SARAJEVO, March 10 (Xinhua) -- Escalating tensions in the Middle East and the cancellation of flights to the region are affecting tourist flows to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the Federal News Agency of BiH (FENA) reported on Tuesday.
FENA quoted Haris Fazlagic, president of the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board, as saying that all direct flights connecting Sarajevo with Gulf countries have been canceled, directly impacting tourist arrivals.
Sarajevo previously had direct flights with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Fazlagic said, adding that the absence of these visitors could significantly affect tourism in the city if the situation continues.
To mitigate the impact, the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board has begun redirecting its promotional efforts toward regional and European markets, including Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Germany and Slovakia, he said.
Meanwhile, the Sarajevo-based Association of Tourist Guides "Vucko" said that due to flight cancellations, overall tourist traffic in BiH could decline by about 20 percent this year if the current conditions persist. ■