WHAT REPUBLIKA SRPSKA OFFERS TO VISITORS FOR THE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS

A rich New Year’s program awaits visitors across Republika Srpska, with numerous festive events planned for all generations, while accommodation capacities are already largely booked, the Tourist Organization of Republika Srpska told SRNA.

“These are entertainment and tourism-oriented events aimed at promoting the tourist, gastronomic and cultural offerings of Republika Srpska. According to the information we have, they are attracting both domestic and foreign visitors,” said Sanela Šimun, Public Relations Associate at the Tourist Organization of Republika Srpska.

She emphasized that accommodation capacities in Banja Luka, Jahorina and Trebinje are already around 90 percent full, with most guests coming from within the country and the surrounding region.

“In addition to these three destinations, we expect strong interest and good occupancy across other parts of Republika Srpska as well. Everyone who comes can expect great entertainment and a joyful start to the New Year filled with positive energy,” Šimun said.

She announced that on New Year’s Eve in Banja Luka, visitors will be entertained by two major regional music stars. Nataša Bekvalac will perform on December 31 at the plateau in front of the new sports arena near Mladen Stojanović Park, while Aco Pejović will take the stage on January 1.

In southern Republika Srpska, Trebinje will welcome the New Year with a performance by Rada Manojlović, while Hara Mata Hari will perform during the holiday reprise. Along the promenade from the Dučić Monument to the Cultural Centre, various activities for children will also be organized.

In Bijeljina, the New Year’s celebration will take place on the city square, where the legendary band “Ju grupa” will perform.

Šimun also noted that this year’s “Prijedor Winter” offers an attractive program at Major Zoran Karlica Square, while the New Year’s Eve celebration will feature local performers Aleksandar Dulić and Sara Bibić.

New Year’s celebrations on Jahorina will take place in numerous hospitality venues, most of which are already fully booked.

She added that the leading wellness and spa center in Republika Srpska, Banja Vrućica, has prepared two- and three-day holiday packages at Hotel “Kardijal”. Special offers are also available at “Terme Ozren” and the “Stanišići Ethno Village”, where guests can enjoy gastronomy, wellness services, luxury accommodation and quality entertainment.

“Rich New Year holiday packages are also available at the ‘Sun City’ complex in Trebinje,” Šimun added.

The municipality of Foča is organizing the event “Winter in Foča,” featuring numerous entertainment, cultural, sports and educational activities for both children and adults, including an ice rink, holiday stalls and a New Year’s program.

In Doboj, the fourth edition of “Winter Magic” is being held, offering an outdoor ice rink and winter houses with diverse offerings. As part of the event, celebrations for Children’s New Year and International New Year will be organized, while Dragan Kojić Keba and Nataša Kojić will perform on New Year’s Eve.

The holiday spirit is also present in Gradiška, where the “Winter Town” has opened at the Cultural Center plateau. Until mid-January, visitors can enjoy children’s performances, literary evenings, gift distributions and celebrations of Children’s New Year.

This winter, Prnjavor is hosting the “Zimofest” event for the first time, running until December 31. Visitors can enjoy themed music nights, numerous entertainment and educational activities for children, an old-timer car show, and a specially designed pre-New Year warm-up program.

Residents and visitors of Modriča can already enjoy the “Winter Town,” featuring sales booths offering handmade products, New Year decorations, honey-based products and various sweets.

Šimun also announced that the traditional event “Višegrad Winter Days” will take place from January 1 to 7, offering a wide range of activities and attractions.

In the Laktaši settlement of Trn, near the lake, the “Winter Story” began on December 4, offering a rich holiday program for all visitors.

She added that residents and visitors of Derventa can enjoy the “Derventa Winter Evenings,” featuring a festive music program and holiday events, while the Orthodox New Year celebration will feature a performance by Slađa Allegro.

“According to information from local tourist organizations, there is strong interest from domestic visitors, tourists from the region, as well as from abroad,” Šimun concluded.