FUTURE LIES IN ETHNO-TOURISM

BANJA LUKA, AUGUST 26 /SRNA/ - Republika Srpska should base its future tourism offer on ethno-tourism, given that tourists from different countries increasingly want to spend their free time in peaceful rural surroundings, where alongside natural landscapes and rich cultural-historical heritage, they can also enjoy traditional cuisine, the Tourism Organization of Republika Srpska told SRNA.

Public relations associate of the Organization Sanela Šimun emphasized that Republika Srpska has great potential in the field of ethno-tourism.

"The most visited destinations of this type are the `Stanišići` ethno-village near Bijeljina, the `Ljubačke doline` ethno-museum near Banjaluka, and the increasingly attractive area of Šipovo, Ribnik, and the surrounding region, which thanks to numerous rural households and hospitable hosts is becoming a more and more interesting location on the tourism map of Republika Srpska," Šimun said.

She also stressed that the potential of religious tourism should not be overlooked, given the number of medieval monasteries in Republika Srpska that reflect the history and culture of the area.

Šimun pointed out that Republika Srpska also clearly possesses significant potential for the development of health tourism, which should be integrated into the official tourism offer.

"Health tourism can be a major driver of tourism and economic development as a whole. Republika Srpska has the potential to become a popular health tourism destination, especially considering that many procedures can be performed at significantly lower prices than in EU countries," she assessed.

According to her, Banja Luka is becoming increasingly popular for dental tourism, with the establishment of new flight connections enabling year-round visits.

"Those who come to Republika Srpska for dental tourism also use other services, which contributes to greater turnover in the economy," Šimun explained.

In addition, she noted that BiH has a large number of thermal mineral water sources, making the area suitable for the development of spa and wellness tourism.

Šimun underlined that drafting a clear strategy for tourist attraction and branding is crucial.

"This is a long-term investment that can change the image of Republika Srpska and bring numerous benefits through increased inflow of both foreign and domestic tourists, thereby positioning Srpska as an important destination on the tourist map of the Western Balkans and the wider Eastern European region," Šimun said.

According to her, most tourists in Republika Srpska this year, besides domestic visitors, came from neighboring countries, as well as from Germany, Turkey, Austria, Italy, and China.

Foreign and domestic tourists alike achieved the highest number of overnight stays in places with attractive natural and cultural-historical features, such as river and lake areas, mountain resorts, and spas.

"Together with local tourism organizations we are working on strengthening existing and introducing new tourism products, improving tourist signage in destinations, and branding certain locations," Šimun said, adding that cooperation continues with neighboring tourism organizations, international institutions that support tourism in the country, and other tourism stakeholders with whom the offer is being expanded.