Bezdan Marina Project Aims to Boost Nautical Tourism
The Sombor City Administration’s Department of Spatial and Urban Planning and Civil Engineering has announced a public presentation for an ambitious urban project aimed at developing a marina near Bezdan. This initiative seeks to harness Bezdan’s potential in nautical tourism and secure the necessary planning documents for the state project “Sail Serbia.” The project is designed to enhance the region’s appeal as a gateway to the Danube, promoting both local and international tourism.
Public Presentation and Project Details
The public presentation, organized by the city administration, invites feedback from both citizens and legal entities. The urban project, prepared by Saputnik-M d.o.o. Sombor and Meridijanprojekt, outlines plans for a marina that will accommodate approximately 120 vessels. In addition to the main docking facility, the project includes the construction of a workshop, sanitary facilities, a fuel supply station, and a guardhouse. Written comments and suggestions from attendees will be considered by the Commission for Expert Control of the Urban Project, although oral feedback will not be recorded.
This planning effort follows the proclamation of the port area and the amendment of Bezdan’s general regulation plan last September. Strategically located at the intersection of the Bajski and Veliki Backi canals, Bezdan serves as a crucial access point to the Danube. The marina’s construction is set to take place on two cadastral plots situated between the Bezdan Shipyard and the lock on the Bajski Canal, with the land managed by the public water management enterprise Vode Vojvodina.
The marina is part of the broader “Sail Serbia” initiative, which also includes plans for Apatin to receive a port suitable for larger tourist vessels and the development of an international passenger port in Banostor. Uros Kandic, State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Youth, emphasized that the state will cover all construction costs in Bezdan, while the local government will handle project documentation. The marina is expected to be completed within two years, marking a significant development opportunity for the region.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Despite its favorable conditions for nautical tourism, Bezdan has struggled to capitalize on its advantages in the past. In the early 2000s, the local government invested in two scrapped barges for €40,000, intending to create a facility for tourist cruise ships near the monument to the Battle of Batina. However, years of neglect led to the deterioration of these barges, which ultimately disappeared after being sold as scrap metal.
The current marina project represents a renewed commitment to developing Bezdan’s nautical tourism potential. Local officials have expressed optimism that this initiative will not only benefit Bezdan but also enhance the overall tourism infrastructure along the Veliki Backi Canal. As the project progresses, it is expected to attract more visitors and provide a boost to the local economy, transforming Bezdan into a vibrant hub for nautical activities.
