Two villages, Kalofer and Gorno Draglishte, were selected for study
since they were among the main communities included in Odysseia-
In's newresponsiblewalking tour itineraries. These itinerarieswere designed
in partnership with the PAN Parks Foundation to enable tourists
to discover the area in a way which respects the natural environment
and supports local businesses. Kalofer is a small, established tourism
destination situated in the Central Balkan National Park, and has a declining
population currently around 3000 people. With substantial
external funding, it has developed a range of tourism activities and infrastructure
based on the natural attractions of the National Park and
the town's cultural heritage (e.g. local traditions, folklore, Bulgarian Renaissance
architecture, and local history, especially as the birthplace of
the revolutionary hero, Hristo Botev) (Kalofer Ecotourism Association,
2014). In contrast to Kalofer, Gorno Draglishte is a small, rural village
of around 1000 people situated in South-West Bulgaria between three
mountains in the Valley of Razlog. Following some small-scale external
funding, Gorno Draglishte is slowly emerging as a small tourist destination
based on its guesthouses, authentic local farming culture, and proximity
to Rila National Park, Bansko ski resort and the famous Church of