Tourism workers ended the year 2023 satisfied. They record a higher number of tourist arrivals and overnight stays, compared to the previous year. A rich holiday offer also contributes to this statistic. They expect that this New Year will bring even more positive results.
Rich gastronomy, natural beauty, festival tourism, cultural and historical wealth, but also hospitality – the main cards of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tourism. Enriched offers, especially during holidays, are an additional reason for tourists to come. The largest BH in addition to the New Year’s offer, the city is emphasizing the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Olympics in the next two months.
HARIS FAZLAGIĆ, president of the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Association
“Sarajevo is a magnet for neighbors because we are a very favorable tourist destination. They know when they come to Sarajevo that there is very good gastronomy, restaurants, outdoor events, lots of music. Sarajevo is one of the safest capital cities in Europe.”
Currently, an extra bed is wanted in Sarajevo. The weather conditions at the beginning of the winter season did not favor the ski resorts, but the urban areas prepared facilities that can be enjoyed by both local and foreign guests.
NERMIN MUZUR, Mayor of Ilidža Municipality
“We first thought of putting this area on the newly built central square, but there it would be time-limited due to the school and could only be during the holidays, while here the situation is completely different and it is colder here in Prague. We are not limited by time, so as long as the weather conditions allow this field will be held here.”
Tourist workers are satisfied. The results are getting closer to the record year 2019. From the previous one, it has long been surpassed.
RAMIZ BAŠIĆ, Tourist Board of HNK
“Although the increase in both the number of tourists and the number of overnight stays is 15-20%, we have not yet reached some 90% of the results from 2019, but we hope that in 2024 it will reach.”
BRANKA BRANKOVIĆ, Tourism Organization of the City of Banja Luka
“Banjaluka recorded 147,000 overnight stays in 10 months, surpassing the entire previous year. When I say overnight stays, guests stay here for three or even more nights.”
The establishment of new airlines in larger centers also contributed to positive tourist trends, and the advantage is that we are one of the more favorable destinations. There are high expectations for 2024 as well.
HARIS FAZLAGIĆ, president of the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Association
“We are opening the market to China. The Chinese are the most numerous tourists who come here, which they were in 2019. The Council of Ministers signed an agreement with China, so now the way is open.”
RAMIZ BAŠIĆ, Tourist Board of HNK
“We expect an even more successful season, and that is what our information from fairs, our hotels, booking providers, etc. gives us.”
Tourism optimism is based on the results achieved in the year behind us. One million and 350 thousand tourists visited Bosnia and Herzegovina in 10 months, which is 19% more than in 2022. Almost 3 million overnight stays were achieved, or 15% more compared to the previous year.
