Several million visitors are expected to come to Serbia in 2027 during the EXPO special exhibition, with estimates ranging from 2.6 to 3 million people. Last year, it was reported that 120 to 130 new hotels would be built across the country to accommodate this influx. Recognizing the significance, the Serbian government allocated over 63 million euros by mid-May for hotel construction and renovation, under the Regulation on incentives for direct investments in the hotel accommodation sector. Belgrade currently has 116 hotel facilities, but more capacity is needed to meet visitor demand adequately.
The EXPO 2027 event is not limited to Belgrade alone; nearby cities like Novi Sad and other Serbian towns are also expected to host tourists due to their proximity. The Serbian Chamber of Commerce anticipates that between eight and fifteen new hotels will open in Belgrade by 2027, adding approximately 2,000 rooms. Notable developments include the already opened Hotel St. Regis in Kula Belgrade, a contract signed for the InterContinental Hotel in the Delta District, and the construction of the Ritz-Carlton on the former Yugoslavia Hotel site. Recently, plans for a 378-room hotel at the EXPO site have moved forward, with environmental impact assessment processes underway.
Ahead of the BuildUp 2025 conference focused on hospitality architecture, Igor Conić, founder of the Gradnja portal, discussed modern hotel trends. He emphasized that today’s hotels are no longer mere overnight stops but must embody the identity of their location and meet modern guests’ expectations. Hotels should offer impeccable comfort, functional space design, and enriching additional services, becoming architecturally recognizable, energy-efficient, digitally equipped, and emotionally memorable.
Energy efficiency is a crucial priority because buildings, including hotels, are significant energy consumers and contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable design involves choosing materials wisely, ensuring excellent thermal insulation, incorporating renewable energy sources, and applying smart management systems and BIM technology to optimize costs throughout construction and operation. Such measures not only reduce energy expenses but also enhance market appeal, as guests increasingly value sustainability and share positive experiences on social media. Moreover, international hotel brands now require strict adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
Conić likened a hotel to a small town requiring thoughtful, ongoing management and significant investment. Durability and sustainability must be integral from the start, considering not only luxury but also material resilience, ease of maintenance, and long-term appearance. Proper spatial organization, efficient flow for guests and goods, and flexibility to adapt spaces over time contribute to longevity. Acoustic design is also vital; poor sound insulation can ruin guest experiences despite beautiful interiors. Sustainable hotel development must include energy-efficient solutions, use of recycled and local materials, and smart resource management, with BIM technology supporting real-time performance monitoring and long-term cost forecasting.
Ultimately, successful hotels combine appealing design, cutting-edge technology, and ecological responsibility, ensuring both guest satisfaction and owner profitability over time.
The upcoming BuildUp 2025 conference, organized by Gradnja and held on October 23 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, will highlight key trends shaping the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Catering) industry. Topics include architectural and construction best practices, interior design innovations, and hotel management strategies. The event aims to reveal both development opportunities and sector risks through experiences shared by domestic and international experts.
BuildUp 2025 will also foster networking among architects, designers, contractors, hoteliers, and investors, facilitating future business collaborations. Conić believes the conference will especially benefit entrepreneurs and investors entering the HoReCa sector by providing practical insights and helping them avoid common pitfalls. In essence, BuildUp 2025 offers a platform to discuss both physical space and business prospects in hospitality.
