As an ancient settlement proudly sheltered at the foot of the magnificent Pirin Mountains, with its rich history, originality and traditions, Bansko has deserved a number of splendid namesin recent years: Winter Capital of the Balkans, four times announced to be the best winter resort in Bulgaria, a place among the National Geographic Top 10 of best places to be visited during the 2017 winter season, a place among the Top 10 world resorts according to the image ranking of the English Daily Mail newspaper, European Town of Sports for 2017 announced by the Association of the European Sports Capitals and Cities in the heart of Europe – Brussels. The list may be extended just to illustrate the fast development of the small mountain town which has become one of the most recognizable resorts in Europe.
The significant amount of investments in the tourist sector established the municipality as a leading winter destination in Bulgaria. This is also the sector that most quickly overcomes the adverse effects of the crisis and shows serious growth on yearly basis. The development of the summer tourism is of crucial importance for the municipality, as this creates an all-year-round model of employment and income and is a condition for keeping young people in the municipality. For this purpose, in addition to the International Jazz Fest, which has become an institution and celebrates its 20th edition in August 2017, Bansko Municipal Administration has managed to attract and establish another two summer music formats – Bohemi Bansko and Bansko Beat. The most attractive winter tourist destination on the Balkans has once again shown that the summer season here is not less exciting. Evidence for this is the award of the small south town won in December 2015 – Balkan Capital of Festivals given by the Balkan Awards for Tourist Industry, conferred by a jury comprising representatives of the business from Bulgaria, Serbia, Italy and Romania for the consistent and active policy of the administration for the development of Bansko as a festival center and Territory of the Spirit. Everyone who attended the ceremony felt how the mountain was brought to life in front of their eyes when the stars appeared on the stage: Little Dragon, the wonderful James Arthur, the Serbian magician Zeljko Joksimovic, the Macedonian sweet-voiced bird Karolina Goceva, the Bulgarian pride Ivo Papazov, the virtuoso Dino Merlin and many, many others. At the height of the vacation season, our route will, of course, meander among the ridges of the Rhodope and the Pirin Mountains. The thick fir shadow, the crystal air and the brilliant water there are the natural reward for everyone who has decided to enjoy the festival culture in the region.
The development of the tourist industry provides good conditions for development of stock-breeding industry and food processing plants, which would close the circle of demand of such products on the local market. Bansko Municipality is looking for other entrepreneurship solutions for establishment of a direct connection between furniture production and tourism and will continue to demonstrate its strive to be an investment-attractive destination.
