The protected landscape of Vjetrenica-Popovo Polje had a record number of visits last year. What stands out, according to the company, is the record number of foreign visitors and the fact that Vjetrenica and Bosnia and Herzegovina are becoming increasingly recognizable as tourist destinations year after year.
“The inclusion of Vjetrenica Cave on the UNESCO World Heritage List is undoubtedly a confirmation of all the cultural-historical and natural heritage values that Vjetrenica holds, with special emphasis on the biodiversity of the area. The decision to list Vjetrenica Cave on the UNESCO list is a historic moment not only for the Municipality of Ravno but for all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The positive atmosphere has been felt by the visitors, particularly locals, and this decision will certainly contribute to an increase in visitors to our protected area. Since the decision was made in the middle of last year’s season, we believe that the number of visitors will significantly increase this year. However, it is important to emphasize that the focus will always remain on sustainability and protection of all components of this valuable ecosystem,” said Davor Baković, director of the Vjetrenica Public Institution, in an interview with Visit BiH magazine.
Tourism Promotion
According to him, the confirmation on the international stage that Vjetrenica belongs to an exceptionally rich and important protected area in the world is a benefit in itself. Being included on UNESCO’s List will contribute to stronger preservation, especially biodiversity, networking with scientists from various disciplines worldwide, and access to certain funds for project activities focused on the sustainable management of the area.
“This international recognition further brands all of Bosnia and Herzegovina, not only in terms of attractiveness and tourist development but also in terms of scientific components. We consider these obligations as challenges, and they are not difficult to fulfill because they involve acting within the Protected Landscape of Vjetrenica-Popovo Field in accordance with the protection of all components of the area, sustainable development, and the further development of planning documents crucial for long-term sustainability and nature conservation. We have acted in this way in the past, and we will continue in the future, keeping in mind tourism trends that should not be tied to the development of mass tourism,” Baković emphasizes.
The Municipality of Ravno is branding itself as an extremely rich tourist destination through project activities, focusing on the development of transport and tourist infrastructure. The favorable geographical location and climate conditions have boosted the agricultural sector, which in turn strengthens the municipality’s gastronomic offer. The development of transport infrastructure facilitates access to the municipality and tourist attractions, contributing to the increase in visitor numbers.
“The rich cultural-historical and natural heritage of the area and its valorization will certainly contribute to the development of new tourist content in the entire municipality of Ravno year after year. Today, alongside the richness and beauty of nature and cultural-historical heritage, the area is ideal for the development of outdoor activities and adventure tourism. The organization of an increasing number of cultural events throughout the year, promoting the entire offer of the municipality of Ravno, contributes to more tourist arrivals in both the pre-season and post-season. Also, this year, we continue to improve tourist infrastructure and content to encourage visitors to stay longer in the municipality of Ravno,” says Baković.
Infrastructure Improvement
When talking about 2025, Baković reveals that they will continue working on improving the tourism infrastructure in the Vjetrenica-Popovo Field Protected Landscape to create even better conditions for visitors.
“It is also important to continue working on the preservation and sustainability of the protected area through monitoring, managing tourist visits, and creating planning and strategic documents that will contribute to further planning within the protected area. After the decision to list Vjetrenica Cave on the UNESCO World Heritage List, it is important to continue tourism development in accordance with the environmental capacity, ease the visit to the cave, and improve tourism content throughout the entire Protected Landscape,” Baković emphasizes.
The Vjetrenica-Popovo Field Protected Landscape offers its visitors a tour of the cave complex with experienced guides, where they can learn about Vjetrenica’s rich history, biodiversity, archaeology, geomorphology, and other scientific disciplines.
Nearby Vjetrenica is the Biospeleological Museum, which represents a synthesis of all research from the 19th century to the present day and is a perfect place for visitors to learn about the exceptionally rich animal world of Vjetrenica, unique in the world.
The Vjetrenica Information and Education Center is an additional tourist attraction with a VR representation of the cave, serving to explore all the cultural-historical and natural values of the Municipality of Ravno and all of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Beautiful walking trails with a panoramic view of Popovo Polje are perfect for outdoor activities, sports, hiking, and cycling.
“Through the continued development of tourist content in 2025, we will continue to improve the conditions in the Vjetrenica-Popovo Polje Protected Landscape, and we invite everyone to visit the first independent natural phenomenon from Bosnia and Herzegovina on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Welcome!” Baković concludes the interview.
