HOW SPA TOURISM IN OLOVO BECAME ONE OF BOSNIA’S FASTEST-GROWING HEALTH TOURISM DESTINATIONS

Olovo has emerged as one of the fastest-growing spa and health tourism destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, thanks to its natural thermal springs, strong local investment, and modern medical facilities. The Aquaterm Olovo spa and rehabilitation center now stands out as a leading example of sustainable and profitable wellness development.

PHOTO: Aquaterm Olovo

According to official data, Olovo generates over 60% of all overnight stays in the Zenica-Doboj Canton, positioning the small municipality as a national leader in thermal and wellness tourism. Its rise is largely driven by long-term development of spa services and the high quality of its healing mineral water.

Aquaterm director Senad Selimović says demand for spa treatments and wellness programs is growing steadily, with accommodation capacities already fully booked for the next year.

“We invested heavily in facilities, equipment, and professional staff, creating a brand recognized throughout the region. Our thermal therapy programs are increasingly popular, and demand exceeds capacity,” Selimović told Federal Television.

Major Expansion Boosted by New Thermal Water Drilling

To support the rapid growth of health tourism in Olovo, the municipality has launched an ambitious project to expand its thermal water resources.

“We are drilling a new well at 475 meters, with a flow rate of 120 liters per second and temperatures reaching up to 45°C. The upcoming complex should feature around 200 rooms and additional wellness facilities,” said Olovo Mayor Đemal Memagić.

Olovo has nine thermal-mineral water sources, considered among the most stable in the region in both temperature and composition. The water is odorless, colorless, mildly mineralized, and sulfur-free — properties that make it ideal for treating rheumatic, neurological, and post-traumatic conditions.

Aquaterm Olovo: A Key Player in Bosnia’s Wellness Tourism Market

Over the past decade, Aquaterm has doubled its workforce from 45 to 102 employees, while its accommodation capacity of around 200 beds is nearly fully booked for the upcoming season. Continuous investment in reconstruction, equipment upgrades, and modern therapy programs has strengthened its position on the Bosnian spa tourism market.

Selimović highlights that the project is worth several million euros and has the potential to become a major regional development engine, especially through the sustainable use of clean, renewable thermal energy.

“If we want to keep young and skilled professionals in the country, these are the projects we must support. Thermal energy is clean, renewable, and beneficial for both public health and the local economy,” Selimović emphasized.