Tourism in Eastern Serbia on the Rise

Eastern Serbia’s tourism offer is experiencing a real boom. Thanks to the continuous efforts of local municipalities and the Regional Development Agency of Eastern Serbia (RARIS), the number of tourist facilities in this part of the country has significantly increased compared to 2020. Statistical data clearly shows that the region is not only attracting more visitors, but is also successfully meeting their needs.

Significantly Expanded Capacity

Over the past four years, the number of registered tourist accommodations has increased by 892, indicating dynamic development and growing investment in the region. Currently, Eastern Serbia has a total of 3,721 accommodation facilities with an impressive 14,890 available beds — more than 3,200 beds up from 2020.

Sokobanja leads the way with 483 newly opened facilities, followed by Knjaževac with 101 and Zaječar with 77. In terms of additional bed capacity, Zaječar added 470 new beds, Boljevac 469, and Bor 446.

A Diverse Accommodation Offer

Although the region boasts 20 hotels with a combined capacity of 2,431 beds, most of the offerings come from family-run and alternative accommodation – a total of 3,701 facilities providing 10,459 beds. This diversity enriches the overall tourist offer, catering to solo travelers, families, groups, and organized tours alike.

Impressive Tourist Traffic

Eastern Serbia is already a recognized tourist hotspot in Serbia. Annually, it hosts around 300,000 visitors who generate over one million overnight stays. The cultural sector is also a major draw, with over 170,000 museum visits recorded across the region each year.

Nature, Heritage, and Events Abound

In addition to its more than 50 protected natural sites and over 100 kilometers of marked hiking and cycling trails, Eastern Serbia also boasts significant wine tourism potential — home to more than 30 active wineries.

The Danube River is another asset, with more than 260 river cruises docking at regional ports each year. With over 120 festivals and events held annually, the cultural calendar is vibrant and diverse.

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Infrastructure and Heritage in the Spotlight

Tourism growth in the region is underpinned by significant investments in infrastructure. Extensive work is currently underway to improve road networks, enhancing access for both domestic and international travelers.

Equally important are efforts to revitalize cultural and historical landmarks. The archaeological site of Gamzigrad – Felix Romuliana, listed by UNESCO, and the prehistoric site of Lepenski Vir now feature modern visitor centers. The renovated Fetislam Fortress in Kladovo is open to the public, and the iconic Rajac wine cellars near Negotin are undergoing improvements to further enhance the cultural tourism offer.

A Promising Future

All signs point to Eastern Serbia becoming one of the most desirable tourist regions in the country. With its rich natural landscapes, expanding accommodation, cultural treasures, and strategic investments, this area is emerging as a model of successful regional tourism development.

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