HOLIDAY FEVER ATTRACTS TOURISTS TO THE CITY ON THE VRBAS RIVER

The Krajina beauty is preparing to become a true tourist hotspot for the New Year’s Eve 2026 celebrations, with concerts, festivals, and exclusive holiday packages already drawing visitors from across the region and Europe. Reservations are in full swing, and guests are arriving to enjoy the entertainment, music, and rich holiday programs offered by the city on the Vrbas River.

According to local hoteliers and tourism professionals, most visitors for the New Year festivities are coming from Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia.

Boris Udovičić, owner of the marketing agency Euforija and organizer of the New Year’s celebration at Arena Centar, said that reservations are already underway.

“We’ve been working at full speed for this event for five years, and this time we’ve secured around 700 rooms across several hotels. The prices listed on our website are starting rates and will increase as we get closer to New Year’s Eve. Reservations are open until all capacities are filled, which usually happens by December 15,” Udovičić told Glas Srpske.

Group visitors, he added, will receive special pricing and package offers.

A major new feature this year is the “New Year Festival”, set for December 30, featuring popular singer Tea Tairović. Ticket prices currently range from 25 KM for bar tables, 40 KM for seating, and 80 KM for Ultra VIP areas. The ticket includes a reserved spot, while drinks will be charged at standard prices.

The main New Year’s Eve celebration will feature Tanja Savić, while Sloba Radanović and Seka Aleksić will perform at the New Year’s Day concert. Packages include accommodation, meals, and all-inclusive premium drink services.

Hotels across the city are also preparing for the influx of guests. The Marriott Hotel confirmed that bookings have begun, though capacities are not yet full.

“We are handling individual reservations and also collaborating with Arena Centar organizers who have booked part of our hotel for the holidays. Prices are based on bed and breakfast, averaging around 140 euros per night. We offer discounts for group bookings, and prices will be slightly higher during the holidays,” hotel representatives said.

Most of their guests come from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Croatia, and they noted that rooms are usually sold out by the last few days of December.

Another popular destination, the Terme Banjaluka wellness complex, has become a new attraction in the city. Many have already decided to spend the cold festive days relaxing in the warmth of saunas and spa facilities.

“We’ll be open for New Year’s, but as a medical and wellness facility, we won’t organize parties. Reservations are ongoing, and capacities are not yet full. Prices will likely remain unchanged,” representatives from Terme Banjaluka stated.

They added that most of their guests come from BiH, while others arrive from Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Serbia, and even the United Kingdom.

“In addition to accommodation, we offer a swimming pool, sauna world, wellness zones, VIP spaces, and other amenities. The medical wing will probably be closed during the holidays, but everything else will be open,” they said.

With festive lights, famous performers, and full hotel capacities, Banja Luka is set to shine once again as a regional center of celebration, relaxation, and holiday euphoria.