Ten boats, available to tourists and citizens of Trebinje, sailed away from a newly reconstructed dock thanks to the support of the European Union. With the aim of reconstructing the rich cultural heritage of Trebinje and Nikšić in Montenegro, the project Ancient Traces of ageless Heritage and Tradition has revitalised the rich history and tourist offer of this border area.
“The opening of this truly beautiful tourist attraction has given us an opportunity to support and promote the remarkable cultural heritage of the region and explore all of its beauty and potentials. So far, the European Union has invested over 8 million euros in cross border cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. The people of this area share the same goals and we are always pleased when the European Union has the opportunity to support initiatives that contribute to economic and societal development,” remarked Richard Maša, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The tourist season in Trebinje was symbolically initiated with this new tourist tour of the city’s cultural heritage. From the reconstructed peer, five out of ten boats procured through the project sailed out onto the river Trebisnica, giving citizens an opportunity to recall the traditional boat races between the two bridges that were held from the middle of the last century.
Miro Ćurić, the Mayor of Trebinje, expressed his satisfaction at being able to participate in the cross border cooperation project and the significance of successful realisation of the project to the future development of the city. “The project is significant in several aspects, not only for tourists but for all citizens of Trebinje, who have an opportunity to savour our tradition once more,” said Ćurić.
The project “Life on the border of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro: Ancient Traces of ageless Heritage and Tradition”, worth over 300,000 euros, is supported by the European Union. The project is implemented in the Trebinje and Bileća municipalities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Niškić and Plužine municipalities of Montenegro. Through joint cooperation, the cross border areas aim to develop functional cross sectoral cooperation and connect cultural heritage and natural heritage with tourism offers. Over 40 cultural, historical and natural sites have been enriched through the new tourist offer based on the promotion of common cultural heritage.
The European Union aims to support further possibilities for cooperation and strengthening of sectoral support to the development of cultural heritage and tourism in the Western Balkans. Cross border cooperation aims to promote the creation and promotion of common cross border products by encouraging partnerships in culture and tourism and by rejuvinating cultural heritage.
