VALJEVO AS A TOURIST CENTRE by Petar Krunić

Location  Valjevo is a town in West Serbia, situated less then 100km to the southwest of Belgrade. The majority of population are orthodox Serbs.  It is located in a valley surrounded by mountains, through which the Kolubara river flows, 185m above sea level.  Valjevo has a good geographical position close to a number important traffic routes, such as Ibar highway and Belgrade-Bar railway.

Attractions Valjevo has many tourist attractions:  The gorge of Gradac river – walking, fishing, camping, riding  The mountain Divčibare – skiing, climbing, hunting  Petnica – swiming pools, student research center and cave attraction  Vrujci – a spa center  Numerous historical monuments and middle age monasteries  Village tourism

Events  Tešnjar Evenings – popular cultural event taking place in August  Miss of Beauty Contest “Beli Narcis” (White Narcissus) – a May event  Yu Jazz fest Valjevo (October)  Povlen Rally – off-road vehicle racing (July)  Mushroom Days (fall)

Facilities  Valjevo has two hotels, Grand and Narcissus, and many Serbian national cuisine restaurants such as Hunting lodge or Plane trees. Also near Valjevo there are more hotels and restaurants in Mount Divčibare and in Vrujci spa center. In addition, rural households offer accommodation for people who like pure nature.  In Petnica village near Valjevo, there is a student research center. Numerous students from EX YU countries participate in science seminars.

Investment Incentives  The interest of foreign investors for doing business in the city is growing, the best examples are the Austrian company Austroterm, the Italian Golden lady and the Slovenian Gorenje, which have constructed their plants.  Agricultural potential is enormous, but insufficiently exploited. Valjevo economy is characterized by processing industry, civil engineering, and graphic industry. The private sector, which consists of small and medium-sized enterprises and private workshops and retail stores, is particularly developed.

Recommendations for the Future Improving infrastructure, mainly road network More tourist events Beter promotion of Valjevo and its tourist amenities