Day 70: The best way to stifle a country’s tourism - Belgrade, Serbia

(Him: Charlie)(Him: Charlie)

Serbia is large country, especially compared to its neighbouring Yugoslav brothers. Supposedly, it offers wild nature, charming villages and deep (maybe controversial) history – perfect for tourists. We were going to spend at least 4-5 days here, even though we are strapped for time. However, thanks to one of the worst tourist information centres we have ever come across, our stay was much shortened…

Upon arrival in Belgrade, as usual, we visited the local tourist office for travel advices. Though courteous, the staff wasted no time in shooting down the few places we had in mind, saying either there’s nothing happening, or it’s not worth visiting. The only place he recommended was the EXIT music festival in Novi Sad, which didn’t really interest us. We were disappointed – I thought Tourist Info is supposed to provide information and let me decide where I want to go. He may be telling his honest thoughts, but what I don’t need is filtered (and opinionated information). What a way to promote his country – totally and successfully turned us off!!

And that’s not all! In addition to the biased information, he also gave us false advice! When asked about Kosovo, a disputed area neighbouring Serbia (or within, depending on who you ask), he told us it’s extremely dangerous, and we shouldn’t go; and that, if we really wanted, we should go to the north part only, because the Albanians (Kosovo is mostly inhabited by Albanian ethnics) would kill us if we go to the south, including the capital. This is contrary to anything we have heard before and it was later proven wrong by other backpackers. I can understand the staff may be opinionated because of the Kosovo-Serbian conflict, but again, I was hoping for a little bit of professionalism.

It’s a shame that a country is represented by tourism staff like this – there is no better way than stifling the tourism like this. The impact, just an example, was we shorted our trip and only gave this country 36 hours of our time! Montenegro, here I come!