MORE TOURISTS CHOOSING REPUBLIKA SRPSKA AS MOUNTAIN DESTINATIONS LEAD SUMMER BOOM

Tourism in Republika Srpska is continuing its upward trend this year, with more than half a million overnight stays recorded during the first five months of 2026, signaling a strong summer season in which mountain destinations are expected to attract the largest number of visitors.

Fresh mountain air, untouched nature and spectacular landscapes are increasingly drawing travelers looking to escape crowded cities. Among the most popular destinations is Jahorina, which continues to strengthen its reputation as a year-round tourist hotspot, attracting a growing number of visitors from the Middle East as well.

According to the Tourism Organization of Republika Srpska (TORS), 195,800 tourists visited the entity between January and the end of May, representing a 4.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Mountain resorts recorded the strongest performance, with overnight stays rising by 28.1 percent. Spa destinations followed with a four percent increase, while other tourist areas registered growth of 3.2 percent.

Besides domestic travelers, most international visitors came from Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro, while Turkey, Austria, Germany and Italy also ranked among the leading foreign markets. Domestic tourists mainly chose destinations known for their pleasant climate, cultural and historical heritage, as well as rivers and lakes.

Jahorina Expects Peak Season in July

The summer season has already begun on Jahorina Mountain, where officials expect the highest number of arrivals during July, particularly from visitors coming from the Middle East. The visa-free travel regime between Bosnia and Herzegovina and several Arab countries has contributed significantly to this growing market.

To attract more domestic and regional visitors, the Olympic Center Jahorina is offering a 50 percent discount this summer for guests from Republika Srpska, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and neighboring countries.

The mountain is also welcoming an increasing number of youth sports camps, including basketball, football and handball programs, helping extend tourism beyond the winter ski season.

Adventure tourism is another priority, with organizers preparing the inaugural "Run4Falcons" obstacle race, scheduled for September 5. Officials expect the event to attract a large number of competitors and further strengthen Jahorina's reputation as an outdoor adventure destination.

Ravna Planina Reports Higher Visitor Numbers

The growing popularity of mountain tourism is also evident at the Ravna Planina Ski Center, where visitor numbers have surpassed last year's results.

Management attributes the increase to extremely hot weather in urban areas and the clean mountain environment offered by the resort.

Visitors can enjoy swimming lakes, water attractions, pedal boats, children's playgrounds, an adventure park, zipline facilities and a panoramic gondola ride connecting the foot of the mountain with the lakeside plateau.

Most guests are domestic tourists, while international visitors primarily arrive from Sarajevo, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. The center also continues to welcome tourists from Arab countries, although their numbers are slightly lower than last year. The busiest period is traditionally expected in August.

Terme Ozren Highlights Health and Wellness Tourism

Unlike the mountain resorts, Terme Ozren has experienced a slightly slower start to the summer season compared to last year. However, management remains optimistic that visitor numbers will improve during the coming weeks.

The wellness resort attracts foreign guests mainly from Croatia and Slovenia, while domestic visitors mostly come from Banja Luka, Sarajevo and Tuzla.

Its main attractions include 13 thermal pools, a water park with slides, 64 accommodation units, a modern wellness and spa center, salt therapy rooms, saunas and steam baths.

One of the resort's most distinctive features is its geothermal sulfur pool, known for its therapeutic properties. The mineral-rich water is popular among visitors seeking relief from psoriasis, rheumatic conditions, sciatica, eczema and for post-surgery rehabilitation, making it one of the resort's strongest attractions.

Outdoor Adventures and Festivals Boost Summer Tourism

As temperatures rise, interest in outdoor and adventure tourism continues to grow across Republika Srpska. Rafting, hiking, national parks and cultural festivals are drawing increasing numbers of visitors throughout the summer.

TORS highlighted a packed calendar of major events, including the Moto Fest in Banja Luka, the European Rafting Championship, OK Fest at Tjentište in mid-July, Zvornik Cultural Summer and Banja Luka Fest, all of which are expected to contribute to another successful tourism season across the entity.