SERBIA has developed a national tourism strategy which will begin as soon as a peace deal is brokered in the civil war in Kosovo.
The Serbian government developed the plan after the country’s participation in World Travel Market last November.
It believes Serbia could begin to attract tourists as soon as a peace deal is reached. Peace talks began between ethnic Alabanians and the Serbian authorities in Paris two weeks ago.
The Serbian National Tourism Organisation has already held discussions with Thomson over restarting the ski programmes it dropped this winter, and with First Choice about featuring the destination for the first time.
“It obviously depends on the political environment, but we’re hopeful that UK tourists will be skiing again in Kopaonik next winter,” said Serbian tourism director Dr Jovan Popesku.
“Everyone is waiting for the outcome of the talks. At the end of the eighties and early nineties, around 5,000 British tourists a year were coming to Kopaonik and they were well satisfied.
“In September and October the political problems took over and we’ve seen a decline in tourists.”
Popesku has set a three-year target to restore UK numbers to the level of 10 years ago and attract the Germans and Italians who have also deserted Serbia. He is also keen to push Belgrade on the city-break market. The capital is served four times a week by British Airways.
While Popesku is optimistic about tourism prospects, UK operators remain cautious. Thomson ski product manager Richard Heaselgrave said: “We have no plans to feature Serbia for 1999/2000,” he said.
“Kopaonik is a very good ski venue that was very popular and sold well. We’ll certainly consider it for the future.”
First Choice marketing and planning director Adrian Harwood said: “The skiing in Kopaonik is good quality.
“First Choice will look at going back in again when the situation sorts itself out.”