This year, Republika Srpska recorded a record-breaking tourist season, with over 43,000 more overnight stays compared to last year. Most foreign tourists come from the region, but there has also been a significant increase in visitors from Turkey. In addition, the Ministry continues to run the “Social Responsibility” campaign, which includes over 500 products offered to consumers at reduced prices.
Tourism as an economic sector in Republika Srpska is consistently seeing growth in the number of tourists, revenue, arrivals, and workers, said the Minister of Trade and Tourism, Denis Šulić, to Radio Republika Srpska. He highlighted that more than 900,000 overnight stays were recorded in the first nine months of this year.
“Compared to the same period last year, we have over 43,000 additional overnight stays. The 7.1 percent growth in foreign guest arrivals shows that Republika Srpska is becoming a tourist destination, as more tourists come from abroad than from within Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the next session of the Government of Republika Srpska, we will review the Law on Amendments to the Residence Tax Law, which aims to abolish the flat rate for private renters. We want to introduce mandatory payment of the residence tax and level the playing field with hotel operators,” Šulić told Radio Republika Srpska.
The Ministry continues to promote the “Social Responsibility” campaign, covering more than 500 products in the categories of agriculture, food, personal hygiene, and household chemicals, all offered at lower prices, Šulić added.
“When comparing consumer goods, Republika Srpska is cheaper than the other entity. Nineteen retail chains participate in the ‘Social Responsibility’ campaign. The indicators show that citizens recognize and value this initiative, and since these products are mostly domestic, we achieve a dual benefit. First, citizens of Republika Srpska have access to cheaper products, and second, we have increased consumption of domestic products. This is economically significant because it strengthens our economy,” Šulić explained.
The Minister of Trade and Tourism recently visited Russia, where he arranged for tourism organizations and agencies from Republika Srpska to visit St. Petersburg in May next year to promote Republika Srpska’s tourism offerings.
Source: RTRS
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