SUMMER VACATION PRICES RISE THIS YEAR AS DEMAND GROWS

Vacation bookings for the upcoming summer season are already in full swing, but this year, travelers can expect higher prices across nearly all destinations, according to tourism professionals.

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Tour operators report that vacation packages are up by 15 to 20 percent compared to previous years. The rising costs are attributed to overall global inflation, which has not spared the travel industry.

From the Banja Luka-based travel agency "Kontiki Travel," representatives confirmed strong demand for summer bookings. “As for the Adriatic coast, we offer hotel packages, and prices are up by about 15 to 20 percent,” they said.

A five-night family holiday in a hotel in Čanj, Montenegro, currently costs around €750. Offers for Greece and Turkey are also popular. A six-night stay in Greece for a family of four, with half-board included, is priced at approximately 3,800 KM.

The agency added that most bookings come from returning customers who are aware of the benefits of early reservations. "Early booking offers more hotel options, more flexible travel dates, lower prices, special offers, and installment payment plans,” they emphasized.

Sarajevo-based travel agency "Relax Tours" also reports continued strong interest in Turkey, while noting growing popularity for Tunisia this year. “Early booking is still ongoing, especially for Hurghada, where some dates are already sold out,” they said. Prices for this Egyptian destination start at 999 KM for a seven-night stay per person.

Turkey remains a top choice, with packages ranging from 899 to 1,159 KM per person. “Children up to 13 years old can travel for free,” added the agency.

There’s also considerable interest in summer holidays in Croatia. “Accommodation in Dubrovnik starts at 115 KM per night per person, while in Makarska it can go up to 205 KM,” the agency reported.

Sarajevo’s "Centrotours" agency said they’ve worked to provide a wide range of hotel options along the Adriatic coast in Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. “We’re aware that prices are 15 to 20 percent higher than last year, but we’ve managed to offer competitive deals, both half-board and all-inclusive,” they stated.

They added that family-friendly, well-known destinations with beachside hotels and extra amenities for children and adults are in high demand.

Sanja K. from Banja Luka, who spent last summer in Croatia with her family, shared that six nights in private accommodation cost them over 1,500 KM. “That’s why we’re going to think carefully about where we’ll vacation this year,” she told Nezavisne novine.