USAID Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam), Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FTC BiH), Tourism Association of Canton Sarajevo (Visit Sarajevo), and Turkish Airlines are pleased to invite inbound tour operators (DMCs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina to apply to participate in the upcoming roadshow in the United States of America (USA), planned from October 4-13, 2024, in New York City, and Los Angeles.
The goal the roadshow is to develop and expand the sales network of BiH DMCs in the USA by engaging in direct business-to-business (B2B) meetings with outbound travel agencies and tour operators from the USA. The roadshow will also include a destination presentation showcasing Bosnia and Herzegovina as an attractive and compelling year-round destination for USA travelers.
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Applications are open to all registered BiH inbound tour operators (DMCs) on a first come first served basis. Only one person representing the business will be accepted to participate. Up to 10 qualified BiH trade participants will be selected.
WHY THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?
The United States of America were identified as an important and strategic market for BiH. Historically, they have been strong markets with a combined arrivals of 36,043 in 2023, and future demand projections are also very strong. This is aligned with our previous efforts to diversify source markets to increase arrivals, spending and length of stay as well as decrease seasonality. A total of 80.7 million Americans traveled outside the country in 2022, which amounts to 81% of travel levels from 2019 (when 99.7 million Americans traveled internationally.) The average length of stay is 18 days, mostly traveling for mayor holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring break). In 20213 US travelers spent on average $ 5,200 per person on international travel. Americans are one of the worlds highest spenders, with an averagely long length of stay. The are year-round travelers which love to explore different parts of the destination, give back to community and taking sustainably into consideration. The United States of America is identified as an important and strategic market for Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Historically, it has proven to be a strong market, with a combined arrival of 33,762 visitors in 2019. Projections for future demand also indicate significant strength. This aligns seamlessly with ongoing efforts to diversify source markets, aiming to increase arrivals, spending, and length of stay while decreasing seasonality. In 2022, 80.7 million Americans traveled abroad, constituting 81% of the travel levels observed in 2019 when 99.7 million Americans traveled internationally. The average length of stay for U.S. travelers is approximately 18 days, with a daily average spend of $3,580 per person on international travel. Americans consistently rank among the world's highest spenders and exhibit an interest for longer stays. Their travel habits reflect a year-round exploration of various destinations that have a strong consideration for sustainable practices.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
Criteria for Inbound Tour Operators (DMCs)
- Registered business in BiH
- Has produced no less than 1,500 international room nights in BiH in 2023
- Has participated in at least 3 similar roadshows or tradeshows in the past 5 years,
- Has paid membership fee to Visit Sarajevo, if applicable
- Has paid membership fee to Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Has a professional working relationship with Turkish Airlines.
Note: Turizam and its partners may request verification of these criteria.
PARTICIPATION CONTRIBUTION
Through partnership with Turkish Airlines, USAID Turizam has secured flights from Sarajevo to New York, and from Los Angeles to Sarajevo. Roadshow and B2B meetings costs, as well as the destination presentation will be covered through the partnership between USAID Turizam, Foreign Trade Chamber and Tourism Association of Canton Sarajevo.
The deadline for submission of your application is June 7, 2024.
IMPORTANT: Visa Information
Holders of a BiH passport are required to obtain the USA visa prior to arrival.
More details on visa requirements and procedure can be found HERE.
The selected DMCs will have to cover:
- Visa costs (if needed)
- The accommodation costs during the trip
- M&I costs during the trip.
- Flight tickets from New York to Los Angeles