NEWS / September 27 – World Tourism Day
On September 27, we celebrate World Tourism Day – an initiative by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), which aims to raise awareness of the importance of tourism and its impact on society, the economy, culture, and the environment worldwide.
Each year, this day is dedicated to a specific theme that reflects current challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector. The theme for World Tourism Day 2025 is “Tourism and Green Investments,” emphasizing the need for sustainable, innovative, and long-term investments that foster tourism development while protecting nature and supporting local communities.
In this context, Rila Monastery Nature Park stands as a prime example of sustainable tourism in Bulgaria. As a protected area with exceptional biological diversity and a rich cultural and historical heritage, the park attracts over one million visitors annually from both Bulgaria and abroad.
Several popular hiking trails with high visitor frequency pass through the park, including:
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Rila Monastery – Kirilova Polyana – Dry Lake – Kobilino Braniste
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Rila Monastery – Fish Lakes – Smradlivo Lake
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Rila Monastery – Malyovitsa
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Rila Monastery – Seven Rila Lakes
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Rila Monastery – Radovichka River – “Makedonia” Hut
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International Tourist Route E-4: Pyrenees – Alps – Olympus
All trails are well-marked and color-coded, maintained by the Rila Monastery Nature Park Directorate, which ensures visitor safety and environmental sustainability.
On World Tourism Day, we are reminded that responsible tourism is not just a way to explore and relax, but also a powerful tool to preserve our nature, cultural memory, and shared future.
Let us invest in tourism – sustainably, wisely, and with care for future generations.