SOUTHERN REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA BOOMS WITH TOURISTS AS TREBINJE ACCOMMODATION SELLS OUT THROUGH AUGUST

Trebinje, the southernmost city of the Republic of Srpska, is enjoying another record-breaking tourism season, with hotels and other accommodation facilities reporting bookings through the end of August. Bustling streets, live music beneath the famous plane trees, and a lively atmosphere have once again confirmed the city's reputation as one of the region's most desirable travel destinations.

Tourism figures for the first half of the year point to continued growth. According to the Trebinje Tourist Organization, the city has already recorded more than 100,000 overnight stays, compared to 88,000 during the same period last year, highlighting a strong upward trend, particularly among visitors from neighboring countries.

Regional travelers continue to make up the largest share of visitors, while the number of tourists arriving from across Europe and other parts of the world is steadily increasing.

Visitors have praised Trebinje's unique atmosphere, historic Old Town, vibrant city market, and Mediterranean charm.

"It is a beautiful city, and the market and Old Town are especially interesting," one tourist said.

"We will definitely return. It feels like being by the sea. The Old Town, the plane trees, everything is wonderful. We are from India but came here from Germany, and we have only just arrived—we already love Trebinje," another visitor shared.

The successful season is also reflected in the hospitality sector. Hotels report exceptionally high occupancy rates, with only a limited number of rooms still available during the peak summer weeks.

"We are very satisfied with accommodation bookings. The only thing we've noticed is that guests spend slightly less time in hotel restaurants, preferring walks around the city and quick meals instead. However, we are pleased with the reservations already confirmed for September and October," said Branka Ilić from Hotel Integra.

Trebinje's busy calendar of cultural and entertainment events has also contributed to the strong tourist demand. Throughout the summer, the city hosts concerts, festivals, and open-air performances, attracting visitors looking to combine sightseeing with cultural experiences.

Tourism professionals believe the best is yet to come. The traditional peak of the season is expected in the weeks surrounding the city's patron saint celebration, when visitor numbers typically reach their highest levels.

"The peak season is only now beginning, and our accommodation capacities are fully booked through the end of August," said Irinej Đurić from Hotel Bijeli Platani.

With record overnight stays, growing international interest, a packed events calendar, and hotels operating at near-full capacity, Trebinje continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading tourism destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Western Balkans.