857,337 tourists visited Bosnia and Herzegovina during the first six months of this year, which is 1.1 percent less than in the same period last year. However, the number of overnight stays increased by one percent. From January to June, more than 1,800,000 overnight stays were realized. Our country is a desirable destination for many, and here is why.
The Canton of Sarajevo records excellent results and maintains the status of one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the region. Tourism workers are especially happy about this, because this year is normally a crisis for tourism all over the world.
HARIS FAZLAGIĆ, Tourist Board of Canton Sarajevo
“For the first six, seven months, we are again breaking records, above all in the number of overnight stays, which is very important to us. 5 percent more than last year for the first six, seven months, although July was a record month in arrivals. And for the first six, seven months, we are not at the same level of arrivals as last year, but we are glad that more than five percent of overnight stays are.”
Most foreign tourists come from the region, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia, followed by Turkey, Germany, USA and China.
ANĐELKO MASLAĆ, Tourist Board Herzegovina
“Our county has a really diverse offer. We can boast that today you are drinking coffee in Mostar, you are an hour from the coast and the sea in Neum, and you are also an hour from Konjic and Blidinje and Jablanica, where you can drink coffee and cross some mountains along the Neretva. In Blidinje, when there is snow, there is also winter tourism.”
Compared to the same period last year, domestic tourists made 3.6 percent more arrivals, while foreigners made 3.2 percent less. In the Republika Srpska, they will encourage domestic guests this year as well.
Tourist vouchers, which should be available to RS citizens this year, from September, will also contribute to tourism trends.
SANELA ŠIMUN, Tourist Organization of Republika Srpska
“Looking at the previous period, citizens of Republika Srpska used their tourist vouchers mostly in spa centers. There was great interest and I hope that there will be great interest now.”
Tourism workers are also aware that it can always be better. The challenge is still to reduce the gray area, and interconnection would be useful.
