Bosnia and Herzegovina Tourism Statistics: Over More Than Two Hundred Thousand Tourists Have Now Visited in September 2025″

Published on November 10, 2025

In September 2025, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) welcomed 210,123 tourists, representing a 1.5 percent increase compared to the same month in 2024. While this marks growth in foreign arrivals, the number of tourists was down 14.6 percent from August 2025. The country recorded 422,009 overnight stays in September, a 21 percent decrease from the previous month and a 3.8 percent decline compared to September 2024, according to the latest data from the Agency for Statistics of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Overview of Tourist Arrivals and Overnight Stays

The September tourism statistics reflect a combination of seasonal factors and the broader trends in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tourism sector. Domestic tourists accounted for 28.8 percent of the total overnight stays, while the remaining 71.2 percent came from international visitors. This highlights the importance of foreign tourism to the country’s economy, with a significant increase in foreign overnight stays compared to the previous year.

Domestic tourist overnight stays in September 2025 decreased by 8.1 percent from August 2025 but showed a 10.4 percent increase compared to the same month in 2024. On the other hand, foreign tourists recorded a 25.2 percent decline in overnight stays compared to the previous month but a slight 1.4 percent increase when compared to September 2024.

Key Foreign Tourist Markets

Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina is driven by visitors from various international markets, with countries from the surrounding Balkans region being prominent contributors. The top foreign visitors to the country in September 2025 were from Turkey, Serbia, and Croatia. Tourists from Turkey accounted for 9.2 percent of total foreign overnight stays, while Serbia and Croatia contributed 8.5 percent each.

Additionally, tourists from Saudi Arabia, Germany, Slovenia, Poland, the USA, France, China, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Montenegro rounded out the top foreign markets, collectively representing 66.9 percent of all foreign overnight stays. This indicates a broad international appeal for Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly from European and Middle Eastern countries.

• Top Countries by Overnight Stays in September 2025:
  • Turkey: 9.2%
  • Serbia: 8.5%
  • Croatia: 8.5%
  • Saudi Arabia: 5.3%
  • Germany: 5.1%
  • Slovenia: 5.1%
  • Poland: 4.8%
  • USA: 4.7%
  • France: 3.9%
  • China: 3.5%
  • Italy: 2.9%
  • United Kingdom: 2.7%
  • Montenegro: 2.7%

Tourists from these nations are increasingly visiting Bosnia and Herzegovina, likely driven by the country’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and growing reputation as a sustainable travel destination in the Balkans.

Tourism Trends in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tourism sector continues to grow despite regional and global challenges. The country’s diverse attractions, such as its historic cities, beautiful natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, continue to draw visitors from around the world. Sarajevo, the capital, remains one of the top destinations for foreign tourists, known for its unique blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav heritage. Meanwhile, cities like Mostar and Banja Luka also see increasing interest from international travelers.

The number of foreign tourists visiting the country highlights Bosnia and Herzegovina’s appeal as a cultural and adventure destination, with activities such as hiking, rafting, and visiting UNESCO-listed sites like the Old Bridge of Mostar.

Challenges and Opportunities for Tourism

While the number of tourists to Bosnia and Herzegovina has shown overall growth compared to last year, the decline in tourist numbers from August 2025 to September 2025 points to the seasonal nature of the tourism industry. Many of the country’s tourist arrivals are concentrated during the summer months, with fewer tourists visiting during the off-season.

The tourism sector faces challenges such as infrastructure development, the need for improved marketing, and diversifying its tourism offerings to attract visitors year-round. However, with a growing interest in eco-tourism and sustainable travel, there are significant opportunities for Bosnia and Herzegovina to expand its tourism sector and maintain its position as a prominent destination in the Balkans.

Future of Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Looking ahead, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tourism industry is expected to continue growing, particularly if it capitalizes on the increasing demand for authentic, less-crowded travel experiences. Efforts to improve infrastructure, promote lesser-known destinations, and focus on sustainable tourism practices will likely play a key role in attracting more international tourists.

Additionally, as countries around the world shift toward more responsible and eco-conscious travel, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s natural beauty and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for visitors looking for immersive and sustainable travel experiences.

Conclusion

The tourism statistics for September 2025 highlight Bosnia and Herzegovina’s growing appeal as a travel destination, especially among foreign visitors from Europe and the Middle East. With its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and a growing reputation for adventure tourism, the country is well-positioned to build on its success and continue attracting tourists from around the world.