1,000 TOURISM VOUCHERS CLAIMED IN JUST 10 DAYS: LOCAL DESTINATIONS BOOMING IN REPUBLIKA SRPSKA

In just ten days, starting from June 1 when the tourism voucher initiative was launched, around 1,000 applications have been received from citizens eager to explore domestic destinations across Republika Srpska.

So far, the highest demand has been for local spa resorts, while interest has also been growing among hospitality providers, with more hotels joining the program daily.

The Ministry of Trade and Tourism of Republika Srpska told "Nezavisne novine" that the most popular destinations are Banja Vrućica, Terme Ozren, and Banja Kulaši. "Hospitality providers are already promoting these vouchers as part of package deals linked to festivals and events happening at these destinations by the end of the month. Consequently, we expect the uptake to grow even further in the coming weeks. On a daily basis, we’re receiving new applications from hotels and travel agencies, with the number of participating hotels rising from 31 at the start of the project to 42 now," the Ministry stated.

At Banja Kulaši, near Prnjavor, accommodation capacity is already largely booked for this year and the next. Nevertheless, there are still some opportunities for citizens to enjoy a relaxing getaway using these vouchers.

"We have visitors from all nearby municipalities: Doboj, Bijeljina, Laktaši, Banja Luka… The interest is tremendous, but unfortunately, we simply can’t accommodate everyone who wants to stay," Banja Kulaši staff shared with "Nezavisne novine". They added that the strongest interest comes from young married couples and noted that anyone who booked last year and qualifies can apply the voucher for a discount.

"Everyone appreciates a cheaper stay. When you take 100 KM off the price of a package, it makes a big difference," they said.

In Trebinje, the tourism vouchers are also expected to boost visitor numbers. According to Nikola Kokić, spokesperson for the Trebinje Tourist Organization, interest in vouchers is at an all-time high.

"There’s huge interest from both hospitality providers and tourists who see Trebinje as one of their top vacation destinations. This campaign comes at the perfect time because our summer tourist season is just getting started. These subsidies will motivate people who were unsure about visiting Trebinje to make the trip," Kokić told "Nezavisne novine". He added that campaigns like this have consistently boosted visitor numbers and overall activity in the southernmost city of Republika Srpska.

The value of a tourism voucher is 100 KM, and it can be used by any adult citizen of Republika Srpska or residents of the Brčko District who hold Republika Srpska citizenship, regardless of income. The voucher can be used only by the person whose name is on it and is valid for accommodation services that include overnight stays with breakfast. A single user can redeem a voucher for at least two consecutive nights, while two users must book a minimum of three consecutive nights. Larger groups are accommodated through travel agency arrangements.

Tourism vouchers for vacationing in Republika Srpska will be distributed in two phases, with 20,000 vouchers for domestic tourists and 10,000 for visitors from other countries.