BAAT Celebrates 10 Years Anniversary

Yana Dikova, VisitBulgaria.net, Feb 26, 2008

Last week, on 20 Feb 2008, the Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism (BAAT) celebrated 10 years anniversary from its foundation.
The event was marked with a special conference for journalists, followed by relaxing cocktail party in Central Hotel, Sofia.
“All these years the association has worked hard to inform the Bulgarian tourists about the unique Bulgarian natural, mountain and village resources. For 10 years already BAAT has been organizing different courses, seminars and consultations to help the development of the alternative tourism”, Mr. Popyordanov, president of the association, said in front of journalists.

Later on after relaxing glass of wine, in the cosy atmosphere of Central Hotel Restaurant, Mr. Orlin Chachanovski, president of “Mountains and People” Association introduced for the first time in front of public a new alternative 3-days route, starting from Visha Mountain.
The route will start from “Roni Krast” Peak, will lead to a small unknown cave (which used to give shelter to the famous Ivan Rilski), will reach a small village of Rajdavitsa (1200 metres above sea level); then on the second day will lead the group to Skakavishki Waterfall, near the village of Zemen (one overnight in Zemenski Monastery is planned here), and at last the third day foresees 30 km rafting through the Zemen Gorge. The route will be safeguarded; mountain guidance and equipment will be provided for the alternative tourists.

After the announcing of the tour, the guests at the cocktail had the opportunity to taste from Lyaskovets wine and “Lyaskovska Grozdova Rakia”, provided with the kind cooperation of Lyaskovets Winery.
The executive director of BAAT, Zorica Stavreva welcomed the guests with specially designed fortune-tellers, made of eco materials.
The guests also had the chance to talk with the new members of BAAT, young and keen eco lovers, trainees from universities from Sofia.