The project aims to be an integrated approach for the preservation of the cultural heritage and the promotion of cultural tourism, characterised by sustainability. It aims to continue previous similar interventions in the area, such as the Phare 2005, BG 161 PO 001/2.1.-02/2007 Supporting the Development of Regional Tourism Through the Improvement of Related Infrastructure and the Phare Neighbourhood Programme Bulgaria-Serbia BG 2005/017-457.01.016 Sustainable Economic Development, both aiming to enhance cross-border cooperation and develop common tourist products. Also, the 'Transboundary Cooperation through the Management of Shared Natural Resources-Local Initiatives Programme and 'People to People Activities' included activities on cultural cooperation and creation of common traditional products in the West Stara Planina Region, while a series of cultural events are being organised in the project area. Taking advantage of the good practices developed and of the outcomes of past projects, this project has included in its activities elements of innovation and added value with regard to the above similar interventions. In particular, extensive use of new technologies, such as the digitalization of the cultural material is part of the project strategy in order to inform, raise awareness of and involve a large part of the cross-border population and to enhance the sustainability of the project. The present partnership has been chosen as the appropriate one for the achievement of the project objectives, on the basis of the region richness on cultural reserve and traditions and of the past experience of the partners involved in previous funded projects on culture and alternative forms of tourism, such as cultural tourism. Samokov Municipality is appointed as the Lead partner due to its past project experience, its structure and financial capacity and due to the great variety of cultural elements that should be promoted and exploited in terms of tourism. Achievements: Thefollowing results were achieved during the project implementation:- Creation of an interactive Web portal, describing in details the cultural heritage and promoting the projects, the tourist destination and trails: www.culturaltourism-ipa.eu- Production of a short video clip for promoting cultural tourism in both countries;- Six cross-border tourist packages were printed and distributed;- Creation of a digitalized Guide on Alternative tourism which was also printed out and distributed to the relevant stakeholders;- Organization of 3 Intercultural festivals - in Samokov, Kovachevci and Dimitrovgrad. Approximately 2500 people participated in the festival in Samokov, 500 participated in Kovachevtsi and 500 participated in the Festival in Dimitrovgrad;- Two Intercultural Centers were established - one in Samokov and one in Dimitrovgrad;- Two Decision makers' meetings were organized in which 82 people took part.