The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) included Krupa na Vrbasu near Banja Luka on the list of 52 ”Best Tourism Villages of 2022”.
Tourism development
As reported by the UNWTO, this recognition is given to rural destinations that embrace tourism as a driver of development and new opportunities for jobs and income, while preserving and promoting community-based values and products. The initiative also recognizes the villages for their dedication to innovation and sustainability in all aspects – economic, social, and ecological – and focuses on the development of tourism in accordance with the goals of sustainable development.
The upgrade program under the ”Best Tourism Villages”initiative benefits a number of villages that do not fully meet the criteria for recognition. These villages receive support from UNWTO and its partners in improving elements in areas where deficiencies have been identified.
Numerous offers
Krupa na Vrbasu can boast waterfalls on the Krupa river, water mills that still grind flour from various types of grain, cycling and walking paths, the church of St. Elijah within the monastery complex dating from the end of the 12th century, as well as the town of Greben, a medieval ruin in near the monastery. The Krupa River flows into Vrbas, and also, in the town of Krupa na Vrbasu, there are several campsites on the banks, while tourists are also offered accommodation in private bungalows and cottages. Tourists from all over the world visit this place.
Goran Vidovic, who lives in Krupa na Vrbasu, believes that, in addition to the attractive waterfalls, the fact that it is only 25 kilometers from the center of Banja Luka is a great advantage of this location.
Talking about tourists, he said that they are not here only in winter when the weather is bad, but the climate has completely changed, so even though it used to snow here from the end of November to May, now it rarely falls.
