ŠULIĆ: A 10 PERCENT INCREASE IN OVERNIGHT STAYS IS EXPECTED IN 2025

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 1 /SRNA/ - The Republika Srpska Minister of Trade and Tourism Denis Šulić said in an interview with SRNA that Republika Srpska's tourism results for 2024 are record-breaking, with 52,000 more overnight stays recorded in the first 11 months compared to the same period in 2023, and added that the number of overnight stays in 2025 is expected to grow by an additional 10 percent compared to the previous year.

"I am confident that December will prove to be much better than last year because, in December 2023, we did not have this much snow or as many ski resorts open in Republika Srpska. This year, we have opened all ski resorts – on Jahorina, Igrišta, Ravna Planina, Sokolac, and even skiing in the Kozara National Park. We are operating at full capacity when it comes to winter vacations," emphasized Šulić. He has said that the spas of Republika Srpska, and its main urban tourist centers, are fully booked. "I am particularly pleased that Trebinje is fully booked, even though it's not the time of year when such demand is expected. Extra beds are being sought in Banja Luka, Doboj, Bijeljina – extra beds are in demand," said Šulić. Šulić says he expects an increase in revenue from the tourist tax in 2025, adding that the World Tourism Organization estimates that tourists visiting Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH spend up to BAM 2,700 during their stay. "We have seen a significant increase in the number of foreign visitors to Republika Srpska. These people bring money to Srpska and spend it here," said Šulić, adding that this has a substantial impact on budget revenues. Šulić expressed confidence that the growth in overnight stays in 2025 will exceed 10 percent compared to 2024. "In 2025, we will be able to position ourselves even more effectively in the market through offerings for 2026," Šulić said, adding that this will also be achieved thanks to the new central information system. He added that Republika Srpska is also expanding its tourist accommodation capacities and other tourism infrastructure. "I am confident that in 2025, we will have more beds available, reduce the gray economy, and generate additional revenue for the budget. We will position tourism in Srpska where it truly belongs, as one of the sectors that can contribute the most to the development of Srpska," said Šulić. Šulić said that the Ministry's goal for the coming period is to increase the share of tourism and hospitality in Republika Srpska's total GDP to between three and four percent. "When I took over the Ministry, we were at 1.1 percent of total GDP, and now we have surpassed 1.5 percent. A realistic target is for tourism and hospitality to account for three to four percent of total GDP. We will continue to work towards this," emphasized Šulić.