At the Banja Luka Tourist Organization, they evaluate the past summer season as successful. A variety of music festivals, folklore rituals, as well as the traditional manifestation “Summer on Vrbas” attracted most guests, according to this organization.
The latest data for August have not yet been processed, but analyzing data of the Statistics Office of the Republic of Srpska for the first seven months of this year, an increase in the number of arrivals by 6% and an increase in the number of overnight stays of 4% were recorded, compared to the first seven months of the previous year.
– Looking at the mentioned data, the summer tourist season can be assessed as successful, but we must add that the unfavorable weather conditions negatively influenced the significant increase in the number of tourist arrivals and overnight stays. A great influence on increasing number of arrivals and overnight stays are manifestations that take place in the summer months, primarily Demofest and Fresh Wave Festival – said Goran Sanković, tourismologist at Banja Luka Tourist Organization, for Visit B&H.
He pointed out that mentioned festivals were being profiled as a significant segment of the tours offer, as there was noticeable increase in the number of tourists in the city during their maintenance.
– It should be emphasized that in Banja Luka there was also a Folklore Festival that attracted several thousand participants and visitors. Other festivals and events that take place in the city during the summer period of the year directly or indirectly influence increase in the number of visitors – said Sanković.
The Tourist Organization of the City on Vrbas emphasizes that Banja Luka has already profiled itself as a destination for adventure tourism, and demand for adventure activities is significantly expressed in the summer months.
-Firstly, there is rafting, then hiking and mountain biking. Of course, sightseeing of the city remains at the forefront when it comes to the interests and wishes of tourists who visit the tourist information center – they explained.