JAHORINA’S INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION BEARING FRUIT, TOURISTS FROM TURKEY ARRIVING

PALE, OCTOBER 18 /SRNA/ - Jahorina’s promotion on the international tourism market is already paying off, as evidenced by growing interest among tourists from Turkey in the upcoming winter season, the Jahorina Olympic Center said.

"Preparations for the start of the winter season are well underway, both in terms of ski resort maintenance and accommodation readiness, as well as promotional activities targeting international markets. Ski passes for the upcoming season are also on presale and can be purchased through the official online shop and at the Poljice sales point," the Center said. The season ski pass for daytime and night skiing costs BAM 1,750 during the presale period, representing a saving of BAM 750, while a weekday ski pass is available for BAM 1,250 and the "Ten Days in a Season" pass for BAM 620. An important step in promoting Jahorina was its participation in the International Tourism Fair in Istanbul, where representatives of the Jahorina Olympic Center exhibited alongside the Istočno Sarajevo Tourism Organization. "We see the Turkish market as one with significant potential for Jahorina, as confirmed at the fair. Good air connections to Sarajevo and the timing of school holidays in Turkey, which coincide with our winter season, are major advantages. We have already secured bookings from visitors from this market," the statement said. During the fair, contacts were established and arrivals were arranged with travel agencies from Turkey, as well as with representatives of agencies from Poland and Russia. This is expected to help expand the network of partners and increase the number of organized tourist arrivals. The Olympic Center said its goal was to further expand its network of partners through such activities, increase the number of organized tourist arrivals and establish Jahorina as a well-known winter destination on the international tourism market. "Our ambition is not just to have a successful winter season, but also to continuously tap into new markets and strengthen Jahorina’s international profile," the Center added. The sales director of the Termag Hotel on Jahorina, Branislav Timotić, said that the second half of January and early February, a period that had seen lower occupancy in previous years, were almost fully booked this year, mostly with guests from Turkey. He said inquiries were also coming through travel agencies seeking offers for groups, as well as through direct bookings. The management of the Lavina Hotel is also pleased with its cooperation with the Olympic Center, stressing that joint efforts by all tourism stakeholders are important for Jahorina’s further development. Lavina Hotel Director Nikola Brezo said that hospitality businesses were well underway with preparations for the start of the ski season and that weekends after December 10 were expected to feature programs and special offers for visitors, depending on weather conditions.