Feature: Fair working to put Serbia on Europe's tourism map

For the 37th time in its history, the decorated stands at the Belgrade fair from Feb. 19 to 22 presented the sights, sounds and tastes of faraway countries.

Countries such are Indonesia, Brazil, India and Iran are showcased together with colorful Serbian municipalities promoting their villages, mountains, spas and rivers. Beside them, a fantastic display of regional and European wines.

Potential tourists wander along in halls featuring tourist attractions of individual countries, operators, airlines, hotels and professionals of the industry.

Belgrade's international tourism fair includes the International Wine Fair, a Catering Equipment Fair as well as a fair of souvenirs.

At the stand of the National Tourism Organization of Serbia, its public relations manager Sandra Vlatkovic told Xinhua that the fair has grown into a true international event with 15,000 overnight stays booked in Belgrade's hotels during the event.

"Every year, the fair breaks its own record. This year, we have 1,100 exhibitors from 50 countries (and regions). The United Arab Emirates is participating for the second time, this time as a co-host. For the first time, we also have Jamaica. Visitors of the fair can get to know the offer of the remotest destinations," Vlatkovic said.

The stand of Abu Dhabi, the co-host city of this year's Belgrade tourism fair, promotes the rich and diverse offering of their Emirate.

Nabeel Abdul Hakeem Faris from the promotion department of the Abu Dhabi tourism and culture authority said the exchange between tourists traveling between Belgrade and Abu Dhabi has significantly grown comparing to last year, and that if it continues, it might build stronger ties between the two cities.

"Abu Dhabi can offer everything," Faris said, "Whether you prefer culture activities from deserts to falconry, dune bashing with cars or five star hotels and malls. We have 200 natural islands and kilometers of untouched swimming beaches. Abu Dhabi has everything you would need or want on a vacation."

Several companies such as Etihad, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, hotels and a travel and tour operator also represented Abu Dhabi at the fair.

Faris said Belgrade, too, was a fantastic city. "I think that the tourism will continue to grow over the next years, from our side also," he added, noting cultural similarities between Abu Dhabi and Serbia.

Bora Stankovic, an expert associate representing the Eastern Serbian municipality of Bor, notes that the number of visitors that come to tourism show increases every year.

"We already have several recognizable tourism products that can compete with the similar ones in South East Europe. Serbia is especially making progress in village tourism, mountain tourism as well as spas," he told Xinhua.

He added the key value of the international fair in Belgrade is that it is a time when tourism as an industry gains necessary attention from the media. Enditem