Rasim Ljajić, Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications stated today in Niš that since the beginning of the year nearly 14,000 vouchers have been distributed for vacations in Serbia.

He stated that 65 percent of the vouchers were obtained by pensioners, with the vacation destinations in highest demand being the Prolom and Lukovska spas, Banja Koviljača, Kopaonik and Zlatibor.

“I hope we will distribute all 46,000 vouchers by the end of the year, as envisaged for this year”, said Ljajić, attending the opening of the 17th International Fair of Tourism and Active Vacations at the “Čair” hall in Niš.

Ljajić said that since the beginning of the year only six vouchers have been handed out for vacations at the Niška Banja spa, a negligible number compared to other tourist destinations.

“It is hard to achieve serious tourism development in the Niš area without reviving Niška Banja. The announcement of the construction of the aqua park represents an optimistic signal that this spa could reclaim its former glory”, noted Ljajić.

He said that the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications is more than satisfied with the results in the tourism sector during the first two months of this year.

“We have an increase in the number of domestic tourists by 14 percent, an increase in the number of foreign tourists by 22 percent, while the number of overnight stays increased by 22 percent. Compared to the first two months of last year, the foreign exchange inflow increased by nine percent”, said Ljajić.

If there are no unforeseen circumstances, noted Ljajić, we can expect record tourist turnover this year.