Belgrade Post

Чуј одсад наше гласе
Monday, Apr 21, 2025

Significant Drop in Foreign Tourist Reservations in Serbia Amid Political Turmoil

Significant Drop in Foreign Tourist Reservations in Serbia Amid Political Turmoil

Recent reports indicate that 28% of foreign tourists have canceled reservations in Serbia, with congress tourism facing even higher cancellation rates.
Aleksandar Seničić, the Director of the National Association of Travel Agencies of Serbia, reported that 28% of foreign tourists have canceled reservations in Serbia recently.

He noted that the cancellation rate among congress tourists is notably higher, reaching 40%.

Seničić highlighted that the ongoing unstable political situation and mass protests in major cities could significantly impact wages within the tourism sector.

"Such news travels quickly abroad, as the cancellations predominantly concern foreign guests," he stated.

In discussions with colleagues, Seničić likened the current situation to a previous period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He indicated that the entire tourism sector is suffering, with car rental agencies experiencing a business decline of around 40%.

Additionally, the suspension of classes has led to the cancellation of student trips and excursions.

According to Seničić, a considerable number of hotels in Serbia remain empty, which could pose serious challenges for hoteliers, car rental companies, transport providers, and travel agencies in both the medium and long term.

He asserted that the financial losses within the sector are expected to be significant, primarily affecting the personal incomes of employees within the industry.

Currently, there is no clear short- or long-term solution to emerge from this crisis, with Seničić expressing that the forecasts are not promising.

Large cities, particularly those hosting congresses such as Belgrade, have been hit hardest.

Following the renovation of the Sava Center and the successful attraction of numerous congresses to Serbia, the political instability is now leading to cancellations, which poses a long-term concern for the industry.

He also pointed out that business travelers, who often attend congresses, are the highest spenders, as they typically stay in the most expensive hotels in Belgrade and can spend up to four times more than regular tourists.

Seničić noted that there has not been a drastic decline in visitors from neighboring countries, as more than 50% of tourists in Serbia come from these areas.

Here, the decline has been less severe, at approximately 10%, likely because these travelers have a better understanding of the country's political landscape.

He emphasized that there has not been a significant rise in cancellations of family vacations and mentioned upcoming holidays, including Easter and May 1st, for which a visitor count similar to last year is anticipated.
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Saudi Arabia Offers Max Verstappen Unprecedented Deal to Join Aston Martin
IMF Predicts No Global Recession Amid Trade Tensions
This is Vienna, Austria in 2025.
Italy Introduces 'Sex Rooms' in Prisons for Inmates
Alisha Lehmann's Modeling Campaign and Public Controversy Stir Debate Ahead of UEFA Women's Euro
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has just signed off on a national debt hike to fast-track Germany’s militarization
Serbia’s President Warns Against ‘EuroMaidan-Style’ Uprising Amid Mass Protests
Serbia’s Largest Protest in Decades Challenges President Vučić
Serbia's Authoritarian Regime Deploys Illegal Sonic Weapons Against Peaceful Protesters
European Union Moves Toward Joint Debt for Military Spending
Mass Protests in Belgrade Against Serbian President and Government
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade Following Deadly Train Station Collapse
Massive Protests Erupt in Serbia Against President Vučić Amid Corruption Allegations
Serbian Government Denies Use of 'Sonic Weapon' Amidst Massive Protests
Huge Protests Erupt in Serbia After Fatal Railway Station Collapse
Serbia Witnesses Unprecedented Protests Following Novi Sad Railway Station Collapse
China Introduces the 'Zhulong' C-14 Nuclear Battery, Promising a Remarkable Lifespan of 5,730 Years.
Following the loss of countless Ukrainian lives, the devastation of the country, the collapse of its economy, and the mass exodus of its people, NATO has declared that Ukraine's membership is no longer being contemplated.
Bosnia and Herzegovina Grapples with Political Unrest Following Arrest Warrant Issued for Serb Leader
Trump Speaks on Possible Ukraine Ceasefire Amid Continuing Tensions
Putin Shows Interest in a 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine During Ongoing Hostilities.
French Prime Minister Bayrou Declares Position Against US Tariff Threats
EU and Canada Declare Retaliatory Tariffs in Response to U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs
Romania Excludes Top Presidential Contender Călin Georgescu from Election Re-run
Russian Teacher Under Investigation After Explicit Content Incident in Classroom
Poland Plans Comprehensive Military Training for All Adult Males Amid Enhanced Defense Initiatives
Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munitions Convention Amid Security Concerns
EU Member States Endorse Gradual Rollout of Entry/Exit System
U.S. Forms Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve, Sparking Market Rally
Zelenskyy Encounters UK Prime Minister Starmer During Strained Relations with the US
DeepSeek Enhances AI Integration in Home Appliances Throughout China
Bosnian Serb Leader Sentenced to One Year in Jail for Defying International Envoy
Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on European Imports, Citing Unfair Trade Practices
The enigma of QR codes found on gravestones in Munich has been unveiled.
Research Explores Possible Connection Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Post-Vaccination Syndrome
German Chancellor Admits Party Loss in National Elections
Zelensky Calls on World Leaders to Advocate for Peace Amid Strains with Trump
University Students in Serbia Mobilize for Coordinated Protests Demanding Accountability
Nationwide Student-Led Protests Erupt in Serbia Following Railway Tragedy
Zelensky Urges European Military Growth in Light of Uncertain US Backing
Zelensky Prevents Trump-Backed Minerals Agreement Due to Security Issues
Steering Through the Updated Hierarchy at the European Commission
Parliamentary Legislator Advocates for Preservation of AI Liability Directive
Mark Rutte Calls on NATO Allies to Increase Defence Expenditure.
Dresden Remembers the 80th Anniversary of the World War II Bombing
Global Community Pledges Support for Syria's Political Transition
EU Allocates €200 Billion for AI Investments, Initiates €20 Billion Fund for Gigafactories
EU Recognizes Its Inability to Address USAID Funding Shortfall While US Aid Remains Frozen
Commission President von der Leyen Missing from Notre Dame Reopening Due to Last-Minute Cancellation
EU Establishes Official Disinformation Code for Online Platforms, Omitting X
×