Serbia's Tourism Minister Reveals Top Destinations for Russian Visitors

Russian tourists are the largest group of international visitors to Serbia, according to Nenad Popović, the country's Minister of International Economic Cooperation. Speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Popović told Lenta.ru that the Serbian tourism industry is working not just to attract more guests, but to encourage them to stay longer.

“Russian tourists are the most numerous guests in Serbia,” Popović said. “Our goal is to create conditions that make them want to extend their visits.” He noted that most Russians currently come for short trips, averaging just a few days. Citing the launch of Air Serbia’s direct flight from Belgrade to Nizhny Novgorod on May 19, he predicted a further increase in tourist traffic by 2026.

According to the minister, Russians accounted for roughly 7 to 8 percent of all tourists who visited Serbia in 2025. He also offered recommendations for Russian travelers. Belgrade, he said, stands out for its vibrant nightlife, cultural events, diverse museums, and unique culinary scene. For those seeking relaxation and health treatments, Popović pointed to the mountain resorts of Kopaonik and Zlatibor, which operate year-round. He also highlighted other mountain destinations and thermal springs across the country.

In a related development, Dragan Stanović, head of the Serbian Parliament's committee on diaspora affairs, recently expressed Belgrade's readiness to form a union with Russia. Stanović noted that he and his supporters have established a parliamentary group for cooperation with BRICS nations.