A survey was conducted within the scope of this activity.
The survey was conducted using a quantitative method. The survey included both open and closed type questions. In addition to the information about the region, the views and attitudes of future users about the infrastructure of the region, access, accommodation and entertainment conditions were also investigated. The survey was conducted via the Internet. The surveys were published on the project website, on the partners’ websites, on 4 information websites in Bulgaria and 4 information websites in Turkey.
CONFIDENCE IN THE MOUNTAIN’S HEALING POSSIBILITIES IS OVER 50%
The partners of the project “The Life-Giving Power of Istıranca” have studied the popularity of the mountain as a place for health tourism. The survey was conducted through an online survey published on four Bulgarian and four Turkish information sites. A total of 2,433 people from both sides of the border expressed their opinions about it.
More than 50% of Bulgarians and more than 42% of Turkish respondents say they believe in the mountain’s health tourism opportunities. Only 12% to 13% of the respondents were not interested in the subject.
More than 65% of the respondents believe that information about climatic resorts on Mount Istranca is insufficient.
The possibilities for the promotion and development of mountain tourism in the mountain are assessed as insufficient or weak in both countries. In Turkey, over 54% and in Bulgaria, over 50%
Despite the lack of good research, the water in the mountain springs has extraordinary healing properties according to the popular needs of the local population. More than 65% of the public who voted stated that they believe in the healing power of the springs, which were considered miraculous in the past.
Most of the respondents get their information from friends and acquaintances. Including advertising, media and social media, only 22% of the respondents trust. The survey research revealed that the opportunities offered by Istiranca for health tourism in Bulgaria are mainly of interest to people between the ages of 40 and 70, while in Turkey they are interested in people between the ages of 20 and 40. In both countries, people who have finished university are mostly interested in a healthy stay in the mountains.
The survey aimed to gather people’s opinions and wishes and summarize them so that they believe and trust in the curative and prophylactic properties of the cross-border region. Mount Istranca offers excellent conditions for climate therapy and, perhaps, unused water therapy. One of the goals of the project “The Life-Giving Power of Mount Istranca” is to stimulate further research on climate and water in the region and to lay the foundations for the development of health tourism. In recent years, one of the most popular types of tourism in Europe is health tourism. Climate resorts are increasingly being chosen for the prevention and treatment of diseases. It has been established that the exceptional features of the cross-border region of Istranca allow for a successful combination of various types of tourism: cultural, eco, marine and medical.
The summarized results were published on the project website, on 8 informative websites / 4 in Bulgaria and 4 in Turkey / as well as in a special book edition – brochure. The brochure also included information on the natural resources of the region – climate, waters, tourism conditions. The edition is in three languages Bulgarian, Turkish and English in format 60/90/16, 32 pages, 1600 copies / 800 copies printed.
