RURAL TOURISM IN SRPSKA IS BOOMING, CONFIRM LOCAL HOSTS

Rural tourism in Republika Srpska is flourishing, as confirmed by the owners of rural households, who report a highly successful summer season, with some even having to request extra beds.

PHOTO: Stanišići

Ana Lakić, Head of the Department for Development and Improvement of Tourism Products at the Tourism Organization of Republika Srpska, told "Nezavisne novine" that there are currently 257 registered rural households providing hospitality services, a significant increase from the number a decade ago.

- This form of tourism is gaining importance both in Europe and in Republika Srpska, as it offers unique opportunities for local community development, preservation of cultural heritage, and economic sustainability. Rural tourism allows farmers and local residents to diversify their income sources. Offering accommodation and selling local products are just some of the ways to generate additional income, said Lakić.

She also pointed out that the majority of registered rural households are located in the municipalities of Šipovo, Ribnik, Mrkonjić Grad, and Laktaši, and the number is growing in eastern Herzegovina as well. She emphasized that the mountains, rivers, lakes, and unspoiled nature of Srpska represent ideal locations for rural tourism, hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities, while the authentic rural accommodation adds to the overall image of Srpska as a desirable destination.

- Earlier this year, the Tourism Organization of Republika Srpska, in cooperation with the association 'Slow Food Trebinje, Hercegovina,' began working on the 'Smart Era' project, which has several pilot areas across Europe, one of which is eastern Herzegovina, involving six municipalities. The goal of this project is to strengthen rural communities and improve tourism offerings through a multidisciplinary approach and modern technology, with the aim of reducing youth and population outflow from rural areas, providing employment opportunities through tourism, and implementing other positive practices already applied in the rest of Europe, she added.

Predrag Radoja, the owner of the rural household "Radoja" in Šipovo, told "Nezavisne" that the number of tourists is increasing every year.

- We have guests who come for a day trip to places like Janjske Otoke and stay for lunch, and we also have guests who stay a bit longer. Either way, the numbers are growing. Currently, Šipovo has almost 1,000 beds. That’s quite a lot, considering this is a small place, but many people come, especially during the summer season. A lot of them come from Vojvodina, Austria, and Germany. This summer was no different, with over 1,000 people passing through in a single weekend. Sometimes, despite all the available rural accommodations, we find ourselves without enough beds and have to call around to see if anyone has room because we don’t want to turn guests away, Radoja explained.

He added that Šipovo is a pioneer of rural tourism in Republika Srpska, with the trend beginning as early as 2007/08.

- If it weren't for nature, people wouldn’t come here, but when they do, they are amazed by the hosts and the food, and it creates a whole chain reaction. There are many attractions that draw them in. We often get guests from Slovenia, who also visit Jajce, he added.

Slavka Simetić, from the rural household "Simetić" in Ribnik, told "Nezavisne" that although she is new to the business, it has been a very good year.

- I’m just starting, and I began offering food last year, but it's been a good year with plenty of tourists. Even though I’m new to this, I’m more than satisfied. In terms of accommodation, I rented out the ground floor of my house, but now I’m furnishing additional rooms, Simetić explained.

She noted that tourists are attracted by the local food and nature, as well as the river that runs through her property. She also mentioned that many guests come from Serbia, Slovenia, and Germany.

The rural household "Grabež" in Pecka, near Mrkonjić Grad, also reported having tourists, with larger groups arriving from time to time.