Pivić: ZDK Government allocated nearly 1.2 million KM for tourism development, increase in overnight stays in the canton by almost 50 percent

(Patria) - Agreements on subsidies for tourism infrastructure and superstructure projects in 2025 were signed today at the Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton with seven cities and municipalities, 12 local communities and 10 associations from the ZDK area in the amount of 1,168,469.12 KM. The ZDK Government allocated almost 1.2 million KM for tourism development this year, and the entire canton recorded an increase in overnight stays by almost 50 percent.

- This convocation of the Government of Zenica-Doboj Canton recognized tourism as one of the development opportunities at the very beginning of its mandate. The first step we took was the re-establishment of the ZDK Tourist Board. Immediately after that, we started creating conditions for accelerated tourism development. This year, we allocated a record amount of subsidies for tourism infrastructure and superstructure projects in 2025 – around 1.2 million KM. As a result, we have an increase in the number of overnight stays of foreign tourists in ZDK in 2025 by as much as 48.5%. The Government's measures, the relevant ministry, and the Tourist Board, as well as such investments, have certainly contributed to these results – stated the Prime Minister of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Nezir Pivić.

Through its actions, the Government wants to emphasize the importance of investing in tourism infrastructure in order to enrich the tourist offer. At the same time, the Government strives to promote potentials and tourist resources, and the ZDK Tourist Board had a significant presence at the Tourism Fair in Izmir last week, for example.

- In Izmir, we received encouraging messages regarding the development of tourism and the arrival of tourists from the Republic of Turkey to Bosnia and Herzegovina and our canton. Through these projects, we have the opportunity to strengthen the offer of tourist potentials in the ZDK area – said Prime Minister Pivić.

The Minister of Economy of ZDK, Samir Šibonjić, emphasized that they are striving to continuously improve the tourist offer in Zenica-Doboj Canton and create conditions for the long-term development of this sector.

- We continue with investments and support because we want Zenica-Doboj Canton to become a recognizable destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. These funds and projects represent a concrete step towards modernizing and expanding the tourist offer, as well as supporting local communities in developing economic and tourist potentials – said the Minister of Economy of ZDK, Samir Šibonjić.

The signing of the contracts was also attended by the Minister of Finance, Dženana Čišija, who congratulated the signatories, emphasizing that the projects are of higher quality each year and significantly contribute to the quality of tourism infrastructure in this canton.

The Municipality of Olovo signed an agreement related to the support for the thermal water drilling project.

- We are drilling for thermal water at a depth of 475 meters with the assumption of obtaining 125 liters of water per second. This should improve or expand our spa capacities. The plan is to increase the capacity by 200 beds. This is a large amount of water, and our spa can also use it for drinking. For the 6 liters of water that Banja Aquaterm currently uses, we have a concession of about 60,000 KM, and we think that now we should pay between 300 and 400 thousand marks. I think this is a generational project for Olovo, for Zenica-Doboj Canton, and for our country, Bosnia and Herzegovina – stated the Mayor of Olovo Municipality, Đemal Memagić.

The Mayor of Zavidovići, Erna Merdić - Smailhodžić, thanked the cantonal Government, led by Prime Minister Pivić and Minister of Economy Šibonjić, for supporting a very important project for the city of Zavidovići – the construction of a children's park in the very center of the city.

- Unfortunately, Zavidovići has not had such a facility until now. We received 200,000 KM for this project, which is the maximum amount that could be allocated to municipalities and cities. When we consider the funds allocated to local communities and associations, the total funds allocated to the city of Zavidovići exceed 300,000 KM – stated Erna Merdić - Smailhodžić.

Maksuma Topalović, executive director of the Association “Alternativa” from Kakanj, who received 20,000 KM for the project, said that this means a lot to them and that it is very important to continue what they have started, to promote everything that has been done, and for everyone to contribute together to the development of tourism in Zenica-Doboj Canton.