Bosnia and Herzegovina is becoming a popular travel destination among Qataris, according to travel agencies in Doha.
Speaking to Gulf Times, an employee of a leading travel agency said they have recorded an increasing number of bookings to the southeastern European country.
He noted that a number of Qatari families are set to travel to Bosnia in the coming Eid al-Adha holidays. “While places like London, France and Switzerland remain on top of their list, Bosnia is steadily emerging as another favourite,” he added.
The employee said vacationing Qataris usually book flights via Istanbul as there is no direct service from Doha to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Travel time to Sarajevo, the capital and largest city of Bosnia, is around eight hours 20 minutes and above from Doha depending on where the transit point is.
Many Bosnia-bound travellers usually spend a few days in Istanbul before flying to Sarajevo, he said. Sarajevo is known for its rich history and culture as well as religious diversity.
A staff member of another travel agency in Doha aired similar views, saying they have booked many Qatari families to Bosnia over the past few days. Qataris like to travel to different places and are fond of exploring new and safe destinations such as Bosnia, according to the employee.
“Besides Bosnia, they have also started visiting its neighbouring European countries such as Croatia and Serbia,” the staff member said. “We expect more people to book their flights in the coming days.”
Some travel agencies are also offering a wide range of tour packages to woo more Qataris to travel not only to Bosnia during the Eid al-Adha holidays but also to destinations such as Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The weather in Sarajevo in the summer is pleasant, adding to its attraction as a holiday destination during this time of the year.
It is learnt that the city is enhancing its transportation system and tourism infrastructure to attract more visitors from various parts of the world, including Qatar and other GCC countries.
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani made an official visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina early this year and met with top government officials. The visit was aimed at enhancing bilateral ties on all fronts, including trade and investment.
(Gulf Times)
