---

DOLNA BANYA, BOROVETS and surrounding areas

Dolna Banya is at the beginning of its redevelopment - it has the product in its wealth of natural resources and it understands the requirements necessary to lift it out of its current post-communist environment into a showcase for the new Bulgaria. A country which is starting to rapidly emerge with the guidance and financial assistance of the European Union over the coming months and years.

With its close proximity to Sofia, Bulgaria's capital city, it is currently a 45 min drive from Sofia International Airport. Dolna Banya is situated in a valley, surrounded by the Rila Mountains/National Park and Sredna Gora Mountains. It has a moderate climate with 5 rivers running through it. The town is famous for its geo-thermal springs and clean mountain air. For the 2nd year running the European Ecology Fesitival was held (May 7,8,9) in the town and is expected to be a yearly event. Here, people and companies with interests in this field meet to discuss aims and plans for the future. The symbol of the Festival is the Stork as Dolna Banya is famous for its stork nests. It is fast becoming a strategic and attractive place for investment opportunities - with its high mountain ranges and flat plateaus - ideal for both golfing and skiing tourist markets. The new Jack Niklaus Golf Club is located within 2km of the town. There is also an established 18-hole golf course at Ihtiman - approx 18km from Dolna Banya with very reasonable prices. The international Ski resort of Borovets is approx 18km from the town. The "Super Borovets" project, which has been placed on hold at this moment in time, is expected to revitalise the resort which is already popular with both the UK and European communities. Meanwhile the Municipality of Dolna Banya is already receiving its own interest with Tobo-BG currently investing in design plans for ski-lifts to be installed within a few kilometres of the town. Upon completion, the whole length of the ski slopes will extend to a total of approx 19 kilometres. They envisage a cascade of lift lines and the construction of a winter stadium (expected capacity 20,000) to be constructed at 2,500 metres. Dolna Banya Municipality have also entered into a contract with Bulgaria GFA Ltd to establish "Wellness Island" involving the creation of a Health and Beauty Spa with hotels and restaurants and sporting and recreational facilities. Such a Spa complex already exists in Munich, Germany and they will be recreating it in Dolna Banya - it will be the only one of its kind in Bulgaria!

The Dolna Banya Municipality is forward thinking and welcomes and embraces foreign investment. However, whilst it wishes to enter the international community it is also committed to ensuring that the essential essence of the area and its customs and traditions will not be compromised and will be integrated into the new emerging community.