A new attraction in Hisarlaka gives a boost to active tourism in the region

A new rope park and eco-trail are now welcoming visitors to Hisarlaka Forest Park near Kyustendil. The attraction was officially opened at the beginning of June and is part of a project aimed at developing sustainable tourism in the cross-border region between Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

With a budget of nearly €1 million, project BGMK0200028 “Cross-Border Attractiveness – Smart Tourism in the Kyustendil–Kriva Palanka–Nevestino Region”, co-financed under the Interreg VI-A IPA Bulgaria–North Macedonia 2021–2027 Programme, is among the most significant investments in tourism infrastructure in the region. Its objective is to promote sustainable tourism and create new opportunities for nature-based experiences on both sides of the border.

The project is implemented by the Municipality of Kyustendil, Municipality of Kriva Palanka, Municipality of Nevestino, Nort-east planning region Kumanovo, Kyustendil Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Museum Kumanovo and focuses on making better use of the tourism potential of the cross-border region.

The new rope park offers a variety of routes and challenges suitable for visitors of different ages, while the eco-trail expands opportunities for walking and exploring the natural assets of the area. Together, they create a new space for active recreation, sport and family experiences in nature.

The opening coincided with International Children’s Day and attracted dozens of families, local residents and visitors to Kyustendil. Rope park demonstrations, creative workshops and a range of activities turned the day into a true celebration for younger visitors.

Among the official guests were Eng. Ognyan Atanasov, Mayor of the Municipality of Kyustendil, Sasko Mitovski, Mayor of the Municipality of Kriva Palanka, Yordan Belovodski, Secretary General of the Kyustendil Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Toni Jakimovski, Head of the Joint Secretariat of the Programme. In their remarks, they highlighted the importance of the project for tourism development, cross-border cooperation and the creation of new opportunities for local communities on both sides of the border.

The new attraction forms part of broader efforts to establish the region as an attractive destination for active and sustainable tourism. Through investments in tourism infrastructure and the creation of new visitor experiences, the project contributes to stronger connections between Kyustendil, Kriva Palanka and Nevestino and supports the development of a shared tourism product across the cross-border region.

As a continuation of the project activities, the tourism and presentation panel “Kyustendil and the Region – New Attractions, Connectivity and Sustainable Tourism” was held in Kyustendil on 2 June. The event brought together tour operators, travel agencies and tourism stakeholders to discuss opportunities for promoting the new attractions and supporting the future development of the region as a tourism destination.