Conference tourism is developing as a specific form of tourism where the main motivation for travel is not rest, but active participation in professional gatherings and events of various kinds. A conference is an event that brings together business people from different spheres of social life with the aim of exchanging opinions, ideas, debates, and so on. Besides conferences, other common forms of organization are meetings, seminars, symposiums, and scientific-professional gatherings. Their duration is flexible, ranging from one to several days depending on the organization of the event, and each is unique and specific, whether commercial or non-commercial in nature.
Expectations of Conference Participants
Participants at conferences are demanding guests who expect punctuality, reliability, quality, comfort, speed, and flexibility for their money and time. A good program and well-planned activities, along with adequate hotel and transportation infrastructure, are some of the important requirements. A professional approach by the organizers implies ensuring conditions for quality conference work, as well as the active organization of participants’ free time.
Recreational Activities
In addition to the educational and social aspects, conference tourism also includes recreation, visiting numerous natural and cultural sites during the conference. Visits to cinemas, theaters, museums, and galleries, as well as tours of local landmarks and natural beauties, are organized. Often, participants themselves plan their free time, wishing to explore new destinations, experience different adventures, or try unusual flavors.
Conference Destinations in Serbia
Year by year, the number of conferences, consultations, meetings, scientific gatherings, and meetings is growing in all European countries. Serbia’s key advantage is its favorable geographical position. In 2013 alone, 66 international gatherings were held that met the highest global standards, placing Serbia as the fifth conference destination in Eastern Europe. Good transport connections, high-category hotels, and quality services have positioned it as one of the most attractive conference tourism destinations in this part of Europe.
Most of the conference tourism takes place in Belgrade, which, with 52 internationally recognized gatherings, can be compared with Washington, Athens, Montevideo, and Florence. All necessary resources are located here: conference halls, fair halls, and accompanying tourist programs in venues such as Sava Center, Belgrade Fair, Expo Center, and Belgrade Arena.
Apart from Belgrade, Novi Sad has the largest conference halls and the easiest transfer, as well as all the necessary resources for organizing symposiums and conferences throughout the year. The city’s tourist offer includes various accommodation capacities, a rich gastronomic offer, cultural and historical landmarks, city and surrounding area tours, as well as wine tours.
Zlatibor, in addition to accommodation and conference capacities, is rich in many additional contents and attractions – sports fields, restaurants of national and international cuisine, and the unavoidable natural beauties.
Kopaonik offers favorable conditions for conference tourism, especially in the spring-autumn period. In addition to the conference centers located in several larger hotels, it also provides opportunities for excellent entertainment in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.
Vrnjačka Banja is the leading spa center in Serbia, visited by about 100,000 people annually, of which 15,000 are conference participants. The unique features of the city and the proximity of monastery complexes make this center attractive for organizing national and regional gatherings.
Vršac, as the headquarters of the largest pharmaceutical company Hemofarm in Serbia, particularly attracts medical companies in the region. Its proximity and good connections with Novi Sad and Belgrade make it an ideal place for organizing conference-type events.
Subotica with Palić, thanks to its favorable traffic and geographical position, proximity to the Hungarian border, rich cultural heritage, and protected natural assets in the vicinity, represents a destination where about 200 national and regional conferences are held annually
Lider Limo as a Reliable Partner
Lider Limo organizes transportation with professional drivers to all conference destinations in the country and region. Our reliable and fast reservation system helps you easily and quickly secure your transportation on time. Various models and sizes of limousines and minivans for group travel are available. All vehicles are checked and safe for transfer to distant destinations, equipped with complete accompanying equipment, and our drivers are characterized by professionalism, discretion, and punctuality.