Working Visit to Kikinda – Exploring the Town’s Tourism Potential and Cultural Heritage

At the invitation of the Kikinda Tourism Organisation, representatives of the Tourism Organisation of Vojvodina paid a working visit to Kikinda, during which they explored the local tourism offer, natural and cultural heritage, events and distinctive local products for which the town is renowned.

During the visit, a meeting was held between Milivoj Kovačević, Acting Director of the Tourism Organisation of Vojvodina, and Jasmina Orašanin, Acting Director of the Kikinda Tourism Organisation. Discussions focused on Kikinda’s tourism potential, the importance of cooperation between the provincial and local tourist organisations, as well as opportunities to enhance the promotion of the destination and connect local attractions with the wider tourism offer of Vojvodina.

Particular attention was drawn to Kikinda’s distinctive symbols – the pumpkin, the Eurasian eagle-owl and Kika the mammoth – as well as its events, Dani Ludaje (Pumpkin Days) and Sovembar, which contribute to the town’s distinctive identity and attract visitors. Kikinda is also renowned as one of the world’s most significant urban wintering sites for Eurasian eagle-owls, offering considerable potential for the development of nature-based and event tourism.

The programme included a visit to the Kikinda National Museum, where representatives of the Tourism Organisation of Vojvodina learnt about the story of Kika the mammoth, whose fossil remains were discovered in the Kikinda area. The visit continued at the Town Hall, where a meeting was held with the Mayor of Kikinda, followed by a visit to the Kikinda Tourism Organisation’s souvenir shop, where pumpkins, owls and mammoths feature prominently in a range of souvenirs and products.

As part of the tour of the town centre, representatives of the Tourism Organisation of Vojvodina strolled through Srpskih dobrovoljaca Square (Serbian Volunteers’ Square) and along Generala Drapšina Street, which has been named the 22nd most beautiful street in the world, thanks to its distinctive avenue of American hackberry trees, whose carefully pruned canopies form a green tunnel.

A significant part of the programme was devoted to art and cultural creativity. Visits to the Terra Museum, as well as the Terra Studio and Gallery, offered an insight into the distinctive artistic expression and creative process behind terracotta sculptures, which are the result of the long-standing tradition of the International Terracotta Sculpture Symposium. These venues highlight Kikinda’s importance as a centre of contemporary sculptural art.

The exploration of the town’s natural and historical heritage also included Blandaš Park, the Old Lake and Suvača, a unique horse-powered mill which forms part of the Kikinda National Museum. During the visit to Suvača, representatives learnt about its traditional operation and the significance of this monument of industrial and technical heritage, which bears witness to the way of life in times gone by and to Kikinda’s rich heritage.

The visit concluded with an introduction to the local culinary offer and a tasting of pumpkin specialities, including pumpkin soup and pumpkin beer. This once again highlighted the importance of local produce and gastronomy in creating an authentic tourism experience.

The working visit provided an opportunity to gain first-hand insight into Kikinda’s diverse tourism potential, exchange experiences and explore opportunities for future cooperation. By bringing together cultural and natural heritage, events, art and gastronomy, opportunities are created to strengthen the promotion of Kikinda and enhance its position within Vojvodina’s wider tourism offer.