ČAVIĆ: KOZARA DESERVES SUCCESSFUL STORY LIKE "RAJSKA DOLINA" ON JAHORINA

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 10 /SRNA/ – The Hospitality Service of the Republika Srpska Government has, since its establishment, confirmed its strategic commitment to enhancing national resources through investments that ensure long-term prosperity and economic viability, therefore accordingly, in the upcoming period, the development of tourism on Mount Kozara is planned, said the service director Zoran Čavić.

Čavić told SRNA that the goal is for Kozara to become the second national gem of Republika Srpska, alongside Jahorina, where significant achievements have already been made. He pointed out that around half a million people live in the area surrounding Kozara, thus investing in this beautiful region of Krajina will create conditions to fully utilize its tourism potential. "Our approach to developing tourist destinations relies on proven models that integrate economic sustainability with the broader interests of Republika Srpska. A prime example of this is the investment in the Rajska dolina hotel on Mount Jahorina, which has become a symbol of strategic management of natural resources," Čavić emphasized. He reminded that Rajska dolina is the only hotel on Jahorina that operates 365 days a year, providing stable and year-round employment for its staff, unaffected by seasonal fluctuations. "Through this investment, not only have we enhanced the tourism offering, but we have also improved it in a way that competes effectively with private capital, continuously raising the overall standards of Jahorina as Republika Srpska’s pride," said Čavić. Similarly, he added, the development of Kozara will follow a multifunctional approach that includes congress tourism, the nurturing of culture of remebrance given that this mountain is one of the largest Serb WWII execution sites and a symbol of resistance and patriotism, as well as the improvement of the Kozara National Park. "Special attention will also be directed toward the oldest and youngest citizens of Republika Srpska. The Hospitality Service will focus its efforts on utilizing Kozara’s capacities for tourism, education, and upbringing nurturing a love for nature, history, and culture," explained Čavić. This will be enabled through the creation of programmes directed towards the youngest and oldest residents of Republika Srpska, in cooperation with local municipalities and the Republika Srpska Government, Čavić exolained. According to him, developing Kozara tourism potential is of strategic importance for Republika Srpska, as it will contribute to a comprehensive approach to tourism development throughout the entire Republic. "Through investments in infrastructure and programmes that promote historical heritage, natural beauty, and modern tourist amenities, we expect multiple benefits in the years ahead: from increased tourist traffic and employment, to strengthening national identity, fostering sustainable economic growth that will benefit the entire community and make Kozara attractive for further tourism development," Čavić highlighted. Stating that the Republika Srpska Government’s Hospitality Service remains committed to responsible resource management, Čavić says he is confident that the Kozara development initiative, like the one on Jahorina, will prove its value through concrete results.