Zlatibor is back in the spotlight, and it’s not because of snow or mountain trails, but because of the spectacular start of the summer season at Ribničko Lake! The biggest tourist attraction in Zlatibor, the “Gold Gondola,” kicked off the season with the event “At the Mid-Station,” blending art, gastronomy, and tradition. The gondola’s director, Bojana Božanić, proudly states that the goal is to preserve cultural heritage and promote the identity of the region. But is this just another tourist story or something more?
The season’s main event, the Gastro Etnofest, is scheduled for August 1st and 2nd, promising a mix of gastronomy, crafts, fashion, and healthy living through themed zones. The president of the Čajetina municipality, Milan Stamatović, announced an ambitious development plan called “Golden City,” which includes golf courses, hotel complexes, villas, and even an airport! Can Zlatibor really become one of the world’s leading tourist centers by 2030, or is this just a dream?
Set designer Snežana Vesnić promises a visual spectacle combining traditional and modern aesthetics, while the gondola’s summer program offers market days, cycling activities, children’s workshops, art workshops, gastro days, open-air cinema, cabaret, and luxury night rides like “Breakfast at Sunrise.”
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. While Zlatibor prepares for a tourist boom, problems like car break-ins during vacations and bankruptcies of travel agencies continue to plague tourists. Although the gondola symbolizes progress, will these ambitious plans survive reality?
This tourist spectacle is not just a gondola ride but an attempt to turn Zlatibor into a dynamic cultural center and a symbol of the future. But will it be a success or just another seasonal story? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Zlatibor ready for a golden age, or is it all just a shiny facade? Drop a comment, maybe your word will spark the real debate!
