WISHING YOU A HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL NEW YEAR 2025 – THE TOURISM ORGANIZATION OF VOJVODINA

As we prepare to close the chapter on 2024, we focus our efforts on setting clear strategies for the development and promotion of the tourism offer of Vojvodina in 2025. This year has been marked by the promotion of the province’s tourist attractions at international tourism fairs and specialized events, participation in thematic conferences, the successful organization of the Vojvodina Rural Tourism Congress, and hosting the event “Fruška Gora Wine Walk – Fruška Walk & Wine.”

Since the beginning of 2024, the Tourism Organization of Vojvodina has participated in international tourism fairs in Madrid (FITUR 2024), Ljubljana (Alpe Adria Tourism and Camping Fair), Budapest (UTAZAS 2024), Belgrade (45th International Tourism Fair), Berlin (ITB), Banja Luka (4th International Tourism Fair), Vienna (Ferien-Messe), Bijeljina (BIJELJINA TURIST 2024), Kragujevac (15th International Tourism and Rural Tourism Fair), and Novi Sad (55th International Tourism Fair). In addition to these fairs, the Tourism Organization of Vojvodina took part in events such as the “Belgrade Manifesto,” the 3rd “Grašac Festival,” the “Tour de Fruška” event, the launch of the summer tourism season in Trebinje, the “Discover Serbia” event in Belgrade, the “Serbia Tourism Forum” in Kuršumlijska Banja, the “Wine Salon” in Bijeljina, the “Magical Autumn” festival in Vršac, and the promotion of Serbian tourism in Skopje. The Tourism Organization of Vojvodina also co-organized the “Golden Kettle” event, held this year in Apatin. Representatives of the organization actively participated in the Congress on “Gastronomic Events of the Balkans – Significance and Opportunities” in Sremski Karlovci, the conference “Creative Tourism Journalism in Vojvodina – Tourism and Us” in Novi Sad, and the international professional and academic conference on tourism and hospitality, “SITCON,” in Belgrade.

In August, as part of efforts to bring the province’s tourism offer closer to the markets of Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, the Tourism Organization of Vojvodina hosted a delegation from the A.R.T. PR agency and showcased a selection of Vojvodina’s tourist attractions. This PR agency has been ranked among the top 10 best tourism PR agencies for these countries by journalists and media outlets over the past nine years.

In June of this year, the “Smarter Amazon of Europe” project was completed. Its aim was to establish an international innovative ecosystem of tourism SMEs in the AOE region (Mura, Drava, and Danube) and to encourage digital and ecological innovations through collaboration, digital transformation, and capacity building. As the sole regional coordinator in Serbia, the Tourism Organization of Vojvodina facilitated non-refundable financial support of €3,000 for 32 small and medium-sized tourism enterprises in Serbia.

In 2024, three Rural Tourism Congresses were held in Vrdnik, Vršac, and Palić, organized by the Tourism Organization of Vojvodina and the Vojvodina Center for Rural Development, with support from the Ministry of Tourism and Youth, the Provincial Secretariat for Economy and Tourism, the Guarantee Fund of APV, and the Development Fund of APV. These events brought together over 260 participants from Serbia and the region, including prominent experts, local entrepreneurs, and institutional representatives, who discussed ways to improve rural tourism, the legal framework, its significance for local communities, and potential strategies for overcoming the sector’s numerous challenges. To further highlight the benefits of rural tourism to a broader audience, including current and prospective service providers, the Tourism Organization of Vojvodina updated its Rural Tourism Handbook this year. The handbook outlines the steps necessary to initiate rural tourism ventures and is designed for those starting a business in rural or countryside tourism, as well as those looking to improve their operations, host tourists on their properties, and promote the rich heritage of Vojvodina.

The second “Fruška Gora Wine Walk – Fruška Walk & Wine 2024” took place in Irig on June 9 this year. This unique event attracted over 350 participants from Serbia and the region. The “Fruška Gora Wine Walk – Fruška Walk & Wine” is not just a wine adventure but also a journey through history, culture, and nature. The event was organized by the Tourism Organization of Vojvodina with the support of the Provincial Government, the Municipality of Irig, the Association of Grape and Wine Producers with Geographical Indication “Srem-Fruška Gora,” the Guarantee Fund of AP Vojvodina, the Development Fund of Vojvodina, the Fruška Gora National Park, and the Wine Capital.

It is important to highlight the exceptional collaboration so far with institutions at the national, provincial, and local levels, as well as with tourism stakeholders and businesses across the territory of AP Vojvodina. This fruitful cooperation will undoubtedly continue in the coming year. In the year ahead, the Tourism Organization of Vojvodina plans to introduce a new tourism brand for Vojvodina and enhance the promotion of the region as a tourist destination. The focus will be on networking tourism destinations to offer integrated experiences, thematic routes, project proposals, and innovative solutions. This entire process will be accompanied by the continuous implementation of educational programs. The new year, 2025, will bring opportunities for growth and development in the tourism sector, strengthening Vojvodina’s position as an authentic tourist destination that blends rich traditions, diverse cultures, and modern trends. Emphasis will be placed on creating unique regional products, advancing cultural tourism, introducing innovative promotional approaches, and aligning with the evolving needs of visitors.

Wishing you a Happy New Year 2025 – The Tourism Organization of Vojvodina