TAJAN Nature Park – newly discovered tourist destination
The huge tourism potential of BiH has been widely recognized. One of the projects in this area funded by the EU aimed at improving the range of tourism products offered by the Tajan Nature Park. The i...
The huge tourism potential of BiH has been widely recognized. One of the projects in this area funded by the EU aimed at improving the range of tourism products offered by the Tajan Nature Park. The implementing partners were NGO “Atom”, Public enterprise “Šumsko-privredno društvo”, the Municipality of Zavidovići and the Tourist Community of Zenica-Doboj Canton that led the consortium.
The project funded the reconstruction of Lake Mašica, setting up access trails and entries into two caves, two observation posts for wild animals, the construction and equipping of a tourist info centre and the improvement of a signalling system.
“As a part of the project, Atom mapped the trails in the Tajan Nature Park. In total, we mapped around 200 km of trails – cycling, hiking and walking trails,” said Besim Gurda from Atom.
Thanks to this project, the team of rangers responsible of visitors’ safety and sustainability of the Tajan Nature Park received equipment and training.
“Along with guided tours – cave exploration and canyon walks, among others, my daily obligations are to feed the game, check their habitats and hunting grounds, preserve wild life and fish stocks etc.,” said Ferid Husić, ranger at Tajan.
More and more tourists from the entire region are drawn by the expanded range of services offered at the Tajan Nature Park. These include improved B&B facilities, also funded by the project.
Nevzet Menzilović, the owner of bungalows at the excursion site Kamenica at Tajan mountain, is one of the 15 project beneficiaries who received training and funding to improve lodging facilities.
“Truly, assistance to these people and me in building lodging facilities was of great significance, since personal funds were insufficient. I have a family business, bee-keeping, and have over 100 hives and this is my main activity. I have a fish-pond where guests can relax, and I also have a greenhouse production unit where guests can help themselves to food grown by my family,” said Nevzet.
Looking at the period prior to the project and subsequent developments, Nevzet was happy to note that the number of tourists is increasing.
“Last year I was fully booked every third or fourth night. This year has been even better. We are full every other night, full bungalows and my weekend house. I can hardly believe it. We are over the moon, both I and my family. That is why we decided to expand.”
According to Nevzet, the biggest credit for more visits goes to the Tourist Info Centre of the Tajan Nature Park which is open on weekends, too, when most tourists come.
The diverse range of tourism products at Tajan and the excursion site at Kamenica attract visitors of all ages. Schools organize excursions for their students more often than before.
“I come to Tajan frequently, with my friends and family. We gather here to have fun and spend time together. We are often here in summer.” said Erna Šabić, 9th grade student of the First Primary School Zavidovići.
Thanks to this project aimed at improving the range of tourism products and the significant efforts of all stakeholders, the beauties of the Tajan mountain are no longer a secret.
