NOT BANJA LUKA, NOT TREBINJE: DO YOU KNOW WHICH CITY IS THE MOST VISITED IN SRPSKA?

According to data from the Republic Institute of Statistics, the tourism picture of Republika Srpska in 2024 brought some unexpected results, with Teslić claiming the title of the most visited city.

PHOTO: Teslić

Although Banja Luka and Trebinje are often perceived as the leading tourist destinations, Teslić recorded the highest number of tourist overnight stays in the previous year. Out of a total of 1,176,689 overnight stays registered across Republika Srpska, nearly a quarter were realized in Teslić alone, amounting to precisely 273,791 overnight stays.

Trebinje ranked second on the list with 207,837 overnight stays, while Banja Luka took third place with 186,718 recorded overnight stays.

Representatives of the Teslić Municipal Tourist Organization told Glas Srpske that it did not come as a major surprise that their town topped the list, noting that increased visitor numbers have become more common in recent years.

“Compared to 2023, we recorded 22,092 more arrivals. We offer numerous events organized in cooperation with the cultural center, which are highly attractive to visitors,” they said.

They emphasized that although domestic tourists remain the backbone of local tourism, foreign visitors account for a higher number of overnight stays. The most frequent foreign guests come from Croatia, Slovenia, and Serbia.

“The backbone of tourism and the biggest attraction of our town is the ‘Banja Vrućica’ Health and Spa Tourism Center. Rural and mountain tourism have also been developed, attracting nature lovers. Liplje Monastery, the Kondžilo sanctuary, which draws many visitors from Croatia, and the Rastuša Cave are landmarks that tourists are eager to explore,” they explained.

According to the Tourist Organization, this year will also see the continuation of existing attractions, as well as events within the framework of “Teslić Summer.”

“We have traditional events such as the ‘Baby Conference’ and ‘Ovnovijada,’ held every August and always attracting a large number of visitors. We also organize ‘Fruits of the Village,’ an event held in cooperation with the City Administration and cultural institutions,” they concluded.