Bosnia emerges as a luxury halal tourism destination, with private villas starting at €200 a night

Demand for private villas and holiday homes designed for family and halal tourism continues to rise, according to Elma Badzak, owner of the Halal Odmori travel agency.

Speaking to the FENA news agency, Badzak said the latest tourism season had been particularly successful, attracting both returning visitors and new guests who chose Bosnia and Herzegovina specifically because of its private accommodation options.

"This year, we welcomed new guests who decided to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina precisely because of the availability of houses with swimming pools adapted to halal and family tourism," she said.

"These properties represent a new tourism product and significant accommodation capacity, particularly in the Mostar region, providing an additional incentive for international visitors."

More than 90% of guests come from the EU

Halal Odmori currently offers approximately 70 accommodation properties, primarily private houses with outdoor or indoor swimming pools, alongside hotels catering to the same market.

While domestic tourists and the Bosnian diaspora previously dominated bookings, the agency says more than 90% of its guests now come from European Union countries.

"Our guests are mainly from Europe, and more than 90% come from EU countries. We do not necessarily aim to expand into distant markets," Badzak explained.

"We would be satisfied if we could successfully promote this type of holiday among families living in Europe who are looking for exactly this kind of destination."

Privacy comes at a premium

According to Badzak, the appeal of private villas lies in the exclusivity they offer compared with traditional hotels.

"Unlike hotel accommodation, where you share certain facilities with other guests, a private house provides exclusive use for your family. It is a luxury holiday, and guests recognise its value," she said.

Nightly rates start at €200, while the average stay this season ranged between four and a half and five nights. Some reservations extended to 14 days.

The growing popularity of private villas is also creating opportunities for other tourism businesses.

Visitors frequently spend money at restaurants, souvenir shops and museums, while also booking guided tours, outdoor activities and rental cars.

"People who choose this type of holiday in Bosnia and Herzegovina are prepared to spend a significant portion of the money they have saved throughout the year for their vacation," Badzak said.

Infrastructure remains a challenge

Despite the growth of specialised tourism, Badzak warned that further development requires improvements in public infrastructure.

She identified road connections, a shortage of public parking spaces and insufficient tourist information centres as some of the main challenges.

"The private sector is well organised and can respond relatively quickly to market demand. However, infrastructure is something we cannot influence as private businesses," she said.

"Last year, travelling to Sarajevo could take as long as five hours. These are problems that must be addressed through development strategies and action by the relevant authorities."

Beyond Mostar: Untapped tourism potential in Herzegovina

Badzak believes Bosnia and Herzegovina could become increasingly competitive in the regional family and halal tourism market by promoting lesser-known destinations.

While established attractions such as Mostar and Blagaj experience heavy visitor numbers during the summer, nearby areas including Podvelezje, Rujiste and Goranci offer opportunities for developing additional tourism activities.

"Mostar and Blagaj are full of tourists during the summer, and at certain times the crowds make visiting less enjoyable," she said.

"However, we have excellent opportunities in the surrounding areas. Podvelezje, Rujiste and Goranci are just some examples of places with significant potential."

She urged tourism organisations and public institutions to focus more attention on emerging destinations rather than concentrating promotional efforts exclusively on already crowded tourist centres.

Halal Odmori also plans to expand its accommodation network beyond Herzegovina, with future growth targeting the Krajina region, central Bosnia and Sarajevo.

The agency aims to strengthen its position while contributing to the broader development of Bosnia and Herzegovina's tourism industry.