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This study aims to present the interaction of the key factors for the development of the Tourism sector on the territory of Strandja National Park. The authors believe that building effective functional links between all participants would increase the competitiveness of the tourism industry and the region both. Despite a number of projects to promote the Strandja region as a tourist destination, this area is still not preferred. It is necessary to make an analysis of the opportunities and limitations, local resources and their potential for development. The study emphasized on the key characteristics that make a particular location unique. Moreover, the development of some specific social capital and marketing strategies is a necessary tool for attracting specific target group. Strandja Nature Park is the largest protected area in the Republic of Bulgaria with an area of 1161 square kilometers. It covers the Bulgarian part of the Strandja Mountains, bordering the Republic of Turkey to the south and the Black Sea to the east. The whole municipality of Malko Tarnovo, part of the municipality of Tsarevo and a small part of the municipality of Primorsko are located on its territory. It includes 21 settlements with a population of about 8,000 people. The creation of a functional tourism cluster, composed of representatives of the sector in the region, would generate the synergy necessary to attract tourist flows, due to the fact that they are embedded in the structure of the economy of impressions, the ability to offer the traveler a tourist product. of local culture and traditions. The Strandja region has a huge cultural potential and the offer of tourism in the region should focus on promoting the specific local food and cuisine. Establishing permanent contacts, trusted relationships and cooperation, exchanging experiences and sharing resources are some of the advantages of working in a network, which is means of increasing the competitiveness of a region. We will thoroughly examine this specific set of tools in order to determine the exact amount of actions for achieving success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism is a major factor that determines the potential for the increase of the economic growth as well as the opportunities for the creation of new job positions. The developing of the tourism infrastructure is a key issue for the local economic stability and especially for the reduction of the unemployment rate. A possible strategy for ensuring the progress of the tourism sector is the building of the social capital networks. The successful building/Implementing of social relations is a vital factor in each region's efforts to preserve its cultural heritage, including local traditions, cuisine and characteristics. The study focuses on social capital as a factor for increasing the tourist potential of a particular region in Bulgaria and to offer guidelines for ensuring sustainability in its development. Strandja Nature Park is the largest protected natural area in Bulgaria. It is known for its unique ecosystems and biodiversity, and the original Strandja folklore, culture and historical heritage are preserved on the territory. Strandja is the only Bulgarian territory included in the five priority areas for protection in Central and Eastern Europe. Despite the uniqueness of this area and the efforts of local authorities, the Strandja Nature Park remains poorly attractive for mass tourism. In the years after Bulgaria became member state of the European Union the opportunities to work on European projects significantly improve the development of the region. Social capital relates to make strong ties to others within a system. It represents the resources that are acquired through building personal and professional relationships, plans and ideas, business communications, human and financial capital, influence, trust, emotional commitment, friendship and cooperation. Exactly such aspects contribute to the development of the competencies of the people employed in the tourism industry. In order to be able to develop a competitive product, adequate attention must first and foremost be paid to the employees who offer this product. The most important item aspect of a good tourist business is an added value for the end user and the innovative approach of offering. A specific research on the issue could present a comprehensive concept for development of social capital. Training methods and specialized workshops could strengthen the critical thinking of tourist entrepreneurs in Strandja area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]