Trakia Journal of Sciences, Vol. 17, Suppl. 1, 2019 541 Trakia Journal of Sciences, Vol. 17, Suppl. 1, pp 541-547, 2019 Copyright © 2019 Trakia University Available online at: http://www.uni-sz.bg ISSN 1313-7069 (print) ISSN 1313-3551 (online) doi:10.15547/tjs.2019.s.01.086 LOW-COST AIRCARRIERS AS A FACTOR FOR DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL TOURISM D. Yordanov* University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria ABSTRACT The development of sustainable tourism based on natural and cultural values is one of the approaches that would allow Bulgaria to respond to new challenges and reap the benefits of changing market preferences. At the same time, transport is one of the sectors in the national economy that is essential to increase its competitiveness and service to the population. The journey is an integral component of tourism. Between tourism and transport there is a unmistakable connection. The more developed the access to a country, the more popular it becomes. That is why in recent years low-cost companies have emerged as a determining factor in choosing a tourist destination The article examines the prospects and opportunities for development of sustainable tourism regions by encouraging air carriers dealing with low-cost passenger transport. The findings were made as a result of analysis of the transport and tourism sectors. Data and information containing scientific developments, statistical and other information sources are used for this purpose. Key words: air transport, tourism, tourist destination, INTRODUCTION Transport is an integral part of tourism, (1) at the same time it is closely connected with all other sectors producing different types of goods or services and performs functions of supply of materials, fuels, finished products, as well as transportation of the tourists to the tourist site . (2) The world is changing, and the vision of its development changes. (2) Trends in the development of international tourism are related to the new needs and the new attitude of the tourist towards the motives and the preferences for the model of organizing and conducting the tourist tour . The new challenges for the consumer are related to the principles of sustainable development, which are generally significant and whose implementation would contribute to reducing the negative effects of globalization. 2017 was designated by decision of the UN General Assembly and the World Tourism Organization (SOT) as an International Year of Sustainable Development for Tourism, with the focus of the initiative aimed at changing _________________________ *Correspondence to: Daniel Yordanov, Economics of Transport and Energy Department, University of National and World Economy, Sofia, Bulgaria; dyordanov@unwe.bg dansy@abv.bg policies, business practices and consumer habits that shape sustainable development of tourism and its impact on a number of other economic and social activities. At the same time, the role of tourism has been promoted and popularized in several key areas - inclusive and sustainable economic growth; social inclusion, employment and poverty reduction; resource efficiency, environmental protection and combating climate change; cultural values, diversity and cultural heritage; mutual understanding, peace and security. Zhenhua Liu (3) points out that the concept of sustainability has its origins in the environmentalism that grew to prominence in the 1970s. “The explicit idea of sustainable development was first highlighted by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources in its World Conservation Strategy. In 1987, the Brundtland Commission Report defined sustainable development as ‘development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. The Commission further emphasized that sustainable development is not a fixed stateof harmony, but rather a dynamic process of changes which ‘are all in harmony and