ŠULIĆ: GOOD SECURITY SITUATION, GUESTS CAN FEEL SAFE

BANJA LUKA, APRIL 2 /SRNA/ - The Minister of Trade and Tourism of Republika Srpska Denis Šulić said that the security situation in Srpska is more than good, therefore the guests can feel safe as before.

In the past few weeks, Šulić says, there have been media articles on security situation and the booking cancellations by the guests from the region in the hotels across Republika Srpska.

"In cooperation with the Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior, we can concluded that security situation in Srpska is more than satisfactory," Šulić said at a press conference in Banja Luka.

He pointed out that the FBiH-based media outlets published certain information, following which, a part of the regional media apostrophized the security situation in Republika Srpska, which partly influenced the guests’ concern.

Šulić said that, because certain media outlets are trying to make a security situation out of the political one, the Ministry held a meeting with the Association of Srpska Employers in Tourism and Hospitality HoReCa.

"After the meeting, we communicated with the hotels, to see what they are currently facing when it comes to bookings. In the next 10 days, together with the Chamber of Commerce, we will visit all regional centres and meet with representatives of hotel industry in those regions," said Šulić, adding that, if necessary, the Ministry will support hotel industry and inform potential guests on satisfactory security situation in Srpska.

He says that in communication with the hotels of Republika Srpska, it was established that only a part of them, primarily in Banja Luka, recorded slightly fewer bookings.

"Primarily, it refers to Banja Luka. There are few hotels there that faces a certain decline in bookings. When it comes to hotels from the region of East Sarajevo or Trebinje, no drop in arrivals," pointed out Šulić.

Šulić said that during the first two months, an increase in the number of tourist arrivals and overnight stays was recorded in Republika Srpska compared to the same period last year.

"We have nearly 9,000 more overnight stays and about 5.6 percent more arrivals," emphasized Šulić.