USAID’s Profi Program is revolutionizing workforce development in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s hospitality sector by enhancing employee skills, improving service quality, and fostering economic growth through innovative on-the-job training and strong local partnerships.
USAID’s Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) has achieved groundbreaking success through the Profi Program, an innovative on-the-job training initiative. This program is setting new benchmarks for workforce development and service quality in the country’s hospitality sector, enhancing both economic growth and sustainability.
The impact of the Profi Program has been recognized internationally, winning the prestigious Economic Advancement Award at the 2024 A World for Travel Forum in Seville, Spain. This accolade celebrates initiatives that promote economic sustainability and long-term growth, underscoring the importance of local partnerships and the role of tourism in fostering economic progress.
At the heart of the Profi Program is a focus on empowering employees through structured, professional training within their workplace environments. Experienced mentors are trained and certified as Profi trainers, who then transfer their expertise in key areas such as hospitality, food preparation, and service. This approach not only enhances the skill sets of employees but also directly improves guest satisfaction and service quality.
Hotel Reumal Fojnica, a shining example of the program’s success, certified a record 130 employees in 2024, earning the title of Profi Program Champion in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH). General Manager Ismira Kubat highlighted the program’s long-term value, stating, “When our workers grow, so does Reumal – along with our community and the local economy.”
The success of the Profi Program is rooted in strong collaborations with local partners. With its success in fostering professional growth, enhancing service quality, and driving economic development, the Profi Program exemplifies how targeted initiatives can transform the tourism sector. Supported by USAID Turizam, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is well on its way to becoming a globally recognized destination for excellence in hospitality, sustainability, and cultural preservation.