Although many tourist hotspots worldwide are observing a significant drop in the number of Russian visitors as a result of the sanctions connected to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Serbia is encountering a substantial increase in Russian tourist arrivals. serbia tourism 2023

The European Union agreed to suspend a 2007 travel agreement with Moscow, which facilitated the issuance of visas to Russians. The move makes it more difficult and expensive for Russians to travel to the bloc. The closure of EU airspace to Russian airlines in February also made traveling difficult.

EU countries like Italy, Spain, Cyprus, and Greece were among the top 20 destinations most booked by Russian travelers before the war’s outbreak, according to data from ForwardKeys, a travel data company.

Serbia’s Tourism industry is on the Rise Despite EU-Russia Tensions

In the Republic of Serbia, in February 2023, compared to February 2022, the number of tourist arrivals increased by 18.5%, while the number of tourist overnight stays was 21.5% greater. A total of 104,875 tourists visited Serbia in February 2023. And the total number of tourist arrivals to Serbia in the first two months of 2023 was recorded as 216,155.
In February 2023, compared to February 2022, the number of overnight stays of domestic tourists was 8.5% greater, while the number of overnight stays of foreign tourists was 44.6% greater.

In February, a total of 13,014 Russians visited Serbia, and in the first two months of 2023, the total number of Russian tourists visiting the country accounted for 27,476. February 2023 arrivals of Russians is 202.2% compared to February 2022. The percentage increase in the first two months of 2023 compared to the same period last year is 189.4.

Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked as the second-top source market in February with 8,692 travelers, and North Macedonia with 7,790 travelers ranked in third place.

In the January – February period, North Macedonia, with 18,173 travelers followed the Russian Federation. Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked third with 18,038 travelers.

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Record Number of Russian Tourists Visit Turkey in 2023 serbia tourism 2023

Meanwhile, a record number of Russians travel to Turkiye in 2023 as well. Turkish cities are among the top destinations to which Russians are traveling.