The “Bosnian Kingdom Trail”, a historical and cultural project funded by the European Union was officially presented in Sarajevo on 27th February. The project is launched and implemented by the Mozaik Foundation with the financial support of the European Union which provided app. 300,000 € for its implementation.
The purpose of this Project is to improve BiH competitiveness in the area of cultural tourism by attracting international tourists and developing domestic tourist demand. Tourist offer will be developed on the common ground of the medieval Bosnian Kingdom. The project will improve the ability of 10 communities (Tešanj, Maglaj, Zenica, Kakanj, Visoko, Vareš, Travnik, Fojnica, Donji Vakuf and Jajce) to develop an attractive tourist offer for receiving and hosting tourists. It will contribute to the overall economical and social development of target region while raising the public awareness about the importance of shared and common cultural and historical heritage. In addition, the project will raise the awareness of BiH citizens about the great potential of local resources (that lie in their own cultural traditions and history) that can be used in fostering local development through tourism.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Andre Lys, Head of Operations of the European Commission Delegation to BiH, reminded the distinguished guests of rich historical and cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina. “You can cross a Roman bridge, stand on a medieval fortress, rest at an Ottoman Han, and follow an Austro-Hungarian railway”, he said.
Talking about the range of outcomes that this Project could have Mr. Lys added that symbol of the Project, crown with lily-like crosses symbolise wealth and prosperity. “Thus this project is destined to flourish with prosperity, and I am sure that it will contribute to the overall economic and social development of the region in which it is implemented”, pointed out Mr. Lys. He added that Project would be a witness of the shared cultural and historical heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina and also an opportunity to grow businesses and create new jobs.
Concluding his address, Mr. Lys underlined the European Union’s strong support to local development projects already amounting to 10 million € donated to 60 local initiatives for regional development or tourism. “Let me stress that the European Commission is fully committed to this project. We are truly looking forward to following the trails of the Bosnian Kingdom with all of you and soon witness the success of this new initiative”, concluded Mr. Lys.
Among other participants, Mr. Zoran Puljić, Director of Mozaik Foundation expressed his gratitude to the European Commission which recognised the potential and value of such an idea and decided to generously support this Project.
Mr. Samir Softić, Project Manager of Mozaik Foundation expressed sincere hope that with the implementation of this Project, Bosnia and Herzegovina would have a quality product that will connect local community, public and private sector, tourism and other stakeholders.
Total project value is 555.000€.
More about Mozaik, please visit www.mozaik.ba
