Emil Balavac INTERVIEW with the Minister on tourism, undeclared work, rewards, and penalties in HNŽ

Minister Emil Balavac, the new Minister of Trade, Tourism, and Environment in the Government of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, stated in an interview with Bljesak info that the current situation in HNŽ regarding the development strategy for tourism is disheartening. The previous strategy expired in 2021 and due to the poor functioning of the government in the past period, a new one has not been adopted. Balavac mentioned that the existing tourism infrastructure did not attract a large number of tourists and emphasized the need for more content to be offered to visitors in Mostar, Čitluk, and Neum. He expressed the intention to create a good foundation for destination management and mentioned the allocation of funds in the 2024 budget for the development of a new strategy. Balavac also touched upon the issues within the Tourist Board of HNŽ, the establishment of local tourist boards, the problem of undeclared work, and the shortcomings in the trade sector. Regarding the energy sector, he highlighted the potential for solar and wind energy in the region, mentioning the negative impact of mini hydro power plants on the environment. He discussed the construction of facilities for renewable energy sources, primarily solar power plants, and addressed concerns about their environmental impact. Balavac mentioned ongoing efforts to comply with the court decision and meet the demands of citizens regarding the Uborak landfill, emphasizing that it is not solely the responsibility of the City of Mostar but requires significant resources and the collaboration of relevant institutions at the cantonal and federal levels. He also emphasized the need to increase waste sorting and recycling, requiring both funding and public understanding. Balavac briefly mentioned the past practice of financial rewards in the Ministry of Trade, Tourism, and Environment HNŽ, and outlined the biggest challenges in the field and the specific steps he plans to take at the beginning of his mandate.