On April 25, 2023, in the mountainous area of Vlašić, USAID Turizam organized a one-of-a-kind event called “ReShape Adventure Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina” for all representatives and enthusiasts of adventure tourism. The rich program of events met the needs of adventure tourism representatives ranging from adventure tourism service providers and commercial agencies to sports and other citizen associations, nature parks and attractions, and development agencies. As a result, it inspired the entire tourist community, from small business owners to service providers and professional guides, to enrich the upcoming season with new content and experiences that will improve Bosnia and Herzegovina’s international recognition. The ReShape Tourism event allowed all adventure tourism operators and service providers to network and share industry knowledge and information in order to create more exciting and rich adventure tours across the country.
Furthermore, the event “ReShape Adventure Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina” was organized to encourage the adventure industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt current international market trends through the analysis and improvement of existing products and the creation of new experiences that meet market demand, with the ultimate goal of bringing in new visitors.
“More spots” were needed for exceptional adventure tourism panels!
Sector representatives shared their experiences and advice on how to present natural and cultural resources to international visitors as unique tourist experiences. The driving factors of tourism development are natural and cultural heritage, as well as people from local communities, while all other elements play a stimulating role. Presentations and interactive sessions focused on approaching adventure tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina from a fresh perspective in order to create long-term adventures. Panel discussions centered on the social and environmental aspects of tourism, the challenges of obtaining certification, the creation of authentic tourism products, the creation of safe and exciting tours, business principles in adventure tourism with European customers and visitors, the sale of adventure tours online, and the exploration of opportunities for women in adventure tourism. As part of the panel dedicated to BiH heritage, Red Bull marketing manager Jadran Crnogorac presented projects that promote the beauty of Bosnia and Herzegovina in an appealing way. Previously, USAID Turizam collaborated successfully with Red Bull to present Bosnia and Herzegovina as a unique tourist destination for all kayak enthusiasts. After all of the panel discussions, Red Bull marketing manager Jadran Crnogorac stated, “After what I heard today, I must say that I am proud of what we have all achieved together.” This confirms that marketing and promotion are extremely demanding endeavors, and that, as a result, joint marketing and sector cooperation are critical to success. (Click HERE to watch the video “Kayaking Wonderland”)
USAID Turizam and BiH tourism sector collaborate to test, research, and develop successful strategies!
“This USAID seminar on the needs of adventure tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina was an absolute blast because many experiences were exchanged, but we were also introduced to the needs imposed by the highly competitive marketplace and what lies ahead for us in the coming period.” As a result of this event, we gained an understanding of the present situation, whether it is hiking, cycling, rafting, or some other adventure-based tourism, as well as everything else that makes up the tourist spectrum,” said the president of the Extreme Sports Club Limit in Bihać, “We can say that everything that USAID is doing right now is good, especially that it offers certain fresh kinds of education, such as global tourist guide education, which I attended, and I am satisfied.” I gained new knowledge and ideas that can be applied here, but because we are already dealing with it, we recognized that we are not the only ones on this planet who use it, and we want to make tourism exactly that, adventure tourism, so that people can enjoy nature and what we have to offer, and, of course, that it is all sustainable and beneficial to all of us.”
Promoting gender equality through adventure tourism
„I’m Valentina Škorić, and I’m 23 years old. As of this time last year, I was the only woman in Bosnia and Herzegovina to hold an International Rafting Federation (IRF) rafting guide certification. I also competed in the World Rafting Championship, which was held in Vrbas and Tara last year as a member of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian women’s rafting team. Getting my license was a huge step, but it also marked the beginning of my rafting career. This is what drives me to continue improving and expanding my knowledge. For this reason, I have spent most of the last twelve months and the first half of this year participating in various rescue trainings, specifically those pertaining to water rescue.“
Valentina Škorić, the only female rafting guide in Bosnia and Herzegovina, says that having a strong will and desire is essential, and she’s calling on all women to sign up for training conducted in accordance with IRF international standards.
She encourages people to know that in our struggle against prejudice, we have to work harder, we have to assume more responsibilities, we have to obtain more certifications, and we have to invest more effort and work among other things.
USAID Turizam is committed to building a long-term, sustainable tourism sector and is considering organizing similar events in the future to bring together industry leaders and promote adventure travel in domestic and international markets.
Below, watch the presentation, which was held by USAID Turizam Chief of Party Feđa Begović:
Also, download the presentation of Thierry Joubert and Snježana Derviškadić on behalf of Balkan Green, who provided an insight into the main process of green certification, including Green destination, Green travel seal and Travel life:
(Note: File format is ZIP)
