Turkish tourists flock to Western Balkans

The Western Balkans, recognized for their rich blend of history, culture and natural beauty, have emerged as a favored destination for Turkish tourists this year, setting new tourism records across the region.

Countries such as Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania saw notable increases in visitors, with Turkish tourists among the leading groups exploring these scenic and historic destinations.

In Serbia, Turkish visitors led the influx, recording around 186,000 arrivals between January and September 2024. This marks a 22 percent increase from the previous year, according to Serbian Tourism Association.

The Turkish Embassy's Culture and Tourism Office in Belgrade confirmed this trend, stating, "Turks are increasingly drawn to Serbia's cultural landmarks and vibrant cities, with Belgrade being a primary hub for exploration."

Overall, Serbia welcomed over 1.5 million tourists this season, surpassing previous records.

Similarly, North Macedonia recorded significant Turkish interest, with Turks comprising 42 percent of all foreign visitors in August alone. Of the 119,600 foreign tourists that month, 50,200 were Turkish nationals.

The country's historical capital, Skopje, and the serene Lake Ohrid were top attractions. "Turkish visitors find a sense of connection here, especially with our shared Ottoman heritage," said a spokesperson from North Macedonia's tourism office.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkish tourists also dominated the ranks, making up the largest group of foreign arrivals. Between January and August, nearly 145,500 Turkish tourists explored the country's heritage-rich cities, with Sarajevo leading as the top destination.

Haris Fazlagic, the head of a Sarajevo tourism...