USAID Turizam hosted prominent National Geographic contributors and launched an online campaign to support Sarajevo on its path to global recognition as National Geographic’s Reader’s Choice Best Destination in the World for 2025USAID Turizam hosted.
Sarajevo, the capital of BiH, has achieved global recognition as National Geographic’s Reader’s Choice Best Destination in the World for 2025. This remarkable success was supported by USAIDTurizam project, which contributed to promoting Sarajevo’s participation in the National Geographic Reader’s Choice competition. By utilizing its social media channels, Turizam helped raise awareness and encouraged community engagement. These efforts, alongside widespread organic participation, played a role in Sarajevo earning this prestigious title within a short voting window.
The recognition highlights Sarajevo’s unique offerings, including its rich history, adventure tourism, and regional wineries with exceptional local wine varieties. National Geographic’s announcement underscored these attributes, placing Sarajevo firmly on the map as a must-visit global destination. This accolade is expected to bring a significant boost to the country’s tourism industry in the coming year, attracting both adventure enthusiasts and culture seekers.
USAID Turizam’s contribution extended beyond digital promotion. The program organized familiarization trips for prominent travel writers and photographers, ensuring they experienced the very best of the country. Nick St. Oegger, a renowned National Geographic contributor, explored the Herzegovina Wine Route (HWR) on a four-day visit organized by Turizam in April 2024, where he immersed himself in the region’s breathtaking landscapes and exceptional wineries. Similarly, Sarah Gillespie, a journalist for National Geographic Traveller (UK), was hosted by Turizam in May 2022 during a press trip promoting BiH’s adventure tourism. Her weekend exploration of Sarajevo was a highlight of her journey.
These experiences provided the foundation for compelling articles that showcased BiH’s hidden gems to an international audience, building momentum for the city’s eventual triumph in the competition.
