2,500 VOUCHERS USED IN FIRST STAGE OF TOURISM INCENTIVE PROGRAM IN SRPSKA

The first stage of the tourism voucher program in the Republic of Srpska officially concludes today, with approximately 2,500 citizens having already taken advantage of the initiative. This resulted in around 7,500 overnight stays throughout the month of June, marking a strong start to the tourism season.

Tourism professionals and hoteliers have expressed satisfaction with the results and are eagerly anticipating the second round, hoping for an even greater influx of guests to extend the summer season.

Reintroduced by the Government of the Republic of Srpska, the tourism voucher program aims to stimulate domestic tourism and support the tourism industry. Each voucher is worth 100 KM and can be used for accommodation services across the region, with nearly every tourist destination included in the program.

Minister of Trade and Tourism Denis Šulić told Glas Srpske that approximately 2,500 vouchers were redeemed during the first phase, generating about 7,500 overnight stays in June alone.

“The number of participating businesses continues to grow daily. By Friday, 56 hotels had joined the program, setting a new record,” Šulić said.

He noted that among the registered establishments are some of the most popular destinations, such as the "City of the Sun", Banja Vrućica, and the ethno-village Stanišići.

“I’m pleased that the voucher program has been embraced by both businesses and citizens. The idea was to kick off the summer season earlier, and then reintroduce the vouchers after August, when the number of visitors typically declines. We also plan to offer them again in November to align with the start of the ski season and allow citizens to enjoy extended weekends,” Šulić explained.

As a successful example of the program’s impact, Šulić highlighted this year’s union games, which were held in Banja Vrućica instead of Budva. That event alone generated nearly 2,500 overnight stays.

He expects even better results in the second round, particularly from rafting camps, which usually operate until the end of summer. Šulić added that interest in the vouchers remains high, though they are not available in July and August due to most tourist capacities already being over 90% booked.

Aleksandar Radošević, Executive Director for Operations, Marketing, and Sales at the Health and Tourist Center “Banja Vrućica” in Teslić, reported that their expectations were fully met during the first phase.

“This June, compared to the same period last year, we saw a significantly higher number of guests. Having previously participated in the program, we were motivated by positive past experiences to join again,” said Radošević.

He noted that June weekends were especially well-booked, but a substantial number of guests also arrived during weekdays.

“People of all ages used the vouchers—from young individuals to families with children and retirees. We already have a significant number of bookings for autumn, when the second phase is expected to begin,” he added.

Hotel “Terme Ozren” also recorded positive results. Their sales manager, Nikolina Raković, said 260 vouchers were used in June.

“We believe that number will be surpassed in the fall. Guests typically stayed for three nights on average, and we saw a noticeable increase in visitors compared to last year,” Raković said.

She emphasized that most visitors were families with children—particularly after the start of the school break—as well as many retirees who benefited from the favorable conditions.

“Although vouchers won’t be available during July and August, this doesn’t pose a problem for us, as over 50% of our capacities for those months are already booked. More reservations are coming in every day,” she said.

Finally, Minister Šulić announced that in September, a public call will be issued for travel agencies to help bring foreign tourists to Srpska.

“Funding for this purpose will be secured through a revised budget. Once approved, we’ll adopt the regulation and announce the call. We believe this will motivate domestic agencies to focus more on attracting international visitors,” concluded Šulić.