VIŠEGRAD TO GET NEW MARINA TO BOOST NAUTICAL TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

A contract for the construction of a floating pontoon dock with an access bridge on the Drina River in the municipality of Višegrad was signed in Banja Luka, marking a significant step toward strengthening nautical tourism and improving local tourism infrastructure.

The project aims to enhance the tourism offer of Višegrad and further promote key attractions such as Lake Drina, Andrićgrad, and the iconic Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge.

Minister of Transport and Communications of Republika Srpska, Zoran Stevanović, emphasized that tourism has the potential to stimulate the development of other local communities as well.

“This is a serious and important project for the development of tourism in Višegrad and for the promotion of its most valuable landmarks,” Stevanović said after signing the agreement with Nikola Luburić from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and Darko Zdjelar, Director of the Prijedor-based company Bosnamontaža.

He expressed hope that the project would be completed within the prescribed deadline and that Višegrad would gain a new facility that would further position it on the tourist map of this part of Europe.

Stevanović also recalled that an agreement had recently been signed with the Government of Serbia to grant a concession to Serbian Railways for the narrow-gauge railway line Vardište–Višegrad, part of the historic route connecting Kremna and Višegrad. He added that there are plans to seek UNESCO protection for the railway, alongside the famous bridge over the Drina, as both represent major tourist attractions capable of drawing visitors from around the world.

Mayor of Višegrad Mladen Đurević described the marina project as highly significant for the municipality, highlighting that the modern dock in Andrićgrad will be able to accommodate boats, ships, and other vessels that are increasingly arriving for tourist visits.

He thanked the relevant institutions for recognizing the importance of the project and noted that joint plans by Republika Srpska and Serbia regarding the future status of the narrow-gauge railway will provide an additional tourism boost. Višegrad already attracts nearly half a million visitors annually, thanks to its rich offer that includes the Drina River, the Vilina Vlas spa, Andrićgrad, and the UNESCO-listed bridge.

Darko Zdjelar, Director of Bosnamontaža, stated that the company will complete the works, valued at 337,000 KM, within the defined deadline of 90 days from the signing of the contract.

Nikola Luburić, Director of the World Bank Project Coordination Unit within the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republika Srpska, described the marina as a highly beneficial initiative for encouraging tourism growth in Višegrad.

The project is being implemented under the Sava and Drina Rivers Corridors Integrated Development Program (SDIP), which includes countries within the Sava River basin and focuses on improving water resource management, as well as developing transport and tourism infrastructure.