“These 47 kilometres of trails are much more than a walking and recreation opportunity. I am certain that, with these trails, we open a possibility for a faster and stronger economic development of Vlasina. When I see so many nature lovers in one place, I am more than certain that together we can conquer any peak, overcome any challenge, and support a better future of this exquisite area,” said General Director of Coca-Cola HBC Serbia, Svetoslav Atanasov.

The Acting Deputy of the Resident Representative of UNDP in Serbia Bojana Balon emphasised that sustainable, community-based tourism supports local economic development, taking account of the protection of nature and preservation of local culture and tradition. “The renovated trails would attract more visitors to Vlasina, which would stimulate the development of small and medium enterprises – from hospitality professionals to manufacturers of authentic souvenirs. Improvement of the tourist offer of the Lake of Vlasina in a sustainable way, together with the Coca-Cola System in Serbia, our national and local partners, we contribute to further economic and social development of this part of Serbia and improvement of the quality of people’s lives,” said Balon.  

Simultaneously with the opening of the trails, the Lake of Vlasina was the site of the central event in the biggest hiking happening in Serbia, Rosa Hiking Day. Today, at the event organised by the Hiking Union of Serbia, the trails of Vlasina have been walked by more than 400 visitors and lovers of nature, including 350 school children from the cities of Southeast Serbia. This year’s Rosa Hiking Day, with the slogan “One Step Closer to Health”, has inspired almost 15 thousand people to be physically active, at a total of 93 locations all over Serbia.