Economic Impact of DokuFest 2025

For the fifth time, GAP Institute has assessed the economic impact of the DokuFest 2025 festival, one of the most important cultural events in Kosovo and the wider region. The evaluation was based on data collected through surveys of festival visitors, aiming to better understand their spending during their stay and how these expenditures impact the local economy.

In 2025, DokuFest attracted a total of 15,507 visitors. The report’s findings show that the economic impact of this edition on Kosovo’s economy, from consumption expenditures alone, exceeded €5.2 million, a 30% increase compared to the 2023 edition. The festival’s economic contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, excluding the effect of imports, amounted to approximately €3.7 million. This economic contribution was distributed across several sectors, including gastronomy, accommodation, and transport. Beyond its significant cultural importance, investing in the organization of the 2025 edition also proved highly effective financially, generating €9 for the local economy for every €1 invested.

Key findings of the report include:

• DokuFest 2025 welcomed a total of 15,507 visitors, of whom 53% (8,166) were first-time attendees, while 47% (7,341) had attended previous editions.
• DokuNights remains the most popular activity among visitors, with 64% having participated or planning to participate, followed by DokuTalks (discussion panels) at 46% participation.
• Around 60% of visitors highlighted the festival’s unique atmosphere as their main motivation for attending, while 49% cited interest in the films and attending creators as the second most important reason.
• According to the survey, roughly 33% of DokuFest visitors were international, with almost half visiting Kosovo for the first time.
• Most visitors had a very positive experience: about 63% reported being very satisfied, 16% somewhat satisfied, and only 1% expressed dissatisfaction. The festival proved successful and sustainable, as evidenced by around 91% of participants planning to return next year.
• Data from the Kosovo Tax Administration (KTA) show that business turnover in Prizren increased by 3% in August 2025, the month of the festival, reaching €113.8 million compared to €110.3 million in July 2025.
• DokuFest brought significant economic benefits to Kosovo: for every €1 invested in the festival, the economy gained €9 in spending. Considering only public funds, the impact is even greater: for every €1 of public expenditure, the festival generated €35 for the national economy.
• Average daily spending by local visitors from Prizren during DokuFest 2025 was €52.7, while visitors from outside Prizren spent €102.2.
• Non-local visitors mainly spent on accommodation (27.1% of expenses) and food and beverages (23% of expenses), together representing half of their total spending in Prizren.

Click here to read the full report.