The Serbian government said on Friday that the number of foreign tourists visiting the country rose by 156.2 percent in the first five months of this year compared to the same period of 2021.

It said that the number of domestic tourists rose by 38.4 percent.

“In May 2022 alone, there was an increase of 86 percent in the total number of tourist arrivals; the increase of 51 percent was realised by domestic tourists, while the number of arrivals of foreign citizens increased by 165 percent,” a press release said adding that Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Ministry’s e-Tourist portal reported a total of 1,328,902 1 January to 31 May this year – 547,589 foreign and 781,313 domestic.

“A total of 4,402,878 overnight stays in the Republic of Serbia were recorded, which is an increase of 56.6 percent compared to 2021. The increase of 31 percent (2,541,168 overnight stays) was realised by domestic citizens, while the number of realised overnight stays of foreign citizens increased by 113.6 percent (1,861,710 overnight stays),” it said.

According to the government, the strong growth in tourism is the result of huge investments in road and other infrastructure, as well as private investments in accommodation.