Veliko Tarnovo is eligible to become the cultural capital of the Balkans.

This proposal was announced by Blagoi Ralin, the chairman of the Bulgarian association of hotel and restaurant owners.

According to him, Veliko Tarnovo and Velingrad are the cities that contribute the most to the advancement of the Bulgarian tourism.

For now, the cultural tourism hasn’t been harmed by the crisis. On the contrary, it experiences a time of growth.

Since the beginning of 2009, the number of tourists in Veliko Tarnovo increased with 2,5% in contrast with the 6,5% decrease of tourists during the winter season in ski resorts, says Anelia Krushkova – chairman of the National agency for tourism.