Between January and July this year, Serbia has generated a record-breaking €1.5 billion in revenue from foreign visitors, surpassing the total earnings from international tourism for the entire year of 2019. This remarkable growth highlights Serbia’s expanding presence as a key player in the global tourism market.
The latest figures, released by the Ministry of Tourism and Youth, show that foreign exchange inflows have surged by 16% compared to the same period last year, which was already a record year for the country. Furthermore, the earnings from international visitors in 2023 are almost 10% higher than those achieved throughout 2019, setting a new benchmark for Serbia’s tourism industry.
In a broader global context, Serbia’s impressive growth has been noted by the World Tourism Organization in its September barometer, which places the country among the global leaders in revenue growth from international tourists compared to pre-pandemic levels. The report indicates that Serbia’s earnings from foreign visitors have more than doubled, illustrating a significant post-pandemic recovery.
Tourism has become one of the most vital contributors to Serbia’s export of services, with foreign exchange revenues now accounting for approximately one-fifth of the total service exports. The continued rise in tourism earnings emphasizes the sector’s growing importance to the country’s economy, positioning it as a crucial engine for future growth and development.