Construction began on Monday to build Buroj Ozone, the largest integrated tourist city in southeastern Europe, in the metropolis of Trnovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 20 km south of Sarajevo.
The project is being finnaced by an investor from Dubai to the initial tune of 930 million euros with an eye to attracting an Arab clientele.
The new complex will cover 140 hectares and comprise a variety of structures “that are destined for and accessible to all classes”, according to Trnovo Mayor Ibro Berilo. Buroj will be connected to the ski runs of the nearby Mount Bjelasnica by cable car.
The complex will include an international hospital, a shopping centre, 300 villas, four hotels, numerous restaurants, fountains and children's playgrounds.
Work is expected to be complete in 2020. The number of tourists from Arab countries is growing steadily in Bosnia.
This year alone arrivals from the countries of the Gulf region have risen by 200%, while many Arabs are buying properties and land in various parts of the country.