The monasteries around Sofia. Pilgrimage travels potential and tourist development

This article analyzes the possibilities for development of pilgrimage travel and religious tourism in the monasteries of The Holy Mount of Sofia (Bulgaria). The pilgrimage is described as a specific tourist product and we explained the importance of the strategic planning as a tool to diversify the offer of any tourist destination. In the study, it is also described the religious environment of The Holy Mount and its main characteristics as a pilgrimage center. We analyze the strategy, the market and the tourist offer in Bulgaria of the city of Sofia, mainly based on the cultural and business segment. Finally, statistical data are measured to evaluate the potential of Holy Mount of Sofia as a tourist destination, to design proposals and to face some challenges ahead.