With the goal of promoting Bosnia and Herzegovina as the Most Exciting Destination in the world in Far East markets, a delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the support of the U.S. Government through the USAID’s Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) project, visited South Korea and Japan. On Tuesday, October 24, 2023 a presentation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was held in Seoul, attended by over 50 representatives of leading South Korean tour operators. From October 26 to 29, at the Tourism Expo Japan in Osaka, Bosnia and Herzegovina was presented alongside numerous global destinations at a specially designed booth.
In addition to representatives of the USAID Tourism project, the Sarajevo Canton Tourist Board, the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, and Turkish Airlines, the delegation also included Bosnian and Herzegovinian travel agencies such as EspyBosnia, LAMBADA, Funky Tours, BH Passport, Nebo Tours, Fortuna Tours DMC, Zoom Travel, BTO – Bosnian Tour Operator, and Devim Tours.
South Korea
The presentation of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a destination in Seoul attracted a large number of Korean tourism professionals and other enthusiasts who wanted to learn more about the pristine nature, culinary delights, and unique cultural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The highlight of this event was the announcement of the lucky winners of a free six-day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. USAID Turizam Chief of Party emphasized that “before the COVID pandemic, Korean travelers accounted for more than 5% of international arrivals in Bosnia and Herzegovina” and added that “this presentation of the destination has rekindled the interest of Korean travelers in Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
Japan
Among the many visitors to the joint Bosnia and Herzegovina booth at the Tourism Expo Japan was the ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Japan, Mato Zeko, as well as the honorary consul of Japan in BiH. As part of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s participation in the Tourism Expo Japan, one of the largest tourism fairs in the world, a presentation of our country’s tourist attractions was held for 22 representatives of leading Japanese tour operators. The Bosnian and Herzegovinian delegation held additional meetings with 8 leading Japanese tour operators in Japan’s capital, Tokyo. Given the high living standard and the tendency of Japanese tourists to discover new, authentic destinations, Bosnia and Herzegovina recognized the great potential of this market and thus began activities to increase the number of Japanese tourists in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The stay of the BiH delegation in South Korea and Japan significantly contributes to the long-term development of sustainable tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. A strong network of local sales agents well connected with international tour operators and travel agencies is the foundation that will help Bosnia and Herzegovina achieve its full tourism potential in terms of increasing the number of visits, spending, length of stay, and dispersion of guests. Furthermore, the joint appearance of BiH companies and institutions improves the international perception of the destination and strengthens the brand of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
