Rakocevic: Tourism Law is discriminatory and restrictive

Journalist and writer Zivojin Rakocevic said that the Tourism Law, which entered into force in Kosovo two days ago, is discriminatory and restrictive and represents a continuation of the policies pursued by the authorities in Pristina.

Under the law, organized groups arriving with a tour guide who does not hold a license issued by the authorities in Pristina must be accompanied throughout their stay by a local tour guide licensed in Pristina.

“How is it possible for laws like this to be implemented in this way? They are discriminatory and restrictive, and this is just a continuation of the policy that prevents us from displaying our flags, wearing T-shirts with Cyrillic script, restricts access to Gazimestan, and subjects you to searches as if you were entering a specially secured zone,” Rakocevic told Newsmax Balkans.

Speaking about tour guides, particularly those who are licensed, he pointed out that the measure came as a complete surprise even to them.

“It is a surprise for them as well because they do not even have people capable of providing these services. But it is obvious that all of this is because of the enormous number of people, especially young people, who want to see the thousands of their holy sites,” Rakocevic said.

As he noted, the issue is not limited to Gracanica, Decani, the Patriarchate of Pec, and the Church of Our Lady of Ljevis.

“Hundreds of thousands of Serbs want to see their lost cities,” Rakocevic stressed.

Ahead of the law's entry into force, brochures were distributed to tour guides at border crossings outlining who is authorized to provide tour guide services in Kosovo.

Regarding the new law, the Eparchy of Raska and Prizren warned several days ago that religious pilgrimages must be distinguished from commercial tourism activities.

Two days ago, Kosovo's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport stated that when groups of believers travel exclusively for religious services, prayer, or participation in religious ceremonies, such activities are not considered the provision of tour guide services. However, if a tourist visit is organized during which professional interpretations are provided about cultural heritage, history, landmarks, or tourist attractions, the provisions of the law apply.