TOBL SAYS: WE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING GUESTS FROM RUSSIA

For the first time in the history of the international tourism marketing competition PRObrand-2025, representatives from the Balkans took part in the event, with the Tourist Organization of Banja Luka (TOBL) winning third place in the category “Territorial Video Branding”.

PRObrand once again fulfilled its core mission, originally set by its founder, the Eurasian Alliance of Tourism Industry Specialists — to unite regions and countries and to establish communication among participants in the global tourism market. The participation of the Republic of Srpska in this unique project was described as a genuine diplomatic success for the organizers and partners.

The awarded project was a promotional tourism film dedicated to Banja Luka, the largest city and administrative center of the Republic of Srpska. According to TOBL Director Minja Šurlan, the video presents the city’s cultural and historical landmarks, natural attractions, and the authentic atmosphere of both its urban and rural areas in an engaging and modern way.

“Our organization is the central institution responsible for the development, improvement, and promotion of Banja Luka’s tourism potential. We act as a strategic partner to the city administration, businesses, and the local community, with the goal of positioning Banja Luka as an attractive, modern, and sustainable tourist destination,” Šurlan said.

She emphasized that, in addition to classic city tours, TOBL organizes so-called “experience tours,” including truffle hunting in the forests of Krupa na Vrbasu followed by truffle cooking on a local farm, religious tourism focused on Orthodox monasteries and the traditions of other faiths, rafting and kayaking adventures, rides in the traditional dajak boat, as well as participation in reconstructions of cultural and historical heritage such as traditional family celebrations and Serbian weddings.

Speaking about cooperation with Russian tourists and regions, Šurlan stressed that visitors from Russia are more than welcome in Banja Luka and throughout the Republic of Srpska.

“Through competitions like PRObrand, we strive to introduce our city to citizens of the Russian Federation so they can experience it, form their own impressions, and wish to return — while also discovering the entire Republic of Srpska. We look forward to welcoming Russian tourists and are actively seeking opportunities to establish partnerships with Russian tourism organizations,” she said.

Šurlan added that TOBL is particularly interested in promoting the tourism offer of Banja Luka and the Republic of Srpska in Russia’s Golden Ring and the Ivanovo region, known as a center of Russian-Balkan cooperation. She noted that cooperation with Russian regions is expanding rapidly in areas such as the economy, international exchange, and tourism.

Looking ahead, Šurlan emphasized the importance of continued participation in international competitions.

“Such events allow us to promote ourselves, the potential of the Republic of Srpska, and, of course, Banja Luka. This was our first participation in PRObrand, and it is a great honor. We plan to apply again next year, possibly in other categories, and to continue presenting our city and region to international juries and the Russian public, openly expressing our readiness for cooperation,” Šurlan concluded.