The enjoyment of the citizens of Republika Srpska in domestic destinations with tourist vouchers is questionable this year.
Although this project was supported by citizens and tourism workers in the previous two years, this year there is a lack of funds for its implementation. This measure is not planned in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina either.
During the two cycles of the Tourist Vouchers project, a total of 65,857 tourist vouchers were issued in the Republika Srpska. The effects were visible very quickly, and the number of tourist arrivals increased.
“In any case, the effects were positive, especially in the part when they were valid for the whole year. The use of tourist vouchers is for the purpose of promoting domestic tourism because tourists visit the domestic destinations of Republika Srpska”, said Dragan Tešić, spokesperson of the Tourism Organization of the City of Bijeljina.
No financial resources have been allocated
Although the project produced results in domestic tourism, tourist vouchers this year are under question. There is a legal possibility for that, but no financial means.
“We want to improve the area with legal solutions. In February, we adopted the Law on Tourism. With legal solutions, the Ministry is trying to reach out to tourism workers and to hear their impulse as to what we should do,” said Denis Šulić, Minister of Trade and Tourism of the RS.
No vouchers in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina this year
Although they claim that the support for tourism continues, the authorities do not have information about whether funds for vouchers will be provided this year through budget rebalancing or in some other way. There will definitely not be any vouchers in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina this year either.
“Our information is unofficial that no such program has been provided for this year, but there will be some new programs aimed at supporting events and projects that enrich the tourist offer,” said Amra Jaganjac, director of the Tuzla City Tourist Board.
This is bad news for citizens, because for many vouchers were the only opportunity to travel.
“Many friends who didn’t have enough money to go on a trip used vouchers and that was the only way they could afford those annual vacations,” “I think it’s a good opportunity for most citizens because wages are what they are, no they can allocate, but with vouchers they can allocate every two or three days”, are just some of the comments of citizens.
Caterers are waiting for the start of the season
On the other hand, restaurateurs hope that the lack of vouchers will not significantly affect the success of the tourist season, which is just around the corner.
“It’s time to fix it once and for all after the corona and all the events, to fix it, especially when it comes to hospitality and tourism. If vouchers are distributed and if the people receive them, they also get some inspiration and the opportunity to visit certain tourist places”, according to restaurateur Milenko Zupur.
Although citizens’ money remained in the Republika Srpska with the Tourist Vouchers project, it is less and less certain that they will use tourist vouchers this year as well.
