Divčibare marks 100 years of tourism development

The Valjevo Tourist Organization is marking the centenary of tourism development in Divčibare. As visitor numbers continue to rise, local officials are emphasizing the need to balance infrastructure growth with strict environmental protection.

Darko Dostanić, director of the Valjevo Tourist Organization, noted that while the Maljen mountain plateau is a primary destination, the surrounding mountains—including Medvednik, Jablanik, Povlen, and Suvobor—offer diverse landscapes for expansion. Improved accessibility via new highway construction has significantly increased visitor flow from Belgrade and other major Serbian cities.

To manage the increasing pressure on natural resources, authorities are focusing on sustainable tourism. This includes implementing more rigorous regulations regarding camping, fire use, and movement within protected areas. The Gradac River canyon is cited as a key example of the challenges involved in protecting natural assets amidst high visitation. Officials suggested that if visitor numbers continue to climb, daily limits on access may be considered to prevent the exhaustion of the local environment.