Bosnia and Herzegovina has become the first country in Southeast Europe and the 12th country in the world to become a member of the Federation of the Most Beautiful Villages. The General Assembly of the Federation was held in Belgium from May 2 to May 5 and Bosnia and Herzegovina was represented by the Alterural Association, which, with the support of the US government through the USAID Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam), is successfully implementing this global initiative in BiH’s villages. Following the official membership in the Federation of the Most Beautiful Villages of the World (Les Plus Beaux Villages de la Terre), an increase in the number of tourists and positive socio-economic development throughout the year is expected. This achievement is also important as an encouragement for local communities in rural areas to stay in their homes and strengthen the presence of tourist offerings on the local and global tourist map.
The Most Beautiful Villages of Bosnia and Herzegovina are becoming a Recognizable Tourist Brand
The initiative “The Most Beautiful Villages of Bosnia and Herzegovina” is being implemented by the Association for the Development of Rural Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina – Alterural, with the support of the USAID Turizam project. On this occasion, the director of the association, Sarah Devisme, stated: “I am very pleased to share the news that the villages of Bosnia and Herzegovina are now part of the Federation of the Most Beautiful Villages of the World. This means a lot to us! t is a great recognition from countries that have more than 40 years of experience in developing their destinations for excellence in rural areas. We are the first country in Southeast Europe to be accepted into this small circle of selected countries. Hence, after China, Bosnia and Herzegovina is the 12th country to join this privileged and very exclusive membership.”
The “Most Beautiful Villages of Bosnia and Herzegovina” initiative currently includes 17 villages across the country, each characterized by its history and way of life. These villages are home to traditional architecture, with beautiful landscapes of unspoiled nature, and represent the foundation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cultural and historical heritage. The selected villages also have their virtual presentation on www.mbv.ba, a creative website aimed at bringing the indigenous life of local communities and the beauty of untouched landscapes closer to visitors from around the world.
On the international significance of the “Most Beautiful Villages” label,the president of the Association of the Most Beautiful Villages of Lebanon, Maguy Khoubbieh Kostanian, said: “I believe that this international exposure will enable Bosnia and Herzegovina to build cultural relations and strong partnerships with other members, revealing its rural gems and great tourism potentials. For Lebanon, this membership in an internationally recognized organization has increased residents’ awareness of their unique heritage and developed a spirit of positive competition among villages. I wish the same for the villages in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which have enormous potential to rank high on the scale of rural tourism in the world!”
The significance of the “Most Beautiful Villages” label
The significance of the “Most Beautiful Villages” label is reflected through its multiple roles in protecting cultural and historical heritage from all negative impacts on the sustainability and authenticity of the villages, and in promoting the socio-economic development of rural areas. At a time when there is a massive trend of people moving from villages to cities, leading to processes of mass urbanization and rural exodus, the “Most Beautiful Villages” label instills hope that in the future, the dynamics of people’s movements will be somewhat different, as the global network of prominent countries has recognized the beauty of rural tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“For two years now, we have proudly carried the label of one of the most beautiful villages in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and there has been a noticeable increase in interest and tourist arrivals. In this fast-paced life, we recognize that people are searching for peaceful places and authentic stories that remind them of the values of untouched nature, organic food, and warm hospitality. We are optimistic that our membership in the Federation of the Most Beautiful Villages of the World will bring an expansion of arrivals, and that makes us very happy,” stated Tomislav Rajić, president of the Guča Gora Mountaineering Society and a resident of the village of Guča Gora.
According to data from associations in France and Italy, villages with the “Most Beautiful Villages” label have experienced a 40% increase in visits. Additionally, the “Most Beautiful Villages” label has contributed to an increased return of people to villages, positively affecting the demographic dynamics in rural areas.
“Local communities in villages are becoming part of a global platform that attracts a large number of Western tourists, and even tourists from Japan who are interested in discovering the villages and their traditions. Also, as an association, we receive important technical support from other countries that go through different challenges and experiences,” added Sarah Devisme.
Experience the Most Beautiful Villages of Bosnia and Herzegovina through the documentary film by Robert Dacešin
In the recent period, Alterural and USAID Turizam, in collaboration with Robert Dacešin, a world-renowned travel blogger, supported the production of promotional videos for individual villages and the first documentary film about the Most Beautiful Villages in Bosnia and Herzegovina. If you haven’t had the chance to see what a journey through the most beautiful rural landscapes looks like, there’s a film by the excellent Robert Dacešin.
The original concept of the Most Beautiful Villages was initiated by the French association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France in 1981. Its mission is to preserve and enhance its member villages’ heritage, to increase their popularity and thus promote their economic development. Membership in the Federation of the Most Beautiful Villages of the World will enhance the profile of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a destination globally, while simultaneously strengthening sustainable development, encouraging the arrival of new residents and the utilization of new economic opportunities, as well as the internationalization, culture, and tradition of rural areas.
