Tourists flock to Mostar, seek refreshment near Neretva river (PHOTO)

Air temperatures which exceeded 32 degrees on Friday forced many Mostarians and foreign visitors to find a shadowed spot near the river and enjoy a cool breeze.

Some resisted the heat and took a walk through the narrow streets of the old town, posing for photos under the 24-metre high arch of the UNESCO-protected Old Bridge, Mostar's landmark.

“Mostar is a beautiful city and whenever I get a chance I'm coming here, and I am happy to show this beauty to my friends,” said a Slovenian tourist, Roman Kos.

“I grew fond of Mostar even before I visited it the first time,” said Kos, who heard many stories about the city from his father, who served military service in Mostar years ago.

Tourism Board management hopes that this season will break the record in the number of visitors.

“The season started very well both in Mostar and in the whole canton. Pre-season was excellent and we can tell the season will be better than ever,” said Andrija Kresic, general manager of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton Tourism Board.

Some world's magazines listed Herzegovina region among top destinations this summer which, according to Kresic, will certainly bring here many Europeans who are now planning their trips.

“Once the world sees how high Herzegovina is ranked as a destination, it will certainly be an important factor that will reflect on this year's season and increase the number of guests,” he said.