AGREEMENT ON COOPERATION BETWEEN JAHORINA OLYMPIC CENTRE AND MONTENEGRO SKI RESORTS

KOLAŠIN, DECEMBER 25 /SRNA/ - The managements of the Jahorina Olympic Centre and Montenegro Ski Resorts signed an agreement today in Kolašin with the aim of strengthening the joint winter tourism offer and improving regional cooperation.

The agreement was signed within the framework of the regional Open Ski Balkan project, which further expands the network of partnerships started by the agreement between the Jahorina Olympic Centre and Ski Resorts of Serbia, marking the entry of this project into a new phase of connecting the largest ski centres in the region, announced the Olympic Centre.

The agreement was signed by the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Jahorina Olympic Centre Nedeljko Elek and the Director of Montenegro Ski Resorts Bojan Medenica.

Elek explained that a special benefit for skiers will be the mutual use of seasonal ski passes – all holders of seasonal passes for the Kolašin 1600 Ski Centre will be able to ski for free for three days at Jahorina and the Igrišta Ski Centre.

Additionally, holders of seasonal passes for the Jahorina Olympic Centre and the Igrišta Ski Centre will have three days of free skiing at the Kolašin 1600 Ski Centre.

Elek stated that by signing this document, they aim to create a single market and a unified ski pass that will bring the region together, adding that work is already underway to establish cooperation with colleagues from the Federation of BiH, and the plan is to include ski resorts from Croatia and Slovenia in the project.

"This document represents an important step toward forming a unified ski space in the Balkans, which will allow visitors from the region to enjoy new benefits, shared ski passes, and modern IT systems that will facilitate access to services and content at multiple mountains," Elek said.

He pointed out that Open Ski Balkan is growing into a unique regional initiative and demonstrates that through joint efforts, the Balkans can be recognised as a serious ski destination in Europe.

He mentioned that this agreement symbolizes a shared vision and desire to position the region as a unique winter destination.

"We are proud that the Open Ski Balkan project is growing and bringing together the best ski centres in the region, as well as friends whom we do not view as competitors, but as partners. After the successful partnership with Ski Resorts of Serbia, Montenegro is a natural and important partner in this story," Elek emphasized.

He expressed confidence that unity brings strength and that only by working together can they compete with global and European ski centres.

The Director of Montenegro Ski Resorts Bojan Medenica emphasized that the cooperation with the Jahorina Olympic Centre opens new opportunities for the development and positioning of Montenegro on the winter tourism map.

"We are honoured to be part of the Open Ski Balkan initiative. Together with Jahorina, we are building bridges that connect mountains, people, and experiences. I am confident that this cooperation will contribute to greater interest from tourists across the region, as well as the improvement of our offerings through joint projects," Medenica said.

He pointed out that this marks the beginning of a modern regional ski story and that they believe they should present themselves as one ski resort, as partners, with the support and involvement of all relevant institutions.

He emphasized that the goal of the Open Ski Balkan project is to unite the ski resorts of the Balkans into a single system through digitalization, joint ski passes, and more kilometers of skiing, as a promotion of winter tourism, one of the key segments of regional cooperation and economic growth.