Delta Holding Srbija
Episode · #64
POSLOVNI FM PREDSTAVLJA Delta Holding Srbija
Guest Delta Holding SrbijaHosted by Sanja PlješaMay 3, 2026
Delta Holding Srbija
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
Delta Holding, one of Serbia's largest companies, isn't just building skyscrapers in Belgrade. Its leaders are also investing in a vision of modern rural life, proving that agriculture can be profitable and sustainable in the Balkans. This conversation takes us to Zaječar, where Delta is running "Naše selo" (Our Village), a project that blends social impact with hard-nosed business principles. Ana Brzaković, Director of Corporate Communications, and Zorana Gurlić, CEO of Delta Real Estate, share how a regional powerhouse balances diverse ventures, from luxury hotels to the adoption of modern agricultural practices. You will walk away with a clearer understanding of how a major player navigates complex markets and builds sustainable value beyond capital cities.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Delta Holding launched "Naše selo" (Our Village) to demonstrate that life in Serbian villages can be "like in villages of Western Europe" if agriculture is approached with "knowledge and the right method." The future of rural economies isn't about traditional farming or charity; it's about injecting modern expertise and a business mindset into existing communities.
02
The "Naše selo" project's core tenet is that "knowledge is the most important thing" for modern agriculture, actively educating villagers on contemporary practices. For true community uplift, direct knowledge transfer and a shift in mindset are as crucial as capital, challenging generations-old methods.
03
Erste Bank provides loans to villagers in "Naše selo" for agricultural improvements, with Delta Agro covering all interest costs. When designing social impact programs, look for ways to de-risk investment for participants, like absorbing interest, to encourage the adoption of new, more productive methods.
04
Beyond education and investment, "Naše selo" also focuses on social life, including renovating the school in Mala Jasikova. Sustainable community development requires more than just economic uplift; a vibrant social and cultural fabric is essential for long-term well-being and retention.
05
Zorana Gurlić states that Delta Real Estate's strategic orientation is "exclusively congress hotels," actively avoiding the seasonal exposure of other hotel types. A large real estate developer doesn't chase every market opportunity; it defines a clear niche (like year-round business tourism) and sticks to it to mitigate operational risks.
06
Delta Real Estate describes itself as a "profit-oriented company" that "doesn't know any borders and doesn't know any political barriers" in its regional expansion from Slovenia to Bulgaria. For a successful private enterprise, business interests and market opportunities often override geopolitical complexities, enabling expansion across diverse regional landscapes.
07
Delta advises villagers in "Naše selo" to take loans "little by little, gradually," rather than over-indebting themselves all at once. When introducing new financial models or investments to less experienced participants, structuring commitments incrementally builds confidence and reduces perceived risk, encouraging wider adoption.
08
Delta Holding's regional expansion began with a conscious decision to establish "better and greater cooperation with media from the region," organizing visits for journalists from multiple countries. For a company expanding across borders, proactive regional media engagement is a strategic imperative, building trust and visibility beyond the home market.
09
Zorana Gurlić confirms continued interest in the Esplanada hotel in Zagreb, but emphasizes that "interest is needed from both sides" and they are "looking at all other opportunities" in the meantime. Even for a desired acquisition, a disciplined investor maintains optionality, signaling readiness but refusing to be exclusive until all conditions, including seller interest, are aligned.
10
Delta Real Estate plans to open a Holiday Inn in Ljubljana, alongside its existing Intercontinental, seeing "space for hotel expansion" in the city for that brand category. Strategic portfolio expansion often involves identifying specific market gaps for different brand tiers within the same city, creating a synergistic offering rather than direct competition.