Visitors will be able to enjoy the performances of famous performers such as DJ Topic, After Affair, Sara Jo (December 30), Adija Šoša, Severina (December 31), Nina Badrić (January 2), Bajaga and Instructor (January 3) and Dirty Theater (January 4). .).
From the beginning of the year until November, Sarajevo Canton recorded record numbers in tourism. According to the data of the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board, this canton was visited by 699,315 tourists from as many as 198 countries of the world. Also, according to the choice of the readers of the prestigious magazine National Geographic Travel, Sarajevo was declared the winner in the category “The best in the world 2025.” year, which represents a huge success for the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This success only confirms that Sarajevo, as a tourist destination, is increasingly attracting the attention of visitors from all over the world.
Record tourist numbers and increase in tourist traffic
In 2024, according to the data of the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board, extremely high tourism achievements were achieved. A total of 1,514,291 overnight stays were recorded, which represents an increase of 23.3 percent in tourist traffic compared to the previous year. It is interesting that the number of foreign tourists increased by as much as 26.6 percent, while the average length of stay of tourists was 2.2 days. For Canton Sarajevo, the year 2024 marks the highest number of tourist arrivals and overnight stays so far, which is the result of strategic investments in the promotion and improvement of tourist infrastructure. According to Haris Fazlagić, director of the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board, this year was crucial for the development of tourism, because the increase in the number of visitors is constantly present throughout all months. Considering these results, Fazlagić believes that 2024 will be a record year in terms of tourism income, and considering the trends, 2025 could be even more successful.
Statistical data on tourist traffic
Considering the large number of visitors, Sarajevo Canton is proud of its excellent accommodation facilities. In total, almost 18,000 beds and nearly 8,000 rooms are available to tourists, and hotels make up the largest share of the total offer of accommodation facilities. In November 2024, hotels accounted for 95 percent of all tourist arrivals, while other accommodation facilities, such as private rentals and apartments, accounted for only 5 percent. Considering these figures, it is clear that hotels in Sarajevo remain the dominant segment of the tourism sector. Also, hotels accounted for 90 percent of all overnight stays, while other accommodation facilities accounted for 10 percent of the total number of overnight stays. These data indicate a high demand for accommodation in hotels, which also confirms the popularity of Sarajevo as a tourist destination, especially among foreign tourists.
Tourism development strategy until 2030
In the context of strategic planning, the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board was a key participant in the preparation of the KS Tourism Development Strategy until 2030. This strategic document aims to improve and modernize the tourism sector, with an emphasis on increasing the number of visitors, enriching the tourist offer and reducing the seasonality of tourist arrivals. Fazlagić points out that the development of the tourism industry in Sarajevo “forced” the authorities to approach the strategic development of tourism. Tourism in Sarajevo is becoming the primary economic branch, which contributes to large revenues and creates new job opportunities. Accordingly, the Canton of Sarajevo strives to ensure all the necessary conditions for long-term tourism development, including the planning of new investments in infrastructure and promotion.
Subsidizing airlines and supporting new air connections
Among the key projects that started in 2024, Fazlagić highlighted the subsidization of new direct airlines. Sarajevo Canton plans to subsidize around 30 new airlines in order to increase the number of international air connections and support the existing ones. This measure aims to improve the connection of Sarajevo with key European and world destinations, thus facilitating the arrival of tourists from different parts of the world. Three million KM have been set aside for these projects, which will be aimed at co-financing projects of importance for the development of tourism, enriching the tourist offer, reducing seasonality and extending the stay of tourists in Sarajevo Canton. These funds will enable the development and promotion of newly opened tourist routes, which will further increase the number of tourist arrivals.
Support for projects in culture, sports and gastronomy
The Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board also excels in supporting various projects that include culture, sports, entertainment, tradition and gastronomy. Through public calls and cooperation with the Sarajevo Canton Government, more than 230 projects were supported this year that enrich Sarajevo’s tourist offer. In addition, cooperation with more than 150 institutions, economic entities, associations and sports federations enabled the strong integration of various sectors in the development of tourism. The Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board also actively participated in promotional activities and events in the area of all municipalities in the canton, which further expanded the offer of the destination. This approach ensures that tourist activities are not concentrated only in the city center, but are also available in the surrounding municipalities, which contributes to the even development of the tourist offer.
Swiss Tourism Award and international awards
One of the great successes for the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board was winning the prestigious Swiss Tourism Award. This award, which is given for excellence in various segments of the tourism industry, is a recognition of the work and achievements to date. The Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board became the winner of this award in 2024, which confirmed the quality of its work and commitment to the development of tourism in Sarajevo.
Plans for 2025: Expectations and New Year’s party
Considering the foundations laid in 2024, Fazlagić announces even more ambitious plans for 2025. Along with continuing to subsidize airlines, the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board will continue to promote the city at fairs around the world and communicate directly with tourism employers and potential tourists. An additional expansion of the tourist offer is planned so that 2025 will be even more successful than the record 2024. For New Year’s Eve, Canton of Sarajevo has prepared a rich program that includes as many as five free outdoor concerts. Visitors will be able to enjoy the performances of famous performers such as DJ Topic, After Affair, Sara Jo (December 30), Adija Šoša, Severina (December 31), Nina Badrić (January 2), Bajaga and Instructor (January 3) and Dirty Theater (January 4). .). In addition to concerts, Sarajevo hotels and catering establishments prepare additional entertainment for all visitors. Sarajevo, as a tourist destination, is continuously developing and improving its offer. With a record number of tourists in 2024, the city has set high standards for the future. With ambitious plans for 2025, including continued investments in infrastructure, promotion and accommodation capacities, Sarajevo will continue to break records and attract an increasing number of tourists from all over the world. This growth in tourism, along with a rich cultural and entertainment offer, will allow Sarajevo to maintain its status as one of the most desirable destinations on the world tourism scene.
Source: bljesak.info
