From 10 to 13 April, Veliko Tarnovo hosts the traditional international exhibition Cultural Tourism. This is the largest forum in the country that focuses on the development of this type of tourism - a very promising sector that is still not fulfilling its potential. Traditionally, the exchange takes place in the town of Veliko Tarnovo and this is not accidental. Bulgaria’s medieval capital which is one of the candidates for the European Capital of Culture in 2019 is actually among the most visited destinations for cultural tourism in Bulgaria. Last year alone, it was visited by nearly one million tourists, an increase of about 40 per cent more than in previous periods. Also, over 7 million leva has been invested on tourism infrastructure and opening new attractions.

This year's tourism fair in Tarnovo presents over 85 exhibitors from 11 countries, which is a peculiar record. The participants advertise their newest attractions, cultural itineraries and suggestions for educational vacations. But the most serious is the participation of Bulgarian municipalities. At their fair booths, 65 municipalities display their latest offers for cultural routes, most of them made in the last two years through various projects funded by the Regional Development Operational Programme.

During the exhibition runs the film festival entitled "On the East Coast of Europe", which is dedicated to tourist productions. This is actually its 10^thedition. This year it presents documentaries from 23 countries. The forum includes also a national competition called "Read and Travel" featuring specialized print and online editions on travel topics.

Otherwise the event itself is filled with attractions and colorful performances. There are re-enactments of old customs, tasting of local specialties, chain dances are performed in the exhibition halls, etc. The highlight of the fair, however, is expected to be in the show at the Archaeological reserve Nicopolis ad Instrum. It will be held on Sunday declared in the program as the "Roman Day". Then among the ruins of the ancient city close to the village of Nikyup rituals of Roman times will "come alive". There will be live pictures with legionnaires, patricians, Vestals, also crafts typical of this region in the past, such as blacksmithing, coinage, etc. will be presented. The re-enactments of a typical Roman wedding are expected to draw high interest. In addition, guests will be able to shoot with a bow, curious to taste the dishes of the ancient Roman cuisine and mostly to have fun.

Incidentally, one of the highlights of this year's tourist market is the kitchen because, as we know, it is related to traditions, the culture of a people. In the days of the exhibition, three popular Tarnovo-based restaurants offer unconventional dishes prepared following historical recipes. These are medieval specialties from the time when Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Bulgarian state. These dishes are given attractive names like "Roast despot style" (leg of lamb), "The joy of the soldier" (roast beef), "The Salvation of the peasant" ( groats porridge) and others. Currently, the municipal tourist agency "Tsarevgrad Tarnov" along with local restaurateurs is trying to impose the brand of Turnovo medieval cuisine. The idea is to turn it into yet another of the local cultural tourist attractions that our former capital city abounds in.

English version: Rossitsa Petcova