The EXPO 2027 promotional caravan has recently arrived in Sombor, Serbia, highlighting the city’s rich cultural, traditional, and sports offerings as part of the country’s preparations for the international event. Scheduled to take place in Belgrade from May 15 to August 15, 2027, EXPO 2027 is expected to draw participation from over 140 countries and attract more than four million visitors. The caravan’s visit to Sombor is part of a broader effort to showcase the diverse cultural and tourism potential of Serbian cities beyond the capital.

Sombor’s Mayor, Antonio Ratković, emphasized the opportunity the EXPO presents for the city to attract tourists. He noted that Sombor, known for its cultural heritage, greenery, and multicultural atmosphere, has much to offer visitors. “This is a chance for Sombor to show its best, as EXPO is not just about Belgrade. All cities and municipalities, especially Sombor, will seize the opportunity to host a large number of visitors coming to our country,” Ratković stated. He expressed the city’s commitment to attracting a significant number of tourists during the three-month EXPO period, aiming for visitors to spend at least two days exploring Sombor.

The caravan’s event in Sombor featured presentations from local sports clubs, cultural and artistic societies, and associations dedicated to preserving traditional crafts. These activities underscore Sombor’s dedication to maintaining its cultural heritage through music, crafts, and community engagement. Zorana Iđuški, a vocal soloist from RTV-RTS, highlighted the importance of preserving the musical traditions of Vojvodina, particularly old town songs and tamburitza music. “As someone involved in tradition and culture, and being from Sombor myself, it is a great honor to have the opportunity to sing today. I believe we should nurture the tradition and culture of Vojvodina,” she said.

The EXPO 2027 organization has also announced that school visits to the international exhibition will be free and voluntary for students across Serbia, running from May 17 to June 25, 2027. Mirjana Avramović, manager of the school program for EXPO 2027, described the event as a unique opportunity for students to experience an unforgettable and singular experience in Belgrade. She emphasized the organization’s goal to encourage visitors to explore other parts of Serbia, including Sombor, Gornje Podunavlje, the Danube, and Bačka.

The EXPO 2027 initiative aims to leave a lasting legacy, with infrastructure and content designed to serve a purpose beyond the event itself. Avramović highlighted that the EXPO is built on a legacy concept, ensuring that everything planned and constructed for the event will have cultural value and functionality after its conclusion. The program “Discover Serbia” has been launched to present the tourist, cultural, and sports potentials of cities throughout the country.

Furthermore, the EXPO 2027 volunteer program has already attracted over 13,000 candidates from various parts of Serbia, demonstrating significant public interest and engagement. The event in Sombor also showcased the work of the Citizens’ Association dedicated to preserving traditional crafts, with President Aleksandar Heđi discussing the importance of maintaining these skills. The association, founded in February 2024, focuses on producing handmade items, including wool products and traditional weaving.

The EXPO 2027 caravan’s visit to Sombor not only highlights the city’s cultural and tourism potential but also forms part of a larger strategy to enhance Serbia’s international image and tourism strategy. By promoting the diverse offerings of Serbian cities, the EXPO aims to foster cultural exchange and economic benefits, positioning Serbia as a vibrant and attractive destination for international visitors.