Serbia: YUTA launches national campaign against grey economy in tourism!
Association of Travel Agencies of Serbia (YUTA) has launched a new campaign aimed at curbing unlicensed tourism businesses – a problem that has been seriously damaging the market, passenger safety, and the destination's reputation in recent years. It is a coordinated social media action aimed at informing the public, strengthening the visibility of licensed agencies, and encouraging institutions to take stronger action.
The grey zone is growing – passenger safety is falling
An increasing number of individuals and unregistered entities are today offering accommodation, transport, and travel organisation via social media without any permits, licences, or legal responsibility. This practice not only brings unfair competition to agencies working transparently, but it directly endangers travellers:
- There is no travel insurance.
- there is no insurance or supervision
- No liability in case of problems
- There are no standards or business checks.
YUTA emphasises that the moment is crucial: the sector must act together to protect the profession and passengers.
Campaign objectives
In the coming weeks and months, the campaign's focus will be on three key areas:
- Public education The risks of using unlicensed services
- Promotion of licensed, registered agencies which ensure safety and legal protection
- Increasing pressure on institutions, especially to the tourist inspection and the Tax Administration, so that they can react more effectively
How can agencies participate?
YUTA invites all members and other licensed agencies to get involved and collectively send a clear message.
Highlight official data in profile descriptions
Add to the descriptions of social media Personal identification number i GDP. This is a clear signal to passengers that you operate legally and transparently.
2. Follow YUTA profiles
The campaign will be conducted through:
- Facebook: facebook.com/yuta.rs.official
- Instagram: instagram.com/yuta.rs.official
- LinkedIn YUTA – National Association of Travel Agencies of Serbia
On these channels, YUTA will post shareable materials, infographics, and messages.
3. Share and support posts
Every share helps the message reach a wider audience – travellers, media and institutions.
4. Send examples of illegal advertising
All reported cases will be forwarded to the inspectorates.
nelojalnakonkurencija@yuta.rs
5. Share your own experiences
Agencies that have suffered damage due to unlicensed entities can submit anonymous or public examples – authentic stories have a strong educational effect.
YUTA makes it clear: This is not just an action by the Association – this is a joint struggle for the entire sector.
Illegal operations directly threaten the market, passenger safety, and the professional integrity of agencies.
Consolidation is the only way for the sector to send a strong message and drive change.
