“One Team – One Goal – One Tonne of Food”

Bansko, 26 October 2023 – The traditionally noble mission of Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko took place on 25 October. For an eleventh consecutive year, the hotel donated more than one tonne of fresh fruits to the BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa. The donation of food is planned purposely in October, when bears prepare for hibernation and need more food and vitamins. Each time, the fruits are hidden in different places, so the bears can search and find them themselves, exactly as they normally do in a natural wild environment.

BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa is a unique sanctuary in Bulgaria that provides special care to rescued brown bears. It was founded in 2000 as a cooperation project between the Foundation Brigitte Bardot and FOUR PAWS. Today the sanctuary is a home to 17 bears, ranging in age from 8 to 34 years old. Every bear has its territory with plenty of space to walk and climb. Most of them are former “dancing bears” that have been rescued from their previous owners, who used them to entertain tourists in various resorts in Bulgaria, as well as from the Balkan countries like Serbia, Croatia, Albania and North Macedonia. The others have been rescued from various forms of poor captivity, such as zoos, circuses and hotels. At the sanctuary the bears go through rehabilitation and recover from their former lives in captivity in an environment close to their natural habitat with lots of trees, wading pools and dens, as well as enrichments to keep them curious and active. More information about the BEAR SANCTUARY Belitsa can be found at: https://www.bearsanctuary-belitsa.org/.

On the occasion of the visit, General Manager Rene Detzen commented: “I am very proud that the team started “One Team – One Goal – One Tonne of Food” initiative in the past and is supporting it already eleven years in a row. It is really very sad that the bears were subjected to such torture, but fortunately they are now back in the wild and receiving proper care in a safe environment to live in. I would like to express my respect to all people taking care for the well-being of the bears and to assure that Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko will continue to support them in their noble mission.”  

-ENDS-

About Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko: Being the only ski-in and ski-out hotel in the area, Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko is located in the very heart of the most popular and vibrant winter resort in the Balkans – Bansko, right across from the gondola lift station, which gives access to 75 km of ski runs groomed at a high international level, suitable for all skiers, from complete beginners to advanced ones. The luxury hotel is the only international branded winter resort in this part of the Balkans and is open year-round. It features 157 Alpine-style rooms, including 26 suites and an exclusive Presidential Suite, a fully renovated Kempinski The Spa with brand-new and unique thermal facilities, four conference rooms and eight restaurants and bars with spectacular views of the majestic Pirin Mountains. Graced with European flair, the hotel grants the ultimate Kempinski ski, gourmet and spa experience.

About Kempinski: Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today, the Kempinski Group operates 80 hotels and residences in 34 countries and currently has more than 25 prestigious projects under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. www.kempinski.com www.ghadiscovery.com

Media contact:
Emiliya Kordeva - Belcheva · PR and Marketing Manager
Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko
96, Pirin Street · 2770 Bansko · Bulgaria
T +359 749 88568 · M +359 889 920 030 · [email protected]