During the first five months of this year, Serbia recorded an increase of nearly seven percent in the number of tourists and, according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization, ranked among the world’s 10 destinations with the highest growth in international tourist arrivals, the country’s tourism minister said.
During the first five months of this year, Serbia recorded an increase of nearly seven percent in the number of tourists and, according to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization, ranked among the world’s 10 destinations with the highest growth in international tourist arrivals, Minister of Tourism and Youth Husein Memić said.
Speaking to Radio Belgrade, Memić said the tourism sector had recovered successfully and that current results indicate 2026 could become a record-breaking year.
“In the first five months, we have recorded growth of between 6.8 and 6.9 percent in both domestic and international tourist arrivals. I believe we will achieve a historic record number of visits by the end of the year,” Memić said.
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The largest number of foreign visitors to Serbia comes from Turkey and Russia, while a noticeable increase has also been recorded in arrivals from North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia. At the same time, there has been a slight decline in the number of tourists from China.
The minister emphasized that the government continues to invest in the development of domestic tourism, particularly rural tourism, which has experienced significant growth in recent years.
“Three years ago, we had around 700 registered rural tourist households, while today there are approximately 1,900. Our goal is to showcase Serbia’s villages and extend the tourist season,” Memić said.
He added that the Ministry is developing a digital platform and a mobile application that will enable tourists to plan their trips more easily, find local guides, and explore the offerings of rural tourist households.
Speaking about preparations for Expo 2027, Memić said the event would further boost the development of Serbian tourism, primarily through new infrastructure projects and the opportunity to host major international events.
Among the destinations he particularly recommends this season are Golubac and the Danube region, due to significant investments in tourism infrastructure, as well as Pešter and Novi Pazar.
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