In the past year, we broke numerous records in tourism, and I expect even better results in the new year, said Denis Šulić, Minister of Trade and Tourism of Republika Srpska, during his appearance on our morning program.
- “The year 2023 was already a record-breaking year, but in 2024, we surpassed it. Statistics show we exceeded 50,000 more overnight stays compared to 2022,” Šulić emphasized.
According to him, tourism represents the largest foreign investment in Republika Srpska.
- “On average, tourists spend 2,700 KM during their stay. When you calculate the number of visitors, it becomes clear how significant these revenue inflows are,” Šulić stated.
He highlighted some of the most popular destinations in Srpska this winter.
- “As of yesterday, 60,000 skiers passed through Jahorina, and more than 500,000 used vertical transport. In the last two days, Ravna Planina had over 5,000 visitors, while ‘Igrišta’ saw several thousand. In most hotels, motels, apartments, and daily rentals, occupancy in the Sarajevo-Romanija region is at 100 percent,” Šulić pointed out.
Šulić stressed that the goal is to brand Republika Srpska as a destination beloved by tourists.
- “We want Republika Srpska to stand out with three advantages: untouched nature, excellent gastronomy, and a balance of price and service quality for international tourists. This year, we expect even greater progress and the arrival of more visitors, both domestic and foreign,” Šulić added.
The Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Law on Residence Tax introduces significant changes to the calculation and collection of residence taxes. The new regulations, which came into effect on January 1, 2025, aim to improve tourism offerings and align with modern market demands.
- “The local community now determines the amount of the residence tax. The flat-rate payments for apartments and daily rentals no longer apply. Instead, taxes are calculated based on the number of overnight stays, which will lead to a much higher collection of residence taxes,” Šulić concluded.
Source: RTRS
