The open-air exhibition was inspired by the beginnings of ski tourism in this area, the first enthusiasts in the conquest of Kopaonik and the first steps towards a modern tourist center. The opening of the Karavan Hotel in 1981 is the culmination of previous efforts in the construction and development of the infrastructure of Kopaonik. That moment brought the spirit of European ski capitals to this area. Until the end of October, visitors will have the opportunity to see archival photos of Kopaonik from all periods – from the modest beginnings of skiing to one of the most important tourist destinations in Serbia.
Svetlana Kostić, Director of Marketing and Communications at the MK Mountain Resort, said that the exhibition should show the brilliant path of Kopaonik from the first traces of skis in the snow to the fashionable tourist center as it is today. “I thank the Archives of Yugoslavia, the Tourist Organization of Serbia (TOS), the Tourist Organization of Raška and the Ski Club of Raška for their help and support in preparing the exhibition. The Grand was and remains above its time, the cornerstone of the luxury tourist offers in Serbia. We are especially pleased that in the jubilee year, the Grand Hotel will get its brand-new luxury edition. Our goal is to raise the entire service and offer to the premium level that the Grand Hotel deserves “, said Svetlana Kostić.
TOS Director Marija Labović pointed out that the jubilee, 40 years since the beginning of the development of modern tourism in Kopaonik, is important not only for MK Group and Kopanik, but also for the whole of Serbia.
„This is the best indicator of how far tourism has advanced in our country, occupying a significant place in the Serbian economy. MK Group’s investments have brought Kopaonik as a destination to the level of world ski centers. Kopaonik is an example of how destinations develop, not only in the winter, but throughout the year. Today, we can say that we have a mountain that matches all other mountain centers in Europe and that rightfully competes for foreign and domestic tourists, “said Marija Labović..
According to her, the importance of Kopaonik for Serbian tourism is evidenced by the fact that in 2019, which was a record for Serbian tourism with more than 10 million overnight stays, almost 30 percent was realized in mountain centers, of which 25 percent was realized in Kopaonik.
The last segment of the exhibition will present the new era of the Grand Hotel Kopaonik, its luxury edition and facilities that guests will have the opportunity to enjoy as early as this winter. The exhibition is open until 22 October for all visitors and is a kind of homage to Kopaonik, whose beauties we enjoy all these years.
