Boban Đurović, President of the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja - We want to conquer the Asian market, and we expect results already at the beginning of 2025

Vrnjačka Banja is one of the most visited destinations in our country, which is constantly improving the quality of services and offers through investments. It attracts local and foreign tourists, and the intention is to conquer the Asian market. The plan is to open four hotels, which will bring the kind of luxury that can only be found in the most exclusive tourist destinations.

We talked about all this, but also about many more details, with the president of the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja, Boban Đurović.

- Last year brought us another opportunity to feel the positive effects of all previous investments in Vrnjačka Banja. Thanks to investments in infrastructure, tourist facilities and promotion, we have created an environment that attracts visitors all year round. These investments have contributed to improving the quality of services provided by Vrnjačka Banja, increasing the number of tourists and raising the reputation of the Spa as one of the most desirable destinations in Serbia.

I believe that these waves of positive changes will continue in the coming seasons, because every investment carries with it the potential to achieve extraordinary results and benefits for everyone.

- Due to its accommodation facilities, four- and five-star hotels and a congress center, the second largest in Serbia, Vrnjačka Banja is increasingly the choice of high-paying guests, as well as the host of numerous business meetings. In the past few years, dozens of new high-category hotels with rich wellness and spa facilities, worth almost EUR 200 million, have been completed.

Through the improvement of the quality of services and content, we strive for Vrnjačka Banja to become recognizable as a destination that provides top-notch luxury and relaxation. With the support of the state, all these investments are accompanied by large investments by the Municipality of Vrnjačka Banja in infrastructure, roads, roundabouts, fountains, landscaping of parks and other public areas, footpaths, designing new and realizing traditional festivals with a modern and innovative approach to organization. There are also concerts by numerous famous performers, cultural, entertainment and sports events, a large number of interesting attractions, such as the largest Aqua Park and Panoramic Wheel in the Balkans and a glass observation deck, the first in Serbia, whose opening marked the beginning of this tourist season in Vrnjačka Banja.

The offer is completed by the ZOO garden, the Japanese garden, the Labyrinth park, the adrenaline park, sports halls, fields built according to FIFA standards, the Sculpture Park, the waterfall that is perfectly integrated into the natural environment of Church Hill, and above all 60 ha of landscaped park areas in the heart of Vrnjačka Banja.

- The Gondola represents one of the most strategically important projects and the crown of investment ventures in the tourism field. The 7.1 km long route will connect the center of Vrnjačka Banja with the Goč mountain. In addition to allowing you to enjoy the most beautiful landscapes of Mount Goč, a view of unreal forested areas, hunting grounds and hiking trails, this unique tourist attraction, which has been declared a project of national interest, will also give an additional boost to the development of Mount Goč.

The area around Selište lake will also be improved with new walking areas and water attractions, such as geysers. The plan is to build a mini ZOO that will be home to wild indigenous species, as well as the construction of typical mountain tourist settlements, such as the existing Kedar village, with additional facilities, restaurants and wellness facilities, without building hotels and multi-story buildings.

The gondola is one of our most ambitious projects, which is being implemented with the support of the state and the Djokovic family.

- Smart technologies are increasingly present in hotels and restaurants in Vrnjačka Banja. There are many examples of applications, such as applications for mobile devices that allow guests to reserve accommodation or tables in restaurants, order food and drinks, use smart cards to access rooms or pay and evaluate the quality of services provided, as well as energy efficiency management systems. Visitors` demands for new technologies are also increasing, and our hoteliers and restaurateurs are diligently following these needs by introducing the latest technological innovations to improve the quality of their services.

- It is indisputable that the first associations with Vrnjačka Banja are nature, water, clean air, the synergy of relaxation of mind and body. The spa really represents a green oasis where a caring attitude towards nature is nurtured. There are no compromises when it comes to our parks, springs, rivers, and Goč mountain. We advocate that the Spa develops and investments are realized, but only and exclusively with a careful attitude towards the benefits that we are obliged to preserve for future generations.

The municipality of Vrnjačka Banja is dedicated to the implementation of energy efficiency measures as a key step towards preserving our environment and reducing the negative impact of our activities on the environment. In the last few years, with the support of the Government, the relevant ministry and EU funds, we have been successfully implementing energy rehabilitation measures for public buildings, and we have provided our citizens with financial support for the replacement of boilers and carpentry in family buildings. Also, in most of the territory of the Vrnjačka Banja municipality, the existing public lighting was replaced with LED bulbs, which are more energy efficient and have a longer life span.

We also invest in the modernization of infrastructure, promote the use of renewable energy sources and, through numerous projects, encourage our citizens to take part in activities that contribute to energy efficiency and environmental protection.