Direct air connections continue to play a crucial role in the development of tourism in Sarajevo, with Sarajevo International Airport now offering flights to 39 destinations worldwide. The growing network of routes is making it easier for foreign visitors to reach the Bosnian capital while also providing residents with more travel options for summer vacations.
According to a recent survey conducted by the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board at Sarajevo International Airport, foreign tourists are increasingly choosing Sarajevo as their travel destination. Of the 451 respondents surveyed, 93 percent came from Italy, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Germany, and France.
Haris Fazlagić, President of the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board, highlighted the positive findings of the survey.
“Eighty-six percent of respondents are visiting Sarajevo for the first time, which is very important. Most plan to stay between two and three days and contribute to the local economy through their spending. The majority are between 20 and 45 years old, which is a very positive indicator. The survey was conducted during months that are not considered peak tourist season,” Fazlagić said.
The airport’s destination network has been further expanded this year with the introduction of new routes to Berlin and Paris, while direct flights to Ankara are scheduled to begin on July 1. Passengers can already travel directly to numerous European and international destinations, including London, Istanbul, Dubai, Riyadh, Vienna, Zurich, Rome, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Antalya, and Hurghada.
The expansion of air connectivity has contributed to a five percent increase in tourist arrivals and overnight stays in Sarajevo during the first half of the year.
Tourism industry representatives note that the additional routes have helped offset a decline in visitors from Gulf countries.
“The increase in direct flights had a significant impact, especially during the period when we recorded fewer arrivals from Arab countries in the Gulf region. Visitors arriving through these new routes helped fill that gap,” said Aida Terzić, Director of a local travel agency.
To support continued tourism growth across Bosnia and Herzegovina, tourism authorities in both entities have announced efforts to improve cooperation with global accommodation platforms such as Booking.com and Airbnb.
Nasiha Pozder, Minister of Environment and Tourism of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that both entity ministries have already contacted the platforms and are coordinating further action with state institutions.
“Both ministries have sent letters to these platforms. The next step is for the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations to do the same. At the same time, we are coordinating with the Indirect Taxation Authority, with the aim of reducing the grey economy,” Pozder stated.
Industry officials believe Sarajevo has successfully positioned itself as a unique tourist destination that combines diverse cultures, rich history, and accessibility, making it increasingly attractive to visitors from across Europe and beyond.
