During the last decade, Serbia has experienced a nearly twofold increase in tourist arrivals and overnight stays, according to the Ministry of Mining and Energy. In 2013, the country welcomed 2.2 million visitors, while in 2023, that number rose to 4.2 million. Overnight stays also significantly increased, from 6.6 million in 2013 to 12.4 million in 2023, as highlighted by Minister Memić.
These figures reflect not just statistics but also the government’s commitment to developing tourism in the country. The ministry plans to further strengthen the tourism sector through subsidies and systemic measures, particularly focusing on rural tourism, which is now in an advanced stage of development.
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, the Republic Statistical Office (RZS) reported that the average length of stay for tourists in Serbia remains unchanged at three days, the same as in 2013.
The highest number of overnight stays was recorded in the Šumadija and Western Serbia region, accounting for 38.1% of total stays in 2023, a slight decrease from 46.3% in 2013. The Belgrade region also saw growth, with 27.8% of overnight stays in 2023, up from 22.7% a decade ago. In Southern and Eastern Serbia, the percentage increased from 16.8% in 2013 to 18.4% in 2023, while Vojvodina saw a rise from 14.2% to 15.7%.
In 2023, foreign tourists contributed to 5.6 million overnight stays, with notable percentages from Russia (11.9%), Turkey (9.3%) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (6.3%).
Tourist accommodations were predominantly in cities, which accounted for 6.8 million overnight stays. Among these, Belgrade represented 50.9%, followed by Novi Sad with 8.4% and Subotica with 5.2%. In mountain resorts, a total of 2.8 million overnight stays were recorded, with Zlatibor leading at 38.9%, Kopaonik at 20.9%, and Tara at 9.2%. Additionally, spa destinations saw 2.8 million overnight stays, with Vrnjačka Banja at 24.4%, Sokobanja at 23.3% and Banja Vrdnik at 7.8%.
