EU funded studies show that the growth potential of Mostar International Airport is as much as 1.8 million annual passengers over a 30 year period; the Airport currently handles less than 100.000 passengers per year. This growth is mainly based on projections on growth in tourism to nearby Medjugorje.
The studies have also reviewed current deficiencies and limitations of Mostar International Airport, the potential for growth of the Airport, and have further considered ownership restructuring as part of a development plan for the airport.
Head of EU Delegation to BiH/EU Special Representative, Ambassador Peter Sorensen, launched the studies alongside Mostar’s Mayor Ljubo Beslic at the beginning of March.
Growth of this magnitude would be of direct benefit to restaurants, hotels, tourist venues, and it would have a profound impact on the socio-economic outlook of all of the Herzegovina region and its citizens. EU experts assess that a total of 2000 new jobs could be created in the region if the growth is realised.
The experts also assess that if Mostar does not move to capitalise on this potential within the next couple of years, the window of opportunity will close, leaving airports in neighbouring countries to capitalise on Medjugorje’s success.
To realise this growth, all of the region’s administrations and business communities need to work together towards a tourism friendly environment, where visitors can enjoy suitable facilities, and satisfy their appetites for a wide variety of interests including history, religion, adventure, gastronomy and wine. If Mostar is to fulfil this this goal, it requires joint vision and joint action.
The EU places considerable emphasis of the importance of developing the economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in particular in the transport and tourism sectors. Thus, Mostar International Airport is one of the many parts of the BiH transport infrastructure that has benefited directly from EU assistance. The opening of the airport in 1998 was supported by EU assistance in the amount of 4 Million EUR.
The EU studies are available to media from the EU Delegation to BiH/EUSR Press Office – please contact: amra.celebic@eeas.europa.eu
