RURAL TOURISM, HUNTING AND FISHING FAIR "TOK FEST" OPENS

MRKONJIĆ GRAD, SEPTEMBER 26 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Anđelka Kuzmić opened the two-day Rural Tourism, Hunting and Fishing Fair "TOK Fest" in Mrkonjić Grad today, bringing together more than 40 exhibitors from Republika Srpska, Serbia and BiH, with the aim of positioning the wider Krajina region as one of the most attractive destinations in these fields.

Kuzmić told reporters that fairs of this kind were necessary to show residents and visitors what Republika Srpska has to offer.

"Sometimes we have a product that is virtually invisible on the market and even unknown to people in the municipalities where it is produced, so they turn to imported products without knowing what is available locally. A fair is an opportunity to showcase these products, for people to meet one another and establish business cooperation, and also for visitors from elsewhere to see that our producers have strong support from the institutions of Republika Srpska," Kuzmić said.

She said the presence of ministries and Republika Srpska Government representatives at fairs within their respective areas of responsibility showed that Srpska was capable of strongly supporting the demands of the modern market, agriculture, tourism and the economy.

Trade and Tourism Minister Ned Puhovac stressed that Mrkonjić Grad ranks among the leading destinations in Republika Srpska when it comes to nature and history.

Puhovac added that hunting and fishing enrich Republika Srpska's tourism offer and that Srpska has considerable potential in these areas.

"Hunters from Western Europe, particularly Germany and Italy, are prepared to spend significant amounts of money for this kind of experience, and we know that Srpska has that potential. Fishing raises Republika Srpska's tourism offer to a much higher level, while fly-fishing is a specialized activity for which anglers even travel to Canada," Puhovac said.

He added that the Pliva River, which is exceptionally rich in fish, provides precisely the kind of opportunity sought by such anglers.

Mrkonjić Grad Mayor Dragan Vođević reminded that the municipality adopted its Development Strategy in 2024, with tourism and the development of its related potential identified as the top priority.

"This is a perfect opportunity for our fellow citizens involved in any kind of craft activity, accommodation services, or food and beverage production to present their products. From the very beginning, the fair has gone beyond the boundaries of Mrkonjić Grad and neighboring municipalities, and even beyond Republika Srpska and BiH. Next year, on the final weekend of September, we will organize the event again, and it will become our tradition and a trademark of the municipality," Vođević said.

Miloš Galić, manager of the Krajina Agricultural Cluster, said more than 40 exhibitors were taking part in the fair and had a unique opportunity to promote their products and activities.

The fair was also visited by Indirect Taxation Authority Director Zoran Tegeltija, MP Mladen Ilić and Jezero Mayor Snežana Ružičić.

It brought together representatives of tourism organizations from the area covered by the Krajina Agricultural Cluster, fishing and hunting associations, food and beverage producers and distributors of fishing and hunting equipment.

The fair is being held at the Arena Nova Banka Sports Hall and is organized by the Krajina Agricultural Cluster together with the Municipality of Mrkonjić Grad and the local Tourist Organization, under the patronage of the Republika Srpska Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and with support from general sponsor Nova Banka.