Belgrade recently lost the Holiday Inn hotel in New Belgrade, which will be repurposed for Halkbank offices. With the international EXPO 2027 expected to bring millions of visitors, the state is actively encouraging the expansion and renovation of hotel accommodation across Serbia.
More than 20 projects have applied for state incentives aimed at boosting hotel capacity for EXPO 2027. So far, agreements for funding three projects, totaling over €63 million in planned investments, have been signed, with additional applications under review.
Several companies received state aid in 2024, including:
- Millennium Resorts: Over €2.75 million for constructing an integrated wellness resort in Vranje.
- TM Hospitality: Approximately €2.13 million for building a five-star hotel in Zlatibor.
- Promont Group Novi Sad: €4.65 million for a family hotel and tourist facilities in Vrdnik.
- Procoopac: €900,000 for renovating the Union Hotel in Belgrade.
Other notable projects include the reconstruction of the Šumadija Hotel in Arandjelovac, the construction of Hyatt Regency Novi Sad, and the AC Hotel by Marriott Airport City Belgrade, reportedly receiving €5.9 million in state incentives. Hotel Slavija in Belgrade is also slated for renovation, with €3.6 million allocated.
Currently, Belgrade has 116 hotel facilities (72 hotels and 44 garni hotels) offering around 8,600 beds. Given the expected 2.6 million visitors during EXPO 2027, significant expansion is required. The Ministry of Tourism notes that accommodation demand will also affect other cities like Novi Sad.
Investment requests for the Belgrade region must be submitted by the end of 2026. The government recently adopted new regulations to promote quality tourism offers, with new funding competitions planned for 2025.
Additionally, EXPO 2027 plans include the construction of 1,500 accommodation units within the Expo Village complex.
