The Tourist Organization of the City of Istočno Sarajevo, in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics at the University, will develop a strategy for the tourism development of Romanija as a destination, announced the organization’s director, Igor Ikonić, in an interview with SRNA.
“This initiative will allow us to strategically direct the development of Romanija and determine the best approach for its tourism potential,” Ikonić stated.
He emphasized the importance of simultaneously considering the protection of Romanija as a nature park, aligning with an earlier initiative by the Glasinac Mountaineering Society from Sokolac.
“Alpinism and mountaineering are significant for the Tourist Organization of Istočno Sarajevo, forming the foundation of the city’s strategic tourism development,” Ikonić noted.
He recalled a November 2024 event marking 95 years of alpinism on Romanija and commemorating the first ascent in 1929, achieved by Vojo Ilić and Drago Šefer using basic mountaineering equipment to scale Djevojačka Stijena.
“We remembered their remarkable achievement, celebrated 95 years of alpinism, and agreed to elevate this event to a higher level,” Ikonić remarked.
A successful 2024
Ikonić highlighted that 2024 was a productive year for the Tourist Organization of Istočno Sarajevo, with numerous events held during both winter and summer tourism seasons. Significant efforts were made to showcase the city’s attractions to visitors.
While the year began with promising prospects for the winter season, limited snowfall ultimately hindered its success. Despite this, Jahorina—regarded as the top tourist attraction in Istočno Sarajevo—was among the best ski resorts in Southeast Europe. The artificial snowmaking systems and the Olympic Center “Jahorina” managed to salvage the season to some extent.
According to Ikonić, reduced snowfall is expected to continue in upcoming seasons, making snowmaking systems crucial for maintaining competitiveness.
“We’re on the right track, with serious skiing infrastructure already in place, but we must invest further to remain competitive, and so far, we’ve succeeded,” he said.
After the winter season, the Tourist Organization participated in major tourism fairs, including those in Belgrade and Banja Luka, where they showcased the potential of Republika Srpska’s attractions.
“At the Banja Luka tourism fair, our efforts were recognized with an award for our contribution to tourism development, and we attract numerous visitors from this part of Republika Srpska to our destinations,” Ikonić emphasized.
Event tourism
During the summer season, the organization successfully hosted over 100 events, including the 21st international 3×3 basketball tournament in Pale.
“Our goal is for Istočno Sarajevo to thrive as a year-round destination, not just during the two or three months of the winter season,” Ikonić said.
Recent statistics show a rise in international tourists, while domestic tourism has stagnated slightly, partly due to the reduction of voucher programs previously offered to local visitors.
Plans for 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, one of the key activities will be the organization’s independent participation at the Vienna Tourism Fair, opening on January 16. The Tourist Organization has secured around 50 square meters of exhibition space at the fair with the support of the relevant ministry.
“Our most important event remains the Belgrade Tourism Fair from February 20 to 23, as most of our visitors come from Serbia,” Ikonić noted.
Another priority for 2025 will be the protection of Miljacka Springs and Pavlović Gradina, a project initiated in 2024.
“We have already consulted the Institute for Cultural, Historical, and Natural Heritage Protection and received approval to proceed with safeguarding this site, which has been under some form of protection since 1955,” Ikonić explained.
Additionally, plans include installing a tourist information booth and souvenir shop on Jahorina to enhance visitor experience.
“We are negotiating with the Ministry and the Government of Republika Srpska for land leasing to establish a representative facility for the Tourist Organization,” Ikonić concluded.
Source: See Srpska
