ocean, and typhoons in the Pacific) are accompanied by strong winds, storms, and heavy rainfall leading behind secondary hazards such as floods and landslides. A similar series of threats can trigger a domino effect or the cascade and cause
Tourism has a major contribution to the contemporary experience economy. Tourism destination’s at... more Tourism has a major contribution to the contemporary experience economy. Tourism destination’s attractive image representation and perception play an important role in tourist flows shift. Image representations are a key part of all cultures, a major element of attractiveness perception and an increasingly important attraction for tourists. The linkages between tangible cultural heritage and tourism also provide a platform for local economic development, which can be strengthened by the use of touristic experiences for destinations’ branding and marketing. This publication aims at providing an insight of the role of tourism destination attractiveness in local economic development and its potential for country branding thru a positive destination image representation and perception.
Worldwide, festivals and local special events are used as key elements within regional developmen... more Worldwide, festivals and local special events are used as key elements within regional development strategies. Festivals and local special events are widely acknowledged to make an important contribution to the economic development of their local areas, as they provide opportunities for tourism promotion, commercial outcomes and increased inward investment in host regions (Getz, 2007; Van de Wagen, 2005) and contribute to the extension of the tourism season (Huang, Li & Cai, 2010; Boo and Busser, 2006; Kotler, Haider & Rein, 1993; Mehmetoglu and Ellingsen, 2005). However, the question of their contribution to the conservation of cultural heritage and traditions through an interpretation in tourism also requires attention. In the paper, the approach of cultural profiles is implemented as a tool to raise the awareness for local tradition, being presented on local festival. In this regard, based on a survey among organizers of festivals, local entrepreneurs participating in festivals and tourists visiting them, the degree of authenticity of local traditions in South Bulgaria was estimated. With the main purpose – identification and establishment of opportunities for sustainable economic, social and cultural development of those regions, preserving and handing the existing heritage to future generations. Keywords: festivals, festival tourism, local products, traditions, cultural awareness.
Focusing on the cultural issues, cultural identity and their local manifestations is associated w... more Focusing on the cultural issues, cultural identity and their local manifestations is associated with a particularly sensitive issue for modern civilization and society. Namely, identity loss eventuate in global village conditions where relationships with relatives, traditions, values and moral values are more vulnerable and more difficult to be preserve. Many scholars wrote about the topic,but the problem still attracts attention with the idea to find a solution in time. Furthermore, putting the research together was inspired by the thoughts of Damien Perrot in stating in his blog: “Modern societies like cultural diversity, preferably when it is far away… During the last two centuries, modern civilization has absorbed most of Earth's cultural diversity and is currently quite busy assimilating or destroying the rest while multiplying the subcultures in its midst…”
Given the above,the study examines Bulgaria as tourist destination, for which the expression of seasonality has a strong negative influences, measured both in financial terms, as well as in social manifestations. Therefore, relying on a comprehensive analysis of all potential sites,phenomena and events with cognitive significance the attractiveness of Southwestern Bulgaria as a tourist destination is displayed.
Tourism has undergone major transformation, from the rise of the mass tourism which has brought s... more Tourism has undergone major transformation, from the rise of the mass tourism which has brought several negative impacts. Such are overcrowding, environmental issues, degradation of a local culture, etc. On the other hand, cultural tourism was often addressed as a “soft”, “good” form of tourism, which was small-scale, high-spend and low impact. Moreover, cultural tourist, as a segment of the market, were perceived as desirable target, due to the fact that they usually are high-educated, good mannered and well paid from the so called upper middle class. Tourism industry has developed so rapidly that is one of the industries outpaces car, steel, electronic and agricultural industries. The economic effect of tourism is to some extent that provoked researchers study it from several aspects – as industry, customer behavior, travel flows, host opportunities, recreation needs, attractiveness, satisfaction, establishments, human capital investments, etc. Studying recreation and tourism as a part of common knowledge shows that cultural tourism is developing from the mass tourism and the relationship between them it’s a mutual advantage. A constellation of prominent scholars have proven that arts and culture are tourism attractions and tourism provides great number of customers for art and culture. Key words: culture, tourism, competitiveness, attractiveness and tourist destination image.
Tourism is a major part of the contemporary experience economy, in which food plays an important ... more Tourism is a major part of the contemporary experience economy, in which food plays an important role. Food is a key part of all cultures, a major element of global intangible heritage and an increasingly important attraction for tourists. The linkages between food and tourism also provide a platform for local economic development, which can be strengthened by the use of food experiences for branding and marketing destinations. One of the major challenges in the experience economy is dealing with the shift towards intangible culture and heritage. The focus of many tourists has changed from the classic 'must see' physical sights such as museums and monuments towards a ‘must-experience’ imperative to consume intangible expressions of culture, such as atmosphere, creativity and lifestyle. This provides new opportunities for tourism destinations as well as new challenges, particularly in the areas of experience development, marketing and branding. This publication provides an understanding of the role of food tourism in local economic development and its potential for country branding. It also presents several innovative case studies in the food tourism sector and the experience industry. Key words: experience economy, local cultural experience, food tourism, tourism development.
Summary
In recent years, preservation of cultural heritage linked increasingly with sustainable d... more Summary In recent years, preservation of cultural heritage linked increasingly with sustainable development objectives. Until 1990 prevailed the notion that the cultural heritage is spiritual resource that must be stored without a requirement of investment in return. Today, the government and nongovernment sector realized that heritage is also an economic resource that should use for development (with mandatory preservation of its authentic cultural values). Activates and public debate on the role of inheritance: improving the quality of life through the development of cultural tourism to increase employment, improve the business climate for mobility in the European Union and others. Thus, conservation policy is associated with the activities of regional planning and environmental protection and economic development and stability of regions in Europe. Heritage conservation is becoming one of the priority objectives of the development policy (particularly in terms of historic settlements and areas with prominent cultural resource) and linked to targets significant environmental protection, which often is a traditional area of cultural or itself has a cultural resource. It was drawn attention to new objects of protection, which are harmonious combinations between nature and human activity in it - tangible and intangible cultural sites. Key words: cultural heritage; sustainable tourism; development; destination.
Abstract: Choosing a holiday destination and formatting a preference for it is based on a recogni... more Abstract: Choosing a holiday destination and formatting a preference for it is based on a recognizable image, a good reputation, awareness of the main competitive advantages of a destination, and hence - the importance of this image and reputation for the competitiveness of tourist destinations. The image is an important, significant part of the tourist destination, for its representation to an international audience, moreover also influences consumer’s preferences. In that connection this study purposes are to examine the concept of forming positive image of tourist destination Bulgaria, in social and psychological perspectives influencing positively Bulgaria’s tourism competitiveness and development. Furthermore, the study has the following aims: (1) to propose the formation of a positive image of tourist destination Bulgaria, and (2) to focus on Thracians culture heritage as resource potential that can develop Bulgaria’s positive tourist destination image thus enhance its tourism competitiveness and development. This hypothesis is based on a survey results which established that the initial image of Bulgaria as a tourist destination differs from the actual experience of tourism services consumers.
Keywords: tourism, destination, image, competitiveness, historical and cultural heritage
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In the paper, the approach of cultural profiles is implemented as a tool to raise the awareness for local tradition, being presented on local festival. In this regard, based on a survey among organizers of festivals, local entrepreneurs participating in festivals and tourists visiting them, the degree of authenticity of local traditions in South Bulgaria was estimated. With the main purpose – identification and establishment of opportunities for sustainable economic, social and cultural development of those regions, preserving and handing the existing heritage to future generations.
Keywords: festivals, festival tourism, local products, traditions, cultural awareness.
Given the above,the study examines Bulgaria as tourist destination, for which the expression of seasonality has a strong negative influences, measured both in financial terms, as well as in social manifestations. Therefore, relying on a comprehensive analysis of all potential sites,phenomena and events with cognitive significance the attractiveness of Southwestern Bulgaria as a tourist destination is displayed.
Tourism industry has developed so rapidly that is one of the industries outpaces car, steel, electronic and agricultural industries. The economic effect of tourism is to some extent that provoked researchers study it from several aspects – as industry, customer behavior, travel flows, host opportunities, recreation needs, attractiveness, satisfaction, establishments, human capital investments, etc. Studying recreation and tourism as a part of common knowledge shows that cultural tourism is developing from the mass tourism and the relationship between them it’s a mutual advantage. A constellation of prominent scholars have proven that arts and culture are tourism attractions and tourism provides great number of customers for art and culture.
Key words: culture, tourism, competitiveness, attractiveness and tourist destination image.
The focus of many tourists has changed from the classic 'must see' physical sights such as museums and monuments towards a ‘must-experience’ imperative to consume intangible expressions of culture, such as atmosphere, creativity and lifestyle. This provides new opportunities for tourism destinations as well as new challenges, particularly in the areas of experience development, marketing and branding. This publication provides an understanding of the role of food tourism in local economic development and its potential for country branding. It also presents several innovative case studies in the food tourism sector and the experience industry.
Key words: experience economy, local cultural experience, food tourism, tourism development.
In recent years, preservation of cultural heritage linked increasingly with sustainable development objectives. Until 1990 prevailed the notion that the cultural heritage is spiritual resource that must be stored without a requirement of investment in return. Today, the government and nongovernment sector realized that heritage is also an economic resource that should use for development (with mandatory preservation of its authentic cultural values). Activates and public debate on the role of inheritance: improving the quality of life through the development of cultural tourism to increase employment, improve the business climate for mobility in the European Union and others.
Thus, conservation policy is associated with the activities of regional planning and environmental protection and economic development and stability of regions in Europe. Heritage conservation is becoming one of the priority objectives of the development policy (particularly in terms of historic settlements and areas with prominent cultural resource) and linked to targets significant environmental protection, which often is a traditional area of cultural or itself has a cultural resource. It was drawn attention to new objects of protection, which are harmonious combinations between nature and human activity in it - tangible and intangible cultural sites.
Key words: cultural heritage; sustainable tourism; development; destination.
Keywords: tourism, destination, image, competitiveness, historical and cultural heritage
In the paper, the approach of cultural profiles is implemented as a tool to raise the awareness for local tradition, being presented on local festival. In this regard, based on a survey among organizers of festivals, local entrepreneurs participating in festivals and tourists visiting them, the degree of authenticity of local traditions in South Bulgaria was estimated. With the main purpose – identification and establishment of opportunities for sustainable economic, social and cultural development of those regions, preserving and handing the existing heritage to future generations.
Keywords: festivals, festival tourism, local products, traditions, cultural awareness.
Given the above,the study examines Bulgaria as tourist destination, for which the expression of seasonality has a strong negative influences, measured both in financial terms, as well as in social manifestations. Therefore, relying on a comprehensive analysis of all potential sites,phenomena and events with cognitive significance the attractiveness of Southwestern Bulgaria as a tourist destination is displayed.
Tourism industry has developed so rapidly that is one of the industries outpaces car, steel, electronic and agricultural industries. The economic effect of tourism is to some extent that provoked researchers study it from several aspects – as industry, customer behavior, travel flows, host opportunities, recreation needs, attractiveness, satisfaction, establishments, human capital investments, etc. Studying recreation and tourism as a part of common knowledge shows that cultural tourism is developing from the mass tourism and the relationship between them it’s a mutual advantage. A constellation of prominent scholars have proven that arts and culture are tourism attractions and tourism provides great number of customers for art and culture.
Key words: culture, tourism, competitiveness, attractiveness and tourist destination image.
The focus of many tourists has changed from the classic 'must see' physical sights such as museums and monuments towards a ‘must-experience’ imperative to consume intangible expressions of culture, such as atmosphere, creativity and lifestyle. This provides new opportunities for tourism destinations as well as new challenges, particularly in the areas of experience development, marketing and branding. This publication provides an understanding of the role of food tourism in local economic development and its potential for country branding. It also presents several innovative case studies in the food tourism sector and the experience industry.
Key words: experience economy, local cultural experience, food tourism, tourism development.
In recent years, preservation of cultural heritage linked increasingly with sustainable development objectives. Until 1990 prevailed the notion that the cultural heritage is spiritual resource that must be stored without a requirement of investment in return. Today, the government and nongovernment sector realized that heritage is also an economic resource that should use for development (with mandatory preservation of its authentic cultural values). Activates and public debate on the role of inheritance: improving the quality of life through the development of cultural tourism to increase employment, improve the business climate for mobility in the European Union and others.
Thus, conservation policy is associated with the activities of regional planning and environmental protection and economic development and stability of regions in Europe. Heritage conservation is becoming one of the priority objectives of the development policy (particularly in terms of historic settlements and areas with prominent cultural resource) and linked to targets significant environmental protection, which often is a traditional area of cultural or itself has a cultural resource. It was drawn attention to new objects of protection, which are harmonious combinations between nature and human activity in it - tangible and intangible cultural sites.
Key words: cultural heritage; sustainable tourism; development; destination.
Keywords: tourism, destination, image, competitiveness, historical and cultural heritage