SUMMER BOOM FOR HOLIDAY HOMES IN SRPSKA, PRICES REACH KM 2,500 PER DAY

The summer season has brought strong demand for holiday homes with swimming pools across the Republic of Srpska, with rental prices ranging from around KM 500 to as much as KM 2,500, depending on the location, capacity and amenities offered.

PHOTO: Šipovo online

Owners say that bookings are often made months in advance, while families and people organising smaller celebrations have shown the greatest interest.

FAMILY GATHERINGS

One holiday home owner in Banja Luka says the most common inquiries are for children's birthday parties, family gatherings and day trips.

“The level of interest is high, while the price depends on the type of celebration and the number of guests. On average, it ranges from KM 700 to KM 800,” he told Nezavisne novine.

The owner of a holiday home in Bijeljina also said that he rents his property at a similar price.

Another owner said they only started renting out their property this year, but decided to focus exclusively on quieter gatherings.

MOST INQUIRIES ARE FOR 18TH BIRTHDAY PARTIES

“We receive the most inquiries for 18th birthday celebrations, as well as bachelorette and bachelor parties, but we turn down such bookings. We have focused on family gatherings and relaxation because we do not want our property to be damaged,” he said.

He added that during the summer, guests are also interested in weekday bookings, not just weekends, while pointing out that a swimming pool is one of the most important features guests look for when choosing a holiday home.

On the other hand, owners who offer a complete service, including a holiday home with a swimming pool and a dining area with waiters and food, say that their properties are most often used for christenings, smaller weddings, birthdays and traditional post-birth family celebrations.

“Bookings are made up to a year in advance. We offer eight different menus, with prices ranging from KM 75 to KM 125 per person, including food, drinks, waiters and overnight accommodation,” they said.

According to them, demand has remained almost unchanged from year to year, with the largest number of bookings related to family celebrations.

RENTAL PRICES CAN REACH KM 2,500

According to a woman from Banja Luka who is soon to be a wedding maid of honour, rental prices can reach as much as KM 2,500.

“I was looking for a holiday home for a bachelorette party and made inquiries through social media. The prices are very high, reaching as much as KM 2,500. The price depends on the number of guests, location, size and appearance of the villa, as well as whether it has a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and other amenities. The more luxurious the holiday home looks, the higher the price,” she said, adding that she eventually found an attractive holiday home for KM 500.

“I also found cheaper holiday homes for KM 300 to KM 400, but they do not have swimming pools, which is not ideal for this type of celebration,” she concluded.

Prices also depend on whether the property is rented on weekdays or weekends.

“The price for up to 10 people is KM 450 on all days except Saturday, when it is KM 550. For groups larger than that, each additional person pays KM 20,” said the owner of a holiday home on Kozara.

REPUBLIC MARKET INSPECTORATE CONDUCTED 70 INSPECTIONS

The Republic Market Inspectorate has conducted 70 inspections this year of accommodation services provided in apartments, holiday homes and other facilities. In two cases, inspectors determined that the businesses were not registered.

Officials from the Inspectorate of the Republic of Srpska told Nezavisne novine that the individuals concerned were prohibited from continuing their operations and were also fined.

“The inspection continuously monitors the provision of accommodation services in the hospitality sector with the aim of combating unregistered businesses,” they said, adding that significant progress has been made in this area in recent years.

They pointed out that the law does not distinguish between apartments and holiday homes, meaning that all such facilities must be registered, categorised and meet the prescribed technical, sanitary and hygiene requirements.

“In the previous period, we did not receive any complaints concerning the quality of services,” they said, while noting that citizens occasionally, mostly anonymously, reported suspected unregistered activities.

They reminded that individuals providing accommodation services in violation of the law can face fines ranging from KM 500 to KM 2,000, along with a ban on continuing their operations.

“However, we must emphasise that the aim of inspections is not punishment, but the registration and legalisation of businesses, bringing their operations within the legal framework and combating unfair competition against businesses that operate legally and fulfil their obligations towards employees and the state,” the Inspectorate said.