A record number of tourists are visiting Mt. Zlatibor in western Serbia

Foto: Mateja Beljan

The offer of a rich summer vacation on Mt. Zlatibor for all generations has attracted a large number of tourists this summer as well. The mountain has seen significantly more visits since July, while at the beginning of August the capacities are almost completely filled. And that this mountain destination is very popular is evident in the data sample of the Zlatibor Tourist Organization, according to which there were over 165,000 arrivals in registered and unregistered accommodation in the first six months of 2022, and more than 480,000 overnight stays, which represents an increase of 15 percent year-on-year, reports RINA.

This progress made by the tourist resort gives the Zlatibor hoteliers and restaurateurs an incentive to maintain service at a high level and work on improving the offer they prepare for the numerous tourists.

"What is particularly encouraging and pleasing for the entire tourist economy of Zlatibor is the increase in the number of foreign guests - about 35 percent compared to 2021. Nevertheless, the main share in maintaining high tourist traffic on Zlatibor is held by domestic tourists. During this year, Zlatibor is one of the most sought-after destinations when it comes to free vouchers for vacations in Serbia given by the Ministry of Tourism," the Tourist Organization of Zlatibor told RINA.

"Well-known sites on Zlatibor are at the service of tourists, while a large number of visitors also enjoy long summer walks on well-maintained paths, cycling, hiking, paragliding, swimming pools and other amenities of sunny Zlatibor. Stopica Cave, the most visited speleological site in Serbia, was seen by more than 40,000 people in the first six months of this year, which is a 5 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The Gold Gondola has carried over 380,000 passengers since the beginning of its operation, also recorded exceptional attendance. In the first seven months of 2022, 130,000 guests enjoyed the longest gondola ride in the world. During August, even greater interest is expected, considering that visitors, in addition to riding from the center of Zlatibor to the top of Peak Tornik, can enjoy various interactive activities on the Gold Gondola route every day," the Tourist Organization added.

The summer tourist season also started successfully for the Zlatibor camping site, where during the past period, in addition to a large number of individual tourists, there were two organized groups of campers from the Netherlands. Traditionally, the largest number of organized groups arrive at the camping site from the Netherlands and Slovenia, and tourists from Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland and Britain are expected in the coming period.

Tourists are especially attracted to the multimedia fountain on the central lake, put into operation during the celebration of the Day of the Municipality of Cajetina. With its modern sound, light and laser effects, the kind which can be seen in big cities around the world, it is an attraction that the most popular mountain resort in Serbia prides itself with.

The successful season and the large number of guests on this mountain, which is also the summer capital of culture, have been contributed to by interesting contents and the rich program of the "Zlatibor Cultural Summer" with numerous events that complete the guests' stay. The municipality of Cajetina and the Zlatibor Tourist Organization, as traditionally good hosts, have prepared numerous concerts, cultural events, sports tournaments and traditional manifestations for the upcoming period.

(Ona.rs/RINA)