serbia tourism from india

Explore Serbia

Plan your trip to serbia: best of serbia tourism.

Essential Serbia

Trending in the forums

Serbia Is Great For

Eat & drink

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

See All Serbia Tours

Trending Serbia tours

Save up to $550

Balkan Adventure

13 Locations

7 Countries

Save up to $500

Balkan Delight

8 Locations

3 Countries

5 million happy guests and counting

Good morning

Dobro jutro

Good evening

"Little landlocked Serbia really packs a punch when it comes to adventure and fun and you're sure to have a blast when you visit this amazing country. From the lively bars of Belgrade to the peaceful riverside monasteries, Serbia really has something for everyone."

Travel Director

Learn about the history of Belgrade

Our Serbia trips take you through the scenic Bosnian mountains into Belgrade, the ‘White City’, known for its complex and fascinating history. When you explore the city with your Serbia travel guide, you’ll get a unique insider’s look at this diverse history, ranging from the Celtic and Roman periods to the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian era.

Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress

This striking symbol of Belgrade sits on a ridge overlooking two great rivers, and it’s one of the most incredible places to visit in Serbia. With some 115 battles fought here and over 40 reconstructions over the past 16 centuries, you'll discover how the empires rebuilt the fortress so many times, and admire the lovely views from this impressive citadel.

Visit the House of Flowers

We’ll take you to see the final resting place of former Yugoslavian President, Josip Broz Tito, named after the many flowers that covered the tomb until it was closed to the public. Today, it's a peaceful place with lovely views of the city, and your Local Specialist will reveal some interesting stories of Tito and Serbia’s history on your Belgrade trip.

Admire the views from the Avala Tower

Of all the great Serbia attractions, you can’t miss Mount Avala. Surrounded by beautiful parklands, it’s also home to a 671-foot tall telecommunication tower, the tallest in the Balkans. Rebuilt in 2006 after the 1999 NATO bombing, you can learn the history of the tower, admire the incredible architectural details, and take in the stunning views.

Dine at top tennis player Novak Djokovic's restaurant

Want to dive into the Serbian cuisine in one of the best places in Serbia? We’ll take you to dinner at the restaurant of champion tennis player Novak Djokovic. As the first Serbian player to rank number 1, Djokovic and his restaurant are national icons. You'll see the cabinets filled with trophies and if you’re lucky, you might even be served by Novak’s proud mum.

Our top 5 things to do in Serbia

We’ll show you all the best things to do in Serbia including the top Belgrade attractions, from the great Kalemegdan Fortress to the tranquil House of Flowers.

Museum of Nikola Tesla

Famed as ‘the man who invented the twentieth century’, you’ll dive into the world of Nikola Tesla with a Local Specialist at this excellent museum and final resting place of Tesla. Best known for his breakthroughs in electric power, you’ll discover Tesla’s genius inventions, and hear the insider stories and legends of the man behind them.

Serbian National Museum

You can’t miss the Serbian National Museum, the oldest and largest of Belgrade’s museums. First established in 1844, it’s now home to more than 400,000 objects, from artworks to archaeological treasures. Discover medieval artifacts, Yugoslav artworks, and an Italian art collection featuring masterpieces by the likes of Raphael and Titian.

Museum of Yugoslavia

If you’re interested in the history of Yugoslavia, the former country that included today’s Serbia, you’ve got to visit this Belgrade museum. You’ll learn all about the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and Socialist Yugoslavia, and you can visit the House of Flowers, the resting place of Josip Broz Tito, in the museum complex.

Best museums in Serbia

Our Serbia holidays take you to the best museums in the country where you’ll discover Serbia’s fascinating history, culture and famous national icons.

Gibanica is Serbia’s mouthwatering take on the Balkan’s favorite pastry dish. It’s similar to a rich layered strudel cake, made with filo pastry and usually stuffed with cottage cheese and eggs. You can also find them filled with spinach, meat or potatoes, and they can be sweet or savory. Whether you eat it as a snack or a festive treat, gibanica is irresistible.

Pljeskavica

This dish may be popular all over the Balkans, but it's the beloved national dish of Serbia. It’s a traditional grilled hamburger and the spiced meat patty is made with a mixture of beef, pork and lamb. Served with onions, tomatoes, avjar (red bell pepper and eggplant relish) or lepinje (pita bread), pljeskavica is the ultimate Serbian comfort food.

Another Balkan favorite, Kajmak is a salty cheese, similar to clotted cream, made from unpasteurized, unhomogenized milk from cows, sheep or goats. In Serbia, you spread it over bread as a tasty appetizer, melt it onto your hamburger patty, or try the fermented version in gibanica pastries. However you eat it, you’re sure to fall in love with kajmak.

Best food in Serbia

Wondering what to eat in Serbia? We’ll show you the best of real Serbian cuisine, from delicious pastries to grilled meats and fresh cheese.

What to pack for Serbia

Serbian phrasebook

Serbian is the official language, so bring along a phrasebook and try using a few common words and phrases. It’s all part of an enriching Serbia travel experience.

Comfortable shoes

You’ll find endless laneways, hillsides and towers that just have to be climbed on your Serbia holidays, so bring a reliable pair of walking shoes.

Rain jacket

There’s always a chance of rain in Serbia, especially if you’re heading on a Belgrade tour in spring. Bring a light rain jacket or a travel umbrella and stay cozy and dry.

Insect repellent

Don’t forget your insect repellent when you travel Serbia. Whether you bring a spray or a cream, make sure it’s a good quality repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

Use it to protect yourself from the sun or the cold, or wrap it around your shoulders when entering churches and monasteries - a scarf always comes in handy on a Serbia trip.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Netherlands

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Explore Serbia

Experience serbia.

Serbia’s enchanting landscapes are a true feast for the eyes and soul. Whichever region of Serbia you choose to visit, you are guaranteed to leave with lasting impressions of its magical scenery and unrivalled experiences.

HONEY AND WINE FESTIVAL

See also....

To explore everything Serbia has to offer, make sure to wander off the beaten track and peek inside its hidden nooks and crannies.Here you will find traditional, rural households open to tourists wanting to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Serbian village . People living in these rural households enjoy a simple, traditional life, at harmony with nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

Free Climbing

Belgrade and its wider area, roman emperors route, in tesla’s footsteps.

Active Holiday

Family holidays

Rural Retreats

Thematic Routes

Serbia Open Office

With its richly diverse culture and gastronomy, Serbia offers exhilarating new experiences which are guaranteed to make for an unforgettable visit.Be sure to check out one of the many film, music and culinary festivals, which bring hundreds of thousands of people to Serbia every year.

Film Festivals

Be informed

Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Serbia

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Serbia. There are 19 trips to choose from, that range from 4 days in length, up to 17 days. The month with the most departures is July, making it the most popular time to visit Serbia.

19 Fully Guided tour packages in Serbia with 44 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Sightseeing

Best of Serbia in one week - SMALL GROUP

A good package to explore the beauty, culture, and people of Serbia

Highlights of Serbia in 5 days - SMALL GROUP

Very reliable, friendly - simple, clear correspondence language.

Discover Serbia

Excellent! Serbia, as expected is a beautiful country. Our tour operators ‘Serbia Tour Operators’ did an exceptional package for us. Bojan, our guide, became part of our family! Thank you.

Discover Serbia 10 Days / 9 Nights

Belgrade City Break Package (4 days/ 3 nights)

• Christmas & New Year

Private - Discover Serbia

Serbia in 7 Days Private Tour

• Coach / Bus

Serbia Uncovered Superior - 7 days

Year-round Serbia 17 days discovery tour from Belgrade. Beautiful road trip across the largest former Yugoslavia country. Plenty of fascinating history, culture, nature, architecture, and delicious cuisine.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.
• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Serbia 4 Day Private Tour

All seasons Serbia discovery 11 days tour from Sarajevo. Roman traces, medieval monasteries, historical fortresses, beautiful nature, tasty food and scenic roads.

Private Best of Serbia in one week

Our visit to Serbia was perfect. Our Guide/Driver was Marko and he was excellent, always arrived before meeting timings, very knowledgeable on all aspects of the place we visited and gave us some good advice on local matters. The hotels and food were very good too. Pickup and drop off from the airport were well managed. Overall it was another successful trip arranged by Tour Rader and the operator. William and Mandy Peden

Serbia extended in 10 days - PRIVATE TOUR

Simply amazing! We decided on the 10 Day Private Tour because of the itinerary and the great value in terms of price. High quality of hotels, excellent service, warm welcome, knowledgeable guide, and clockwork transfers. It was really a first class trip. Serbia is incredibly diverse; from central European cityscapes to isolated Serbo-Byzantine monasteries the differences couldn't be greater. We were taken to medieval fortresses and mountain villages, through lush national parks and steep gorges, all with very hearty meals and, of course, the national drink 'rakija' in between. The tour gave us a taste of it all. It was a great introduction to this fascinating and beautiful country.

All seasons 9-days Serbia discovery tour from Sarajevo. Serbia, land of ancient monasteries, medieval fortresses, Roman traces, cultural wealth and scenic roads.

Year-round Serbia discovery 11 days tour from Mostar. Serbia, rich cultural heritage, medieval fortresses and monasteries; incredible Roman traces, and scenic roads. A true gem.

What people love about fully guided tours in serbia.

All the guides were excellent. Communication was good, the hotels they chose were great.....overall a wonderful experience and I highly recommend this company.

What an amazing experience!. I enjoyed every minute of it. All tour guides did a fantastic job, they were welcoming, friendly, informative and fun. The sites we saw were just jaw dropping!

I recommend taking this tour to see beautiful Serbia! Discover Serbia is an overview of everything Serbia has to offer. From the beautiful architecture in Belgrade to the historic church’s with fresco paintings from over 500 years ago to the ski slopes by the border of Montenegro. Slobodan was an excellent tour guide and Zorica helped plan the whole trip from A to Z and was also excellent. Overall, the hotel choices and breakfast were also 5 ⭐️! Slobodan gave a really nice overview from all aspects of Serbia. Excellent tour guide. Hyatt Belgrade, Hotel Palisad in Zlatibor with all the meals included were also all around excellent. Zorica helped the planning from Serbia Tour Operator DMC and was very helpful. I highly recommend this tour.

Travel Styles

• Fully Guided

Part of the TTC Family of Brands

GET A QUOTE

DESTINATIONS

WAYS TO TRAVEL

SPECIAL OFFERS

1 888 680 1241

SEE ALL SERBIA TOURS

FEATURED TOURS

SHOW ALL EUROPE TOURS

'Business Class' Tours

ALWAYS INCLUDED

Serbian dinar (RSD)

Capital City

Time Difference

London GMT +2

Serbian and Romanian

7.022 million

Electricity

European 230V

STAMPS DIVINE: SIX CHURCHES YOU'LL INSTANTLY FALL IN LOVE WITH

FIVE INCREDIBLE CASTLES TO DISCOVER IN THE BALKANS

From our blog, #insightvacations.

Discover inspiring, magical moments captured by our guests in destinations around the world.

ALL EUROPE DESTINATIONS

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

Netherlands

Switzerland

Alps Central and Eastern Europe

Spain and Portugal

Northern Europe

Eastern Mediterranean

Christmas Markets

Central Europe

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Eastern Europe

Mediterranean and Southern Europe

OTHER REGIONS

UK and Ireland

North Africa

USA and Canada

Latin America

EXPLORE WITH INSIGHT

TOUR STYLES

Discovery Journeys

Regional Journeys

Country Roads

Domestic Escapes

Special Interest Tours

Get A Quote

Request A Brochure

Travel Insurance

The Insightful Blog

Privacy Policy

Booking Conditions

Tour Deposit Level

Travel Updates

My Personal Information

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

© Insight Vacations 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Cookie Policy

• A One Week Travel Itinerary...

A One-Week Travel Itinerary to Serbia

One week? You’ve only got one week? Well, seven days are better than zero days, and you can cover a huge amount of ground before Monday comes around again. Serbia is a country that evolves in a clear manner from north to south, so we advise following that direction in order to get the most out of it.

Day 1: tackle the serbian athens.

If you’re flying into Serbia, then it’s likely that you’ll land in Belgrade , but we’re going to begin our journey overland in the north of the country. Vojvodina is Serbia’s northern province, and it may well be its prettiest. Novi Sad is the second biggest city in the country and deserves no small amount of attention. It also happens to be very different from the rest of the state, making it an interesting starting point. Novi Sad’s town centre is full of elegant architecture and tranquil history, but you should make a beeline for Petrovaradin Fortress. It is located across the Danube, and plays host to EXIT Festival every summer. Be sure to explore it in quieter times.

Day 2: Explore Vojvodina

Day 3: monasteries and nature in fruška gora.

One last day in Vojvodina. Fruška Gora is the square peg in the round hole that is Serbia’s north, a mountain in the middle of some of the flattest land in the region. It is also a national park, which guarantees pristine nature and plenty of tranquility. That word doesn’t quite do justice to the many monasteries that are dotted throughout the countryside, housing some of the finest religious art in the area.

Day 4: Here goes nothing

Belgrade is just a short drive south of Novi Sad, and by day three, you should be ready to approach the capital city. The White City is the centre of all life in Serbia, so don’t be surprised to find the speedometer showing a slightly higher number here. Immerse yourself in the city’s cafe culture in order to get your bearings, before diving head on into the legendary nightlife once the sun goes down. Spend your evening around Skadarlija and Cetinjska for maximum enjoyment.

Day 5: Sightseeing in the capital

After a day of getting your bearings, the time has come to tackle the parks, museums, monuments and sights of Belgrade. You could easily spend seven days in the capital itself (many are still to leave), but a whistle-stop itinerary means the big hitters need to be addressed first. Kalemegdan, the Church of Saint Sava, Knez Mihailova and the Nikola Tesla Museum must be top of that list.

Day 6: Back in time in Kruševac

You could choose to go east to Golubac or west to Šumadija , but we suggest heading south via the central Serbian town of Kruševac. The town has seen better days, but its role in the history of this proud nation cannot be overstated. The city was founded in 1371 by the venerable Prince Lazar, Serbia’s most iconic medieval leader and the man who led the nation into the Battle of Kosovo . The Serbian Army assembled here before that famous conflict in 1389. If you see that number spray painted on buildings throughout the country, you now know why.

Day 7: Culinary wonder in the south

After six days of sightseeing (and no small amount of drinking), you may well be in serious need of a rest, so be sure to make time for yourself as you head to Niš. The third largest city in the country, Niš compliments Belgrade and Novi Sad with its Balkan atmosphere and incredible food, arguably the best in the country. There is a contradiction in here of course, as carnivores should stop off at Kafana Marjan on the way. Spend the afternoon traipsing around Niš, checking out the iconic Skull Tower and fortress in particular. The student city is an underrated night out in the region too — the perfect way to cap off a majestic week in Europe’s most underrated country.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Guides & Tips

Why you need to visit southern serbia.

7 Awesome Independent Stores in Dorcol, Belgrade

See & Do

The best spas and wellness retreats in serbia.

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book in serbia for every traveller.

Restaurants

The 7 best restaurants in novi pazar, serbia.

The Top 11 Things to Do in Vojvodina, Serbia

Balkan Brass: Visit Serbia’s Guča Trumpet Festival Through the Lens of Photographer Tommy Sussex

10 Great Poems that Capture the Spirit of Serbia

Bars & Cafes

The 7 best bars and cafes in valjevo, serbia.

The 7 Most Beautiful Caves in Serbia

A Day in Belgrade: How To Spend 24 Hours in the Serbian Capital

Architecture

The 9 most impressive civil engineering projects in serbia, culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1796376
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Welcome to Serbia

This website is an official platform administered by the Government of the Republic of Serbia. Here you can find all information about immigration to Serbia.

Go to Entry & Stay Regulations to get personalized information about visas, residence, work permits and citizenship.

Answer a few simple questions to navigate Entry & Stay Regulations and learn what you need to do in order to work, travel, study and live in Republic of Serbia.

Study carefully all information and advice that will make your application process smooth and easy.

Prepare documentation and apply online using eApplications or in person.

Register your stay

The foreign national is required to register with the relevant authority his/her stay at, and change of address of residence, within 24 hours from the date of arrival in the place of residence or from the date of the change of address of his/her stay.

Information for employers

The new amendments to the Foreigners Law and the Law on the Employment of Foreigners recognize the need for submitting applications for long-term visa D or a unified residence and work permit by an employer or another representative.

Driver's licenses for foreigners

A citizen of the Republic of Serbia who holds a driver's license of an EU member state or a foreigner temporarily residing in the Republic of Serbia may drive a vehicle on the basis of a foreign driver's license or international driver's license, as long as it is valid, during his temporary stay.

Xi Jinping to visit France, Hungary and Serbia amid EU trade tariff row

China’s president arrives as EU anti-subsidy investigations and tensions over espionage, Ukraine and Taiwan continue

China’s president, Xi Jinping , is to visit Europe next week for the first time in five years, in a tour that will take in the unlikely trifecta of France, Hungary and Serbia.

The visit comes as China pushes to avoid a trade war with the EU, while attitudes towards Beijing in the bloc are hardening after multiple spying scandals and China’s ongoing support for Russia in the war in Ukraine .

Xi’s first stop will be Paris. On Monday, he will meet the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen .

“The Chinese leadership is pretty clear about what they want,” says Abigaël Vasselier, the director of foreign relations at Merics , a German thinktank focused on China. Xi would be focused on lobbying against the EU’s anti-subsidy probes, particularly on electric vehicles (EVs) and on stabilising the bilateral relationship, Vasselier said.

In September, in remarks widely understood as being directed at China, von der Leyen said that global markets were “ flooded with cheaper electric cars … [whose] price is kept artificially low by huge state subsidies”. The probe has caused widespread consternation in Beijing, which sees it as unfair and politically motivated.

On Thursday, the European Commission’s trade chief hinted that tariffs on Chinese EVs could be imposed by June, after the launch of an investigation into state support for electric car manufacturing in China. The deadline for any measures to be imposed is 4 July.

China “cannot afford to have more and more restrictions to the European market”, Vasselier says, but at the same time, “China does not have an offer for Europe at this point”.

That is because one of Europe’s – and Macron’s – longstanding asks of China is for Xi to put pressure on Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, to end the war in Ukraine. “Two years into the war, the Europeans have realised … this is not going to happen,” says Vasselier.

Prof Shen Dingli, a Shanghai-based international relations scholar, says that for China, the question of Taiwan was more important than that of Ukraine.

Macron, von der Leyen and Xi last met in person in April last year when the Europeans flew to Beijing. Macron, who arrived with a 50-strong business delegation and left with 18 cooperation agreements inked between French and Chinese companies, caused a storm on that trip when he told reporters that Europe should not become “America’s followers” on the Taiwan issue. The US president, Joe Biden, has repeatedly said that the US would defend Taiwan militarily in the event of an attempted Chinese annexation.

“When the French president visited China last year … he made it very clear: on the question of Taiwan, France should have its own independent position,” Shen says. “China appreciates his position.”

Xi and Macron’s personal rapport was burnished last year when the Chinese president took his French counterpart on a rare personal trip to Guangzhou, a city in southern China. Next week, Macron will return the favour with a visit to Hautes-Pyrénées, a mountainous region of France.

But despite Xi and Macron’s personal chemistry, “Chinese Communist party leaders don’t have friends. They have interests,” says Charles Parton, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and a former British diplomat in China. “It’s a way of ruthlessly pushing forward your own interests.”

“Wherever China sees benefit from dealing with Europe as a whole, then it does. When it sees the benefit of dealing with individuals, sometimes because it undermines the whole, then it deals with individuals,” Parton says.

after newsletter promotion

The EU’s investigation into alleged state support into the car industry is one of a series ordered by Brussels into supplies to Europe including medical devices and wind turbines, which are being sold at 50% of the cost of those made in Europe – long considered the lead in the sector. China argues that the trade investigations are politically motivated and the only loser in a tariff war would be the consumer.

The emphasis on bilateral relations comes as China’s relationship with the bloc is increasingly strained. There are also concerns in the EU about disinformation and foreign interference, with the arrest of an assistant to the German AfD MEP Maximilian Krah on suspicion of spying for the Chinese .

On 24 April, the Dutch and Polish offices of the Chinese security equipment company Nuctech were raided by EU competition regulators as part of a new anti-foreign subsidy investigation. The move, which was directed by the European Commission, was immediately condemned by China’s commerce ministry.

Tariffs on EVs will be even more troubling for Beijing. Last year, EU imports of EVs from China reached $11.5bn, according to Rhodium Group.

Xi will also be visiting one of his closest allies in Europe, Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán. China-Hungary relations have become increasingly close in recent years. In February, China offered to deepen law enforcement ties with Hungary, taking its already cosy relationship beyond the economic realm and into a security cooperation agreement that sparked concern in other EU countries. Hungary is already Huawei’s largest base outside China, and the country will soon host carmaker BYD’s first European factory.

In return, Orbán has been a vocal supporter of China in international forums. On several occasions, Hungary has opposed EU motions critical of China on human rights.

The most symbolic stop on the tour will be Xi’s visit to Belgrade, around the 25th anniversary of the US’s bombing of the Chinese embassy in the Serbian capital. The incident, in which three Chinese journalists were killed, caused a huge spike in anti-US sentiment in China. It also hardened China’s hostility to Nato, as the strike happened during the alliance’s bombing of Yugoslavia.

China’s hostility to Nato is part of the reason why Beijing has maintained its support for Moscow since the invasion of Ukraine. Xi’s visit will “remind the world that although China and Serbia are geographically separated by the Eurasian continent, they share the same security interests. We need to strengthen our cooperation to overcome the security threats from the US and Nato,” Shen says.

The Belgrade visit is not as strategically important as the meetings in Paris and Budapest. But, says Parton, “it fitted the timetable. And it sure as hell fits their intentions and interests in highlighting American behaviour.”

• Electric, hybrid and low-emission cars

Most viewed

What Do Indian Tourists Want? We Asked 5 Hotel Brands – India Report

Bulbul Dhawan , Skift

May 8th, 2024 at 11:00 PM EDT

Due to close proximity, the nations of Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan witness significant tourism from India. With preferences of Indian travelers changing, boutique properties are reaching out with diverse offerings to attract this tourism segment.

Bulbul Dhawan

The Skift India Newsletter is your go-to platform for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

India is a key source market for the neighboring countries of Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. In February, India was the biggest source market for Nepal, accounting for more than 25% of foreign tourist arrivals in the country.

For Bhutan, Indians accounted for 60% of the total international tourists in the first three months of 2024. The country is expecting 150,000 Indian tourists this year, more than double that of 2023. 

In Sri Lanka, the number of tourists from India in the island nation increased by over 100% in January.

What are they doing to keep the growth going? Skift caught up with some boutique hotel brands from these three countries that were in India for a trade event.

Here’s what we learned:

Amrit Rajaratnam, founder of Galle Fort Hotel, Sri Lanka: Indian travelers are seeking authentic, experiential, and unique experiences, Rajaratnam said.

“They seek bespoke luxury experiences and are inclined to invest in shorter, luxe getaways as opposed to longer trips. They want unique, immersive travel experiences, which are family friendly and exclusive.” Rajaratnam added that Indian travelers prefer privacy, often booking entire properties for their group travels.

Khin Omar Win , owner of Gangtey Lodge, Bhutan: “Discerning Indian travelers are more mindful, curious, and adventurous. They seek cultural immersion. The biggest trend we have experienced is the shift in interest from classic travel to developed destinations to more immersive, nature-focused travel and soft adventure,” Win said.

She added that pre-Covid, her property received very little interest from the Indian market but this has significantly increased post-pandemic. 

Nilanka Martinus, managing director of Mosvold Boutique Hotels, Sri Lanka : “Indian travelers are looking for unique boutique luxury experiences, coupled with a discerning palate for great food, particularly with a strong preference for vegetarian options. They highly value personalized attention and excellent service standards.”

The Indian market, particularly the middle and upper-middle class, is increasingly inclined to splurge on luxurious travel experiences and boutique hotels and have moved away from package tours, Martinus shared. 

Prabina KC Chhetri, sales and marketing director of Dwarika’s Group of Hotels and Resorts, Nepal: She said that apart from experiential tours, Indians are also inclined towards holistic well-being, spiritual and cultural experiences, and sustainable travel.

Hashan Cooray, managing director of Jetwing Hotels, Sri Lanka: Jetwing Hotels has been witnessing increased interest in properties that offer agricultural experiences and tea estate experiences. “Luxury wellness retreats are seeing increased demand from Indian travelers, where they look to stay for a week or more, immersing themselves in daily physical activities, health routines and treatments. Wildlife tours in Yala, Kumana as well as in the Sigiriya region are also gaining popularity,” said Cooray. 

Thailand Extends Visa Waiver for Indians Until November 11

Thailand has extended the visa-free arrival arrangement for Indian travelers till November 11. The Thai cabinet on Tuesday approved a plan to extend the visa exemption for six more months.

In November last year, Thailand decided to grant visa-free entry to Indians and Taiwanese citizens from November 10 till May this year. This visa waiver would have ended on Friday.

Travelers from the two countries would be allowed to stay without a visa in Thailand for a period not extending 30 days.

In the first four months of 2024, Thailand recorded over 12 million visitor arrivals, representing a 39% increase over the same period in 2023. More than 550,000 Indians visited Thailand during this period. Thailand expects the number of visitor arrivals from India to reach 1.7 million this year .

India is one of the most important source markets for Thailand and is also the fastest-growing. In 2023, over 1.6 million Indian travelers visited Thailand , making the country the fourth-largest source market for Thailand. These tourists spent more than THB 63 billion ($1.7 billion).

Sri Lanka has also renewed its visa-free entry for visitors from India, China, Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The visa-free entry will allow these visitors to stay in Sri Lanka for 30 days.

IHG Opens India’s First Voco Hotel

IHG Hotels and Resorts has opened India’s first voco hotel – voco Jim Corbett. The 70-key resort marks the introduction of IHG’s seventh brand in India. The hotel chain has four other voco hotels in its India pipeline – in Mumbai, Amritsar, Gurugram, and Goa. 

Last month, the company announced its plans to double its operating portfolio in India , aiming to have 100 trading hotels in the country by 2029. In 2023, the hotel chain’s occupancy rate surpassed pre-Covid levels significantly, it said in a statement. 

Post the 2023 performance, the company has ambitious expansion plans for India. IHG’s Southwest Asia managing director Sudeep Jain said, “We are on track to record another successful year, fueling our growth ambitions in the country.”

80% of Indian Travelers Prefer Domestic Destinations

Nearly 80% of the Indian travelers prefer domestic destinations as opposed to international ones, shared travel advisory firm VIDEC’s CEO Virendra Jain at the Arabian Travel Mart 2024. While speaking about India’s rapid emergence as a crucial source market for global tourism, Jain shared the characteristics and behaviors of Indian travelers. 

As many as 59% travelers in India prefer short weekend trips. “The primary motivator for these trips is the need for a break from daily life, with 33% of travelers seeking leisure escapes.”

He also asserted the need to understand the trends and behaviors among Indian travelers. “Coupled with India’s rising digital proficiency and infrastructural enhancements, these trends are shaping India into a dynamic source market for global tourism, necessitating targeted engagement strategies to capitalize on this growth,” he said.

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the pronoun for Khin Omar Win, owner of Gangtey Lodge in Bhutan.

Skift India Report

The Skift India Report is your go-to newsletter for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: arabian travel market , bhutan , boutique hotels , hotels , ihg , india , india outbound , india travel , international tourism , international travel , nepal , skift india report , sri lanka , thailand , tourism , tourism authority of thailand , Travel Trends , visa waiver , voco

Photo credit: Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal are focusing on India to achieve their ambitious tourism targets. Avinash Patel / Pexels