Turning vision into reality through tourism: The story of Slobodanka Coka Stević

Slobodanka Coka Stević is an experienced entrepreneur from Loznica, with more than 30 years of work in the tourism sector. As the owner and director of Kondor Tis Ltd, she manages two travel agencies-one in Loznica and one in Belgrade-as well as Hotel HEBA on Divčibare. For her, tourism is not just a profession, but a lifelong passion and a way of connecting people, stories, and destinations.

Her entrepreneurial journey began with a clear decision to take responsibility for her own path-both successes and failures. Driven by a strong vision, she gradually built her business from the ground up, transforming ideas into tangible achievements. From opening her first travel agency to expanding her operations and eventually building a hotel, each step was the result of persistence, strategic thinking, and long-term dedication.

One of the most challenging moments in her career came at the very beginning, when she started her business during the period of the NATO bombing in 1999. Operating in such an unstable environment required courage, resilience, and the ability to adapt quickly to uncertainty. Despite these circumstances, she remained focused on her goals and continued to grow her business.

As a woman entrepreneur, Slobodanka also faced the challenge of balancing multiple roles-being a business owner, a mother, and managing household responsibilities at the same time. In a society where women were often not equally recognized in business, she had to work harder to prove her capabilities and build credibility. Over time, through consistent effort and results, she overcame these barriers.

She emphasizes that obstacles are an inevitable part of any entrepreneurial journey, but also a valuable source of learning and growth. Failures and setbacks, as she notes, make entrepreneurs stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for future challenges.

Slobodanka also highlights the importance of community and mutual support, especially among women. Through connections with other women in Loznica, she finds inspiration, understanding, and encouragement to continue developing both personally and professionally.

Her story reflects the importance of determination, vision, and belief in one’s goals. By following her ambitions with persistence and confidence, she has built a successful and sustainable business in tourism. Today, her journey serves as an inspiration for women entrepreneurs, showing that even in the most difficult circumstances, it is possible to create opportunities and achieve long-term success.

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