COUNTRY TOURISM
There are many resources for the development of tourism in Dimitrovgrad. Together with joining of many business and non-business factors, which are interested in the development of tourism, this branch of the economy should become the most important carrier of the development of the municipality. A very important part (product) of future tourism, with which Dimitrovgrad will present its orientation towards nature and sustainable development, is certainly country tourism. Country tourism should encourage maintenance of rural environment and cultural heritage, but it should also motivate the residents (in an economic way) to stay at their hearths, allowing good conditions for comfortable living. Such kind of tourism could benefit preservation of the environment, that is, of native animal and plant species, and it should provide means for the development and investment in the country.
The biggest advantage of spending time in villages is intact nature, fresh air, clear water, healthy food, and the traditional hospitality of our residents. A great number of villages is situated near valuable cultural and historical monuments, which can be visited by tourists. Buildings of traditional architecture have a high cultural value, and they have specific characteristics of the area. Products of old crafts and handicrafts are used to present the rich heritage of our people. Spending time in our villages allows tourists to walk, to enjoy recreations, do some sports, to visit nearby natural and anthropogenic monuments, to see exhibitions and visit art colonies organized in the area, to go hunting, fishing, riding, mountaineering, riding a bike. They can also collect wild fruits, healing herbs, and do other entertaining activities in the country.
The Tourist Organization of Dimitrovgrad has established (with the help of the local government) a board for the categorization of private lodging, and since its founding ( January 2005), the board has categorized 25 seats in private lodgings (mainly in the nearby villages), and made the first steps towards the development of rural tourism, which will be an important product of the future tourism of the municipality.
