The Minister of Economy of the Sarajevo Canton, Zlatko Mijatović, officially opened the first Sarajevo Destination Festival today.
In his speech at the opening of the Festival for visitors, the Minister of Economy emphasized:
“The Ministry of Economy and the Government of the Sarajevo Canton see tremendous potential for progress in the field of tourism, hence the special value of the Sarajevo Destination Festival. Our canton has much to offer, and the intention is to continue developing the tourism sector.”
Minister Mijatović extended special thanks to the organizers, the Skenderija Center, and the Tourist Board of the Sarajevo Canton for their successful cooperation and implementation of the project, with the Ministry of Economy of the Sarajevo Canton being the general sponsor.
As part of the Festival, a conference titled “Creative and Sustainable Communities in 21st Century Tourism” with four panels is being held at the Youth Center. Minister Mijatović participated in the panel “Tourism and Community Revitalization” along with representatives from the EU delegation, USAID Tourism, the Tourist Board of the Sarajevo Canton, and GIZ. The Minister addressed the plans of the Ministry of Economy aimed at balanced and sustainable tourism in the Sarajevo Canton, particularly emphasizing the importance of developing a quality tourism development strategy, which is currently in progress.
Among other dignitaries present at the conference opening, Prime Minister of the Sarajevo Canton, Nihad Uk, also greeted the attendees. He welcomed them to the event, which gathers participants to explore, promote, and empower the tourism potential of Sarajevo.
“Such events are an opportunity for us to collectively discover the richness of our cultural heritage, natural beauty, and the hospitality of our people. The Sarajevo Canton is not only the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina but also the epicenter of diversity and dynamism. Our kindness and openness welcome guests from all over the world, offering them an unforgettable experience. Strolling through the streets of Baščaršija, the aroma of traditional dishes in authentic restaurants, exploring historical monuments, the City Hall, the National Museum, Olympic beauties, religious sites… are just some of the magical moments our canton offers. With a wealth of cultural events, festivals, and artistic manifestations, Sarajevo is an endless source of inspiration for tourists of various interests,” Prime Minister Uk stated.
He emphasized that the Sarajevo Canton, the Tourist Board of the Sarajevo Canton, and other tourism-related institutions, as well as hoteliers, restaurateurs, tourism workers, etc., are tirelessly working to improve tourism infrastructure, offerings, and services.
“We witness a growing number of visitors who come to experience all that our canton has to offer, and we are very proud of that. However, our vision goes beyond mere tourist attraction. The Government of the Sarajevo Canton is committed to sustainable tourism that respects the environment and the local community. Investing in the protection of natural resources, promoting cultural diversity, and supporting local initiatives are key elements of our future strategy,” Prime Minister Uk stated, among other things.
The Festival, which gathers hundreds of exhibitors and participants from 15 countries, is held from April 26th to 27th at the Skenderija Center, and is open for visits from 10 am to 6 pm, with free admission.
