Cyclotourism, one of the fastest-growing forms of adventure tourism, has shown significant global growth during 2024, and Bosnia and Herzegovina has tremendous potential to become one of the most attractive destinations for this type of adventure tourism. According to research conducted by EuroVelo, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), and CycleSummit, the cyclotourism market is on a steep rise, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is already recognized as a destination with popular cycling routes. However, it has not yet fully realized its potential or the many opportunities that cyclotourism offers.
This was precisely the topic of a one-day workshop organized by the USAID Turizam in Vitez on November 29. The workshop brought together enthusiasts and professionals from cyclotourism, allowing them to exchange experiences and discuss a shared vision and future steps for the sustainable development of cyclotourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In addition to them, the event was also attended by key representatives from the tourism sector, including tourism boards, private companies, and international experts.
Ivica Sivrić, Director of the Regional Development Agency of Herzegovina, Toni Zorić, President of the Cycling Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Miroslav Matošević, Director of the Central Bosnia Tourism Board, participated in an extensive discussion on this topic. According to Tarik Hadžić from Treba DH, to harness this potential, we must continue investing in cycling pathways, make roads safer, and create attractive conditions for cyclists. Tihomir Dakić, the national coordinator for EuroVelo in Bosnia and Herzegovina and President of the Center for Environment Protection, added that cyclotourism has the potential to become a significant part of sustainable tourism, which in turn can contribute to economic development and promote Bosnia and Herzegovina as a desirable tourist destination worldwide. It also helps preserve the country’s natural beauty.
ReShape Adventure workshop
The outcome of this event in Vitez is clear—Bosnia and Herzegovina has all the necessary prerequisites to develop cyclotourism at a European level, but the key lies in a coordinated approach by all relevant stakeholders. With compelling arguments for increased investment in cycling infrastructure, cyclotourism could become a significant driver of local economic growth and global promotion of the country as an attractive destination for adventure tourism. One of the most renowned routes, the Ćiro Trail, draws the attention of both domestic and international visitors, while the Trans Dinarica route, which partially runs through Bosnia and Herzegovina, offers a unique experience for adventure enthusiasts.
“My friends from different countries who cycle through Bosnia and Herzegovina are thrilled. Cyclotourism is an opportunity we must not miss, as it can benefit not only tour operators and enthusiasts but also small rental businesses across the country.”
Speaking about the importance of international events in promoting cyclotourism, Nikica Atlagić, organizer of the BHARD ultra-marathon cycling event, shared the impressions of the participants and stated that this event “has grown into the most important one in Southeast Europe,” demonstrating that Bosnia and Herzegovina should be proud of its attractiveness. Nikola Soković shared insights from the perspective of a businessman involved in cyclotourism. Meanwhile, Alex Crevar from the Slovenian organization Good Place presented the marketing plan for the Ćiro Trail, which is being prepared in collaboration with the USAID Turizam project. The purpose of the presentation was to highlight the elements of a successful and marketable cycling trail. A valuable foundation for the future of cyclotourism will be the impressions of visitors to the current trails in Herzegovina, the Pecka Visitors Center, and other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as shared by renowned advocates of sustainable tourism Stanislava Borovac and Boro Marić.
With adequate investment in infrastructure, promotion, and the development of new services, cyclotourism has enormous potential to become a key factor for economic growth and international promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina. To realize this potential, it is important to continue investing in cycling paths, increase road safety, and create favorable conditions for cyclists. Cyclotourism not only capitalizes on the country’s natural beauty but can also become an important sector of sustainable tourism that contributes to economic development and positions Bosnia and Herzegovina as an attractive destination on the global tourism map.