Banja Luka welcomed 65,380 tourists in the first seven months of this year, marking a two percent increase in arrivals compared to the record year of 2023, according to the city’s Tourist Organization.
A total of 97,572 overnight stays were recorded, 168 more than in 2023.
Of the total, 22,586 were domestic visitors, accounting for 30,190 overnight stays, while 42,794 were foreign guests, with a total of 67,382 overnight stays, the Tourist Organization of Banja Luka told Srna.
Branka Branković, senior public relations associate at the organization, said that Slovenians continue to lead in terms of both arrivals and overnight stays.
In July alone, 2,931 domestic tourists visited Banja Luka, with 3,784 overnight stays, while 6,401 foreign tourists registered 11,616 overnight stays.
The city’s Tourist Organization expects an even greater number of visitors this autumn and winter.
“There is a lot of apartment rental happening in the gray zone, and it’s also a fact that registered hotels, motels, and accommodations don’t report all their guests. We can’t complain, and by the end of the year, the tourism numbers will balance out, if not exceed, at least remain the same,” Branković told Srna.
She highlighted that Banja Luka is no longer just a seasonal destination and has become a year-round tourist spot over the past decade.
Branković also noted that an increasing number of tourists are coming from countries connected to Banja Luka through flight routes.
“There is also a noticeable rise in tourists from Asian countries, primarily due to the connection with Belgrade airport,” added Branković.
She emphasized that Banja Luka remains the top city in Republika Srpska for tourist arrivals and ranks as the fourth tourism destination by overnight stays.
Source: RTRS
