I told you it was the Italians!

[Djamila]

SARAJEVO, Bosnia - A total of 142,945 tourists visited the City of Sarajevo in 2006, a number that represents individuals from 104 different countries, according to statistics released this week by the Bosnian Tourist Association.

The numbers represent an increase of 12.5 per cent when compared to tourist registrations in 2005.

The greatest interest in Sarajevo, its historical sights, and natural attractions, was demonstrated again by Italians. Italian nationals accounted for 46.8 per cent of all tourists to the City of Sarajevo in 2006, and 67.2 per cent nation-wide.

Slovenians were second, accounting for 31.8 per cent of visitors to the capital city. Third were Turks, who accounted for the majority of the remainder.

Tourists from wealthier countries, however, accounted for the longest stays in Sarajevo. Luxembourgers stayed an average of 4.8 nights, Switzerland 2.7 nights, and Denmark, USA, and Turkey at 2.6 nights.

Tourists from the Middle East contributed the most to the local economy, with Saudi Arabians, Bahrainians, Iranians, and Egyptians spending an average of more than $10,000 KM during their stays.

 

[Djamila]

A few quotes about the numbers, from the Tourism Association rep:

"It is not surprising the number of Italian tourists visiting Sarajevo is so high, nor that it is much less than the number of Italian tourists visiting Bosnia in general. The shrine at Medugorje brings them to this country, and roughly 2/3 of all that come here take a day trip to Sarajevo during their stay."

"The fact that Arab tourists spend three or four times, on average, what non-Arab tourists spend shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. In Western Europe and North America, Bosnia is still a destination that appeals to tourists who tend to be young, single, and travel in a way best described with the stereotype "backpacking". Arab tourists to Bosnia tend to be wealthy families composed of a husband, wife, and often children as well."

 

[Capt. Haddock]

Those Italians really must have no place better to go. (just kidding, ok?)

I'll gladly go wherever the women look like Eveta.

 

[Djamila]

Those Italians really must have no place better to go. (just kidding, ok?)

I'll gladly go wherever the women look like Eveta.

That would be Spain, Turkey, or Israel. lol She's a Sephard, not Bosniak.

 

[Buttons*]

I'm still blaming it on the Turks.....