Rural tourism expands in Serbia and Croatia through digital platforms and local festivals

Rural tourism is seeing a significant rise in the Balkan region through new digital initiatives and local festivals. In Serbia, a new digital platform titled ‘Sela Srbije’ (Villages of Serbia) has been launched to centralize information regarding rural destinations. The project aims to connect tourists with local households offering authentic experiences such as traditional food, nature walks, and visits to monasteries. The number of participating households has grown from approximately 600 to over 1,900, reflecting a professionalization of the sector. Official statistics indicate that Serbia hosted over 4.3 million tourists in 2025, totaling more than 12.4 million overnight stays.

In Croatia, the Pelješac peninsula is expanding its cultural offerings with the inaugural Village wine fest. Scheduled for July 7, 2026, in the Selo area of Trpanj, the festival is designed to showcase local viticulture. Organized by Toni Ostoja, the event will feature tastings of significant Pelješac grape varieties, including Pošip, Grk, and Plavac Mali, aiming to provide an authentic Dalmatian atmosphere through the region's narrow streets and stone houses.