UNIVERSITY OF KRAGUJEVAC

FACULTY OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM

VRNJACKA BANJA

SEMINAR PAPER

TOPIC: Raska

Professor: Student:

Dragana Pesic

Vrnjacka Banja, December 2018

Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2
Local area description ..................................................................................................................... 2
Used potential ................................................................................................................................. 3
Unused potential ............................................................................................................................. 4
Ideas for improving the present state .............................................................................................. 6
The companies we are going to do business with ........................................................................... 6
Description of a target group .......................................................................................................... 6
The plan of the proposed package .................................................................................................. 7
Circular letter .................................................................................................................................. 8
Leaflet ............................................................................................................................................. 9
Literature ....................................................................................................................................... 10

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 Introduction

The aim of this seminar paper is to get acquainted with Raska by describing main attractions in
the city, as well as giving opinions for improving the tourism on this destination. We will also be
acquainted with where tourism is developed, as well as with locations in which tourism is not so
much developed along with certain activities which might contribute to the development of the
above mentioned tourism.

Also, this seminar paper lists the companies with which town cooperates and some ideas for a
package arrangement intended for children of elementary schools.

Local area description

Raska municipality is one of the municipalities in the Republic of Serbia. It is located in the
southwestern part of Serbia, in the Raska district. According to the 2011 census, Raska
municipality has 24,678 inhabitants and 61 settlements. Most of them are Serbs. The
municipality occupies the central part of the Ibar valley, the western parts of Kopaonik and the
eastern slope of Golija. The Ibar valley is connected to the north by the west of Pomoravlje and
Sumadija, in the south with Kosovo and Metohija, in the eastern valley of Jošanica, the right
tributary of the Ibar, the Aleksandrovac parish and Toplic, and the southwestern valley of the
river Raska with Montenegro. It covers an area of 670 km2.

The climate is moderately continental. The hydrographic network is thick, because for about 1
km2 of the municipality of Raska comes 550 m of water flow. The area abounds with
hydrological natural rarities, which comprise: radioactive sources, lakes, springs and thermal
springs.

As a central part of the old medieval Serbian state of Raska, Raska municipality has numerous
monuments of Serbian medieval culture and literacy, among which are the most famous

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monasteries Gradac, Stara and Nova Pavlica, Koncul, [3] as well as many churches built from
12th to 14th century. Raska has a rich tradition of cultural and spiritual creativity and a large
number of recognized cultural creators in different areas of spirituality.

Serbia is the only Serbian country that is called the name of its people, and Raska is the only city
bearing the name of a Serbian state.1

Used potential

The Raska district has many historical sites, monasteries, churches.

The Gradac Monastery is the founding of Queen Helen of Anjou, built from 1277 to 1282. The
monastery is located near the tourist center Kopaonik and represents the complementary tourist
value of the mountain Golija, and at the same time represents the supplement for the tourist offer
of Kopaonik. Of great importance is its belonging to the cultural and tourist zone ‘Ibarska’,
where besides Gradac, there are also monasteries: Žiča, Studenica, Stara Pavlica, Nova Pavlica
and Banjska. There are also fortresses: Maglic, Brvenik and Zvecan. This certainly contributes to
the convenience of the touristic position of the Gradac Monastery, especially since these
important medieval monasteries and monuments are grouped in a relatively small area.

In honor of Queen Helen of Anjou in Graz there is a manifestation titled "Days of Lilacs", which
gathers a large number of artists, painters, writers, actors. The name of the "Days of Lilacs",
comes from a medieval love story between the French princess and the Serbian king, where he,
in symbol of his love, bestowed her the valley of the lilacs between Kraljevo and Raska. The
manifestation is held at the end of April, or at the beginning of May.

In addition to numerous monasteries, there is also the ethno-village "Household Šekler" on

Rudno. The Šekler household is located between the monasteries of Studenica and Gradac. The
house has an ethno-restaurant, rooms, a log cabin with two apartments and a log cabin with one

1
https://sr.wikipedia.org/sr-el/%D0%A0%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%B0

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apartment. There is also a restaurant "BELI BAGREM" is in ethno-style, with a large terrace of
wood and stone, with a capacity of over 100 places.

Thanks to the hospitality of the ‘Šekler’ family, excellent cuisine where guests can order food
according to their wishes, as well as the readiness to introduce you to the natural beauties of this
region, a holiday filled with joy and rich content is guaranteed.

This family invites you to experience Rudno and share the experience with others who also
wishes to enjoy the natural beauty of this place and magic of rural and mountain tourism

Also one of the most used potentials in the area of Raska is mountain Kopaonik; mountain which
is the largest ski center in Serbia and one of the most beautiful centers in this part of Europe. In
addition to being one of the most beautiful mountains in Serbia, Kopaonik has an incredible
natural potential of about 200 sunny days and about 160 days under the snow cover during the
year.

The arranged terrains of the ski center Kopaonik are suitable for all categories of skiers, from
beginners to top skiers.

In addition, adrenaline fans also have adventure parks that include bobs on the rails, the zip line
and the tubing path. There are also cycling routes, hiking tours, rich flora and fauna for nature
lovers. 2

Unused potential

Golija can not leave any visitor indifferent, but it will leave you speechless due to the flora and
fauna and a large number of springs and pastures. The lakes and rivers are a special trump of
Golija, but even if they are quite unusual, they are still insufficiently used in tourism.

2
http://www.turistickedestinacije.com/destinacije_srbija_c_1_kopaonik_m_1022.html

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The highest peak of Golija is the Jankov stone with 1,833 meters, while the other is the height of
Crni vrh, 1,795 meters high. This mountain crosses several clear rivers, of which Studenica,
Brvenica and Moravica are more famous.

A forest full of medicinal herbs has a potential that has not yet been exploited. Lakes at Golija
are interesting in their appearance, way of creation, and legends about them. Although some of
them are favorite destinations for swimming and excursions, they are still not sufficiently
utilized.

Golia is full of natural ski trails that, unfortunately, lack the infrastructure and well-crafted snow.
It is important to note that Golija is one with the most snowy days a year, and thus the incredible
potential for winter tourism which is waiting to be used. Due to the increased number of
domestic and foreign tourists in the last ten years, Golija has been accelerating the construction
of ancillary infrastructure. It also works on increasing private accommodation capacities suitable
for lovers of rural and eco-tourism.3

Jošanička Banja is located at the foot of Kopaonik. Like most spas, this spa is underused too.
When it comes to water healing, it can be drunk and combined with bathing. It helps in treating
several types of rheumatic diseases, sterility, recovery after surgery and in the prevention of
caries.

The tourist potential of the spa has long been known, but unfortunately nothing is being done!
Most people who do not go across Brus to Kopaonik are just passing through this spa. Therefore,
it would be ideal for spa enjoyment after skiing. Imagine skiing on Kopaonik with a break in a
spa, real pleasure, right? Also, in its vicinity are medieval monasteries like Studenica, Žiča,
Gradc, Pavlica. All this speaks in favor of the fact that Jošanička Banja has huge tourist potential
to attract domestic and foreign tourists.

Bathroom in the bath exists, however it has long been yearning for renovation. So far, there have
been various renovation plans that have not been fulfilled to date. The latest information is that
the Tourist and Sports Organization of Raska, to which this bath belongs, have provided the
funds for its renovation.

3
https://globalserbia.com/magazin/nostalgija/golija-lepotica-medu-planinama/

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 Ideas for improving the present state

In order to make these two places better tourism use, it is primarily necessary to make better
promotion and advertising. Promotion should be actively and regularly performed on social
networks, as well as at the location of Raska municipality. In addition to better promotion, it is
also necessary to build more accommodation capacities for the guests who are coming. Also, it is
necessary to create more content that would attract tourists to these places, such as some local or
regional events. What is still needed is investing funds in these two places which should not be
forgotten. Investments are in progress, renovation of the bathroom takes a lot. And when it
comes to Golija, if the number of accommodation capacities increases the infrastructure will be
stronger.

The companies we are going to do business with

On this project we will cooperate with local, regional and national TOs that will promote our
destination in the best way. We also need to mention local travel agencies in this area that would
promote and sell our products.

Description of a target group

Our target group would be elementary school students. The reason is that during this period they
need to stay in nature and education through socializing and playing, and the ideal place for that
is exactly the place I have mentioned: Households Šekler and mountains Golija and Kopaonik.

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 In this way, they would get rid of the computers and mobile phones that have become
children’s main toys and occupation. In this way, children will learn about the history of this
region, as well as about culture, nature, plants, and animals.

The plan of the proposed package

Below is my idea for a package arrangement. Travel means extended weekend (3 days). On the
first day- arrival at the hotel Rtanj on Kopaonik, this is located not far from the center of
Kopaonik. On the first day, the central part of Raska, the monastery in the vicinity of Raska:
Gradac, Stara and Nova Pavlica, will be visited. Then there is an excursion to the aqua park of
Draguljica where they will use their free time for enjoying the pool. After that return to the hotel
is scheduled along with lunch and rest. In the evening, children's disco would be organized. The
next day they will have a walking tour to Mark's Stone and Pancic's Summit, an acquaintance
with nature along with ‘Avanturia’ (a children's camp), which is to make their day more
entertaining. After their return they will have lunch and time to rest. After that, Avanturia will
organize a variety of games filled with challenges for children in front of the hotel, passing the
adventure of the park, which means climbing on the rock, zip line and crossing various obstacles.
On the third day there will be a tour of the center of the mountain and again some free time.
After this children would return to their homes.

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 Circular letter

Tourist organization Raska

Nemanjina 1

36350 Raska

Telephone036/5471-230

December 1st 2018

All elementary schools

In Kraljevo

Dear,

In this way, we want to offer you an extended weekend for elementary schools in Kraljevo.

During this weekend, the kids would meet mountain Kopaonik, its natural beauty, the cultural
and historical sights of this part of our country; they would have fun and learn to appreciate
nature even more.

These extended weekends are organized during the summer.

If you are interested, we are available for all questions.

We look forward to successful cooperation!

Yours faithfully,

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DIRECTOR OF TOURIST ORGANIZATION

Leaflet

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 Literature

1. https://sr.wikipedia.org/sr-el/%D0%A0%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%B0 taken on
30th November 2018
2. http://www.turistickedestinacije.com/destinacije_srbija_c_1_kopaonik_m_1022.html
taken on 30th November 2018
3. https://globalserbia.com/magazin/nostalgija/golija-lepotica-medu-planinama/ taken on 1st
December 2018

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