17  projects have been approved for financing in the contest for the development of tourism in Northwestern Bulgaria and along the Danube River. A total of EUR 670,815 will be provided for these projects for the development of tourist products and services in one of the poorest regions of the country, BNR’s Radio Vidin reports. The financing is in three categories – for individual applicants creating a new experience or upgrading existing products and services. One such project is Challenge: Take a look at Chiprovtsi through the eyes of the carpet-maker. The second category is for projects popularizing individual villages or towns through events and festivals. And the third category is for creating tourist destinations.

The long-term target of the contest is to put the Northwest and the communities along the Danube on the tourist map of Bulgaria.