Are you looking for an opportunity to invest in the tourism sector or have an innovative business idea but need financial support? The U.S. Government, through the USAID Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (USAID Turizam) project, connects investors with local tourism companies in BiH to continue developing one of the country’s fastest-growing economic sectors.
USAID Turizam leverages its expertise and connections with investors and international tourism industry leaders to offer promotional support, networking opportunities, and information on funding opportunities and strategies that will enable further growth of these companies.
Our Online Finance Directory contains information about various financing options for tourism companies offered by banks, including grants and incentives provided by the public sector to small companies. The Directory also features success stories about investments, and investors looking for new opportunities can find a list of projects in the tourism sector.
USAID Turizam also works to give tourism companies the chance to present their businesses and connect with investors at events and platforms specifically prepared for this sector. At the recently held Sarajevo Business Forum, USAID Turizam showcased six tourism initiatives from BiH that attracted significant attention from domestic and international investors at the region’s largest investment conference. Read more about these and other projects that USAID Turizam helps promote to potential investors in the text below. These are independent initiatives that USAID Turizam does not support financially.
If you want to register your tourism company for this type of networking, promotional, and implementation support or are an investor interested in funding a tourism project, contact us via email at investicije@turizambih.ba.
Future of Tourism at Buna – Bunica in Mostar
Swimming at the entrance of the magical Bunica River, where it flows into the even more magical Buna, and sunbathing under the Herzegovinian sun, surrounded by magnificent water treasures, sounds like a guaranteed perfect vacation. However, the City of Mostar aims to provide an even better experience of nature for all visitors by modernizing infrastructure and offering new amenities.
The ambitious project to revitalize the Mostar recreation area Buna – Bunica involves transforming the existing neglected recreational complex into a modern recreational zone that meets ecological standards. This fundamental change in urban development and tourism approach includes the use of renewable energy sources, circular economy, sustainable waste management, and public-private partnerships. These principles will ensure long-term sustainability, making this project an excellent model that can serve as inspiration for future similar initiatives.
This project sets new standards for urban development and is a joint venture between the City of Mostar and the Czech organization People in Need (PIN). It also involves active participation from the local community, which not only stimulates economic development through tourism but also provides new business opportunities for local residents.
Oasis of Agrotourism and Healthy Food: Milo Selo Farm, Lukavac
Located in an idyllic natural setting at the foot of Mount Ozren, Milo Selo Farm offers a variety of products and services, combining traditional production of healthy food with innovative agrotourism.
Goat milk and dairy products – such as the farm’s award-winning goat cheeses – seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, and bee products are just some of the high-quality organic food products that guests can enjoy in a relaxing natural ambiance. Additionally, Farma Milo Selo, with its pavilions near Modrac Lake, the rivers Bukovica and Lukavčić, and several natural springs, offers pleasant gatherings in nature and adventure tourism programs. The farm also organizes business meetings and team-building events.
Aiming to expand its tourism offer with a focus on sustainability, quality, and innovation, the farm plans to build accommodation facilities in nature, increase goat milk production, and install new greenhouses for vegetable cultivation.
Healing for Body and Soul at Gata Spa near Bihać
Only eighteen kilometers from Bihać, Gata Spa is nestled in the tranquil and untouched landscape of Bosanska Krajina, one of the most beautiful and nature-rich regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The thermal-mineral water at this spa is considered one of the highest quality therapeutic sources in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the surrounding area.
This increasingly popular health facility, with a long tradition of health care, has the capacity to accommodate up to ninety guests and annually hosts between two to three thousand patients. The excellent geographical location of the spa makes it an indispensable part of the regional tourist offer, including the natural gems of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia – Una and Plitvice Lakes National Parks. Along with a rich array of health and wellness services, visitors to Gata Spa can enjoy a unique combination of natural beauty and top-notch healthcare.
The planned construction of an indoor pool within the spa complex will enable the provision of even higher quality services and expand the facility’s capacity. This will also create employment opportunities for local residents and encourage the development of tourism in the entire region. Gata Spa is not only a place for healing but also for regeneration, relaxation, and experiencing nature in its original form. Investing in this spa is an investment in the future.
Glamorous Camping in the Greenery of Trebinje
A new trend attracting young travelers, digital nomads, and other innovation enthusiasts is “glamping” – luxurious camping that offers a unique experience of staying in nature without sacrificing comfort. Located in the valley of the Trebišnjica River, at the crossroads of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Croatia, the City of Trebinje is an ideal location for developing such niche of tourism.
The planned construction of the first glamping village in the greenery of this Herzegovinian gem will further strengthen the region’s tourism potential, providing visitors with luxurious accommodation as an addition to existing amenities. Besides accommodation, the construction plan includes greenhouses for growing healthy food, planting olive trees and vineyards, building a pool, gym, parking spaces, and meeting rooms. These facilities will enrich the tourism offer and provide visitors with a comprehensive tourism experience.
Investing in glamping in Herzegovina is economically profitable and a strategic move. It is a form of tourism that meets modern travelers’ demands for unique nature experiences. With local community support and potential for international investments, glamping can become an important element of Trebinje’s and Herzegovina’s tourism development, strengthening the local economy and offering something new to tourists visiting this beautiful region.
Future of Sarajevo Zoo: Pionirska Dolina, Sarajevo
Although small in area, this zoo has big ambitions – to open its doors to foreign visitors and modernize its facilities.
To achieve this goal, the management of Pionirska Dolina has initiated the process of joining the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). One of the prerequisites for membership is the development of a Master Plan for the zoo’s development, which includes comprehensive planning of the animal species collection, conservation plans, safety plans, and infrastructure renewal.
The expected outcome of this endeavor is a modern zoo with forty new animal species and two active educational programs, which will extend stayings of tourists in Sarajevo Canton by half a day.
Natural Paradise near Hadžići
Olympic mountains, lush forests, and clean rivers – all of this is within reach of guests at the Žunovica complex near Hadžići, a municipality in Sarajevo Canton. The planned reconstruction and adaptation of this complex include fish ponds, a restaurant, a water source, and additional investments in the construction of a hotel complex, tennis court, beach volleyball court, and indoor football.
Thanks to its geographical location, Žunovica has excellent conditions for developing winter, rural, and adventure tourism – the proximity of the ski slopes of Igman and Bjelašnica mountains, the tradition of producing high-quality organic food, and forests and rivers rich in diverse flora and fauna are just some of the reasons for investing in this promising project.
Other Projects
USAID Turizam’s Online Finance Directory also features other investment projects, including a cable car on Hum Hill in Mostar, a hotel with a shopping and business center in Visoko, a cable car connecting Kulen Vakuf with the medieval town of Ostrovica in Una National Park, a health-rehabilitation and wellness center for children and adults recovering from chemotherapy in Rudo municipality, the Zlatni dol Goranci wellness & spa center in Mostar, and a hotel with a business center in Cazin.
The U.S. Government, through the USAID Turizam project, supports the private sector by enhancing economic growth and positioning Bosnia and Herzegovina as one of the most dynamic and attractive international destinations, aiming to increase the number of visits, reduce seasonality, and increase the value of tourism products.
Presenting project ideas. See the gallery.
