Republic of Srpska President Talks to Representatives of Tourist Organisations and Hoteliers of Republic of Srpska

The President of the Republic of Srpska, Željka Cvijanović, held a working meeting today with representatives of tourist organisations and hoteliers of the Republic of Srpska.

The Republic of Srpska President stated that it was agreed at today’s meeting that the use of vouchers would start on 15 June, with the objective of helping the tourism sector overcome the crisis caused by the coronavirus epidemic, and to enable subsidies for citizens to spend part of their vacation at domestic destinations.

President Cvijanović pointed out that it was agreed that 20,000 vouchers would be issued in the first phase, which would be followed by two issues of 15,000 vouchers each, and if there is more interest, additional vouchers will be issued.

“One voucher can be used for a three-night stay, and two vouchers can be used per accommodation unit for a stay of four or more nights. We intend that the use of vouchers starts as of 15 June,” said President Cvijanović.

The President of Srpska stressed that all details were agreed and that there is full support of the people from the tourism sector and hoteliers.

“It is our intention to help the tourism sector by issuing vouchers, knowing that due to problems caused by the coronavirus, there is no more potential when it comes to foreign guests who traditionally come to destinations in Srpska, but also to help our citizens with subventions so that they can spend all or part of their vacations in the Republic of Srpska,” stated the President of the Republic.

According to the Republic of Srpska President, hotels, spas and other entities are ready for this project and will provide other incentives for guests through their packages.

“They will define what is favourable for a family, youth or pensioner vacation. I am sure that with these additional packages, they will improve on this offer and further promote it. The project will be accompanied by an intensive promotional campaign, and only then will our citizens see what Srpska has to offer,” noted the President.

According to the President of the Republic, the Ministry of Trade and Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce and business entities from the tourism sector will have a lot of work with the technical details regarding the issuance of vouchers and with the applications of both those who will offer services and those who will take up the vouchers.

“I am very satisfied because the Government, the Chamber of Commerce, employers from the tourism sector and myself, as the President of the Republic, who co-ordinated this activity, came to a good solution. With this, there is an enormous development chance for domestic tourism. We should not look at everything darkly, even though the coronavirus has brought us into a difficult situation. According to the reaction of people from this area, I see that we have made a good arrangement. I am proud of what we can do together,” said the President.

The President of Srpska stated that Serbia issued 500,000 vouchers and that there is a great interest of citizens for them.

“People have obviously recognised the advantage of staying in their territory, given the challenges that come with every trip abroad, and, in case of infection, also the costs of treatment and the impossibility of returning home from distant destinations,” concluded President Cvijanović.