Baza danych projektów PROW
A Guest House to Increase Rural Tourism
Summary
The project aimed to diversify farm activities and increase non-agricultural actions through the restoration of an existing old building and the construction of tourist facilities in the village of Ostritsa.
Background
In 2008, 24-year old Tsanko Stoytchev built his own fruit and vegetable farm in the village of Ostritsa. The beneficiary began to cultivate a 10 ha apple orchard. He then applied for funding under Measure 112 'Setting up young farmers' to expand and modernize the farm. The farm has now 2 ha more for vegetables (tomatoes, peppers and cabbage). Subsequently, Tsanko Stoytchev decided to diversity its activities, reaching out to tourists, and applied to other RDP funds in 2010.
Objective
The overall purpose of the farmer was to achieve a sustainable long-term development by integrating economic activities with non-agricultural activities through the newly built guest house. This structure enables the farm to offer tourist services to a bigger number of guests which in turn increases the farm income.
Main activities
The main activities were the construction of a guest house, the renovation of other farm buildings, the construction of a swimming pool and a barbecue in the yard. A website was also developed.
Results & Benefits
The guest house consists of 6 rooms with 18 beds and two suites. A small heated swimming pool, a children's pool and a barbecue were built in the yard. The architectural style is similar to the old Bulgarian monasteries – the whole structure is made of stone and wood, which with the surrounding landscape captures the romantic spirit of the Bulgarian village. Part of the guest house was built on a former farm building by preserving existing stone walls.
Lessons learnt
The beneficiary highlighted that “Things do not happen by themselves. Good organization and coordination skills are necessary at all stages – from pre-training (design and planning), to project implementation and completion.”
Project location and other information
This project, under Measure 311, to build facilities for rural tourism was planned during the implementation of the business plan envisaged under Measure 112. The farmer benefited also from a vocational training organised under Measure 111 "Vocational Training" by the Bulgarian RDP.
Region
Ruse
RDP Territory
Bulgaria
Total project cost (€)
165 650
EAFRD contribution (€)
82 160
National contribution (€)
20 540
Private contribution (€)
62 950
Project website
Contact name
Tsanko Stoytchev
Telephone
+359 876 729 494
Languages for contact
English, Bulgarian
Document attachment
At a glance
Country
Bulgaria
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
25/10/2010
End Date:
25/10/2012
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Rural economic diversification
311. Diversification into non-agricultural activities
Keywords:
Rural tourism, Sustainable development, Tourism, Farm diversification, Young farmers
Last update
19/06/2014