SERBIA
A perfect destination for clients who have ‘been there, done that’ in Europe, Serbia has much to offer – from its capital Belgrade to the Danube to the national parks, suggests Russell Stenhouse
a good time to understand what it is about the country that is drawing in the travellers. Its captivating history is enough to excite the most interested of visitors, but with far more than that on offer its appeal is now stretching across the board.
W
Serbia Pound stretch Serbia is still considered by many to be
a ‘new’ destination in Europe – despite its long and complex history in the heart of the Balkans. Since the ending of the region’s wars over a decade ago, tourism within the Balkans has grown steadily year on year, and Serbia has been capitalising on renewed interest in the destination from the UK market.
ith tourism in Serbia fl ourishing, and looking set to continue, now is
Tourism has surged in Serbia due to
holiday-makers’ desire to travel to more fi nancially viable destinations where their pound will stretch further. As a non-member of the Eurozone, Serbia is drawing in British tourists year round with its favourable exchange rates. “Belgrade is one of Europe’s hottest destinations in terms of diversity and value for money,” said Dejan Veselinov, director of Tourist Organisation of Belgrade. “The city is excitedly changing fast and there is something for everyone no matter what their tastes or budgets, and we look set to beat our record number of arrivals from the UK in 2012,” he added. Over the past two years, UK tourism has seen double-digit growth and the usual length of stay is also rising, as people begin to explore more of the
country than just the usual city break to the capital, Belgrade.
Serbia Easy access
The growth has been in part fuelled by the increase in the number of direct fl ights from London – JAT, the national carrier has 10 fl ights weekly from Heathrow and Wizz Air now fl ies four times a week. However for those in other parts of the UK, taking a connecting fl ight to other European cities and on to Belgrade is an option. Such growth has been fuelled in part
by Serbia’s ratifi cation of the Open Skies Agreement which in turn has seen a raft of new airlines using Belgrade
Top from left: Folk dancing in Sremski Karlovci, St Sava in Belgrade and chair lifts in the Kopaonik National Park. Facing page, horse riding in Zlatibor
Meet the locals: “It’s the Serbian people who make the destination extra
special – very friendly and hospitable” DAVID MCGUINESS, TRAVEL THE UNKNOWN
Beautiful bargains: “For those seeking to combine value for money
with a very different holiday, Serbia has it all, culture, activities, history and a great nightlife” RUSSELL STENHOUSE
Selling Serbia: “Serbia is a great destination for boosting agents’
commission potential” ANDREA GODFREY, REGENT HOLIDAYS
24 July/August 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
thedeal seal
"Sell this: The Tourist Offi ce of Belgrade’s city
break deal, including fl ights, accommodation and a free sightseeing tour”
thedeal seal
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