Svitava Lake, part of the Hutovo Blato Nature Park, one of the richest bird reserves in Southeast Europe, has in recent years become a genuine tourist attraction. The transformation is largely the result of the vision and hard work of brothers Tomislav and Grgo Martić from Svitava near Čapljina, who recognized the area’s natural potential and created a unique tourist offer combining boat excursions, sports activities and local gastronomy.

Until recently, the Svitava area was primarily known for livestock farming and agriculture. Today, however, visitors from across the world come to enjoy its untouched nature and explore the lake by boat.

During a visit to the area, guests from Russia and Slovenia shared their impressions.

“I am from Moscow, a professor at a university in Moscow. It is my first time in Hutovo Blato and my first time traveling by boat here. The trip was beautiful. We saw many birds and even a snake that caught a fish. Our captain’s attitude was also excellent,” said Kliment from Russia.

For Arijan from Slovenia, the experience was equally impressive.

“This is our first time here and we are already thrilled. We will definitely come back. They are doing a great job advertising this place because these guys are the best. Nature here is truly something you rarely find – so clean and untouched,” he said.

Thanks to the Martić brothers, the once-neglected Svitava Lake has been transformed into a recognizable destination on the Herzegovina tourism map. According to them, visitor numbers increase every year, while their excursions are fully booked throughout the summer.

“Our most frequent guests so far are from Poland, but we have visitors from 67 countries. Everyone is mostly thrilled, and we have many returning guests, especially Germans and Slovenians who come back often,” said Tomislav Martić from Svitava.

The brothers currently offer three types of experiences: a photo safari, a gastro adventure and “Lake Magic,” allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of Hutovo Blato in different ways.

“Everyone is really thrilled and they come from all over the world. The most important thing for us is that the guest is satisfied. We also enjoy this and spending time with them,” said Grgo Martić.

Their friend Marko Bilić from Ljubuški believes their success has filled an important gap in the local tourism offer.

“This was an area that used to simply connect Čapljina and Neum. There were no events or places where you could stop, rest, have a drink or eat something,” Bilić said.

Today, Svitava is increasingly finding its place on the international tourism map. The example set by the Martić brothers has also encouraged others to invest in the area. Several holiday homes are currently being developed, with the long-term goal of encouraging visitors to stay for several days rather than simply passing through.

What was once an overlooked corner of Herzegovina is thus becoming a destination where nature, local hospitality, gastronomy and tourism come together – proving that a strong vision and dedication can turn the potential of an entire area into a successful tourist story.