POOL RENTAL IS BECOMING A SERIOUS TREND

Renting pools for private use has emerged as one of the more interesting trends recently. People are spending significantly more than they would on public pools, and a new development is the construction of pools without homes or vacation properties.

PHOTO: Pixabay

Private pools are gaining popularity because they offer what public pools cannot—privacy and exclusivity, according to Bloomberg Adria.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for isolation and safety became crucial, and even now, after the pandemic has calmed, people are willing to pay nearly ten times more for the chance to relax in a pool away from crowds. The sense of luxury, comfort, and personalized service makes this offering extremely attractive to many.

Offers to rent private pools without accommodation are increasingly found on social media, where owners directly advertise their pools for daily use.

WHY ARE PEOPLE CHOOSING PRIVATE POOLS?

Haris Varda, the owner of a private pool in Busovača, told Bloomberg Adria that his pool has existed for 20 years but wasn't functional until three years ago. Initially, he renovated it for personal use, but people started inquiring about renting it, leading him to upgrade the pool and start renting it out.

Varda is now completely satisfied with his decision to expand his business, noting that he currently has over 200 unanswered messages because his June, July, and August slots were fully booked by May.

This trend is not only changing how people choose to spend their vacations but also significantly impacting prices. Varda mentions that his pool rental rates range from 120 BAM on weekdays to 170 BAM on weekends, for up to eight people, with additional charges for more guests.

Besides Central Bosnia, Herzegovina stands out with its offers. The daily rental prices for pools typically range between 100 and 200 BAM, depending on location, pool size, and additional amenities offered by the owners.

Mostar and its surroundings offer several options where owners rent out only the pool, without accommodation, for day use. These offers often include access to loungers, barbecues, and the privacy people seek.

This trend is especially popular among locals and residents looking to avoid crowds at public pools or beaches and enjoy a more exclusive and intimate environment.

HOW CAN TOURISM WORKERS ADAPT?

According to Bloomberg Adria, private pools in the region are becoming a multi-million-dollar business. In Serbia, for example, many owners have seen a significant increase in prices and demand. While Bosnia and Herzegovina has not fully embraced this trend yet, the growing interest in private pools suggests that this could change quickly.

Ljubiša Nešovanović, who has worked in the tourism industry for 35 years, emphasizes that houses with pools for rent have been a trend for a few years, mainly catering to locals. "I wouldn’t highlight this as a special tourist offer in Serbia since the number of such places is still small. Locals mostly visit these places, and there are no foreign tourists," Nešovanović told Bloomberg Adria.

To capitalize on this interest, tourism workers in BiH must adjust their offers. This means investing in higher-quality amenities, increasing privacy and exclusivity, and providing additional services that would attract more demanding tourists. Offering private pools could become a key differentiator in accommodation options and a significant opportunity for revenue growth.

Varda has already made a major step in this direction by offering not only the pool but also soon-to-be six rooms with bathrooms and an apartment that can accommodate up to 40 people. "The price covers up to eight people, and any additional guests are charged extra," Varda adds, noting that demand has far exceeded his expectations.

In the end, the question remains whether privacy is becoming the new tourism trend. Given the growing demand for private pools, the answer is clear. Privacy, safety, and exclusivity are increasingly becoming key factors in choosing vacation accommodations, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for the tourism industry in BiH.