Balkan tourism surge: Serbia hits 2 million visitors, Croatia draws foreign divers, Neum sees price jump

Serbia’s tourism ministry reported that more than two million tourists have visited the country in the first half of 2026, surpassing both 2024 and 2025. From 1 June to 30 June alone, about 345,000 visitors arrived – a 3‑4 % increase over the previous record year – and overall growth is estimated at roughly 7 % year‑on‑year. Domestic travelers are favoring spas, mountain resorts and an expanding rural‑tourism segment, while the biggest foreign‑tourist influx comes from neighboring Balkan states.

In Croatia, American TikTok creator Alyssa Blake documented a scuba‑diving excursion along the Adriatic coast. She observed diverse fish, sea urchins and plastic litter, but did not locate the octopus she was seeking. Blake highlighted marine‑life camouflage and collected debris, emphasizing environmental concerns.

Meanwhile, Bosnia’s coastal town of Neum is experiencing a sharp rise in accommodation prices, with double‑room rates rarely falling below 100 KM and beachfront apartments starting at about 130 KM. Café coffee costs have climbed to 5‑5.5 KM, prompting locals to label the venue “the Bosnian Monte Carlo.” Despite high occupancy, visitors note limited upgrades in tourism infrastructure.