The prestigious tourism multimedia prize “The Golden City Gate – Das Goldene Stadttor” went to two videos from Bosnia and Herzegovina
The USAID’s Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) provided technical assistance for the submission of two videos from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the competition The Golden City Gate – Das Goldene Stadttor, which celebrated its jubilee 23rd edition this year as part of the largest World Tourism Fair – ITB Berlin. Bosnia and Herzegovina showcased its unique natural, cultural, and historical treasures in two categories at this year’s edition: country and city.
Photo Credit: Jasmin Agović
Why Bosnia and Herzegovina Can Be #1 Destination in the World?
Robert Dacešin, director of the Center for Culture and Art “Dacešin” and internationally known travel blogger, created the video “Why Bosnia and Herzegovina Can Be #1 Destination in the World?”, which ended up winning him the prize for best video in the country category.
On this specific occasion, Robert Dacešin stated: “First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for receiving this award, which is one of the most distinguished in the profession wherein I work. But I must express my gratitude to the team from the USAID Turizam project for their assistance in submitting the video about Bosnia and Herzegovina for this award. Despite the fact that we are preparing a really lovely project together in the spring of this year, I am extremely grateful to them for recognizing and supporting my efforts, and this is surely a reward for all of us.”
In terms of the award’s significance for the future development of tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Robert added: “This is also an award for all people in Bosnia and Herzegovina, because I sincerely believe that through fairs like ITB Berlin, we keep spreading a positive image of our country,” and that small steps like this now will add up to a big step later. Personally, the honor flatters and encourages me, but more importantly, it motivates to keep filming and working because I notice there are people who recognize it and are eager to support it, but above all, who live this mission of promoting our country just as much as I see myself doing. I hope that this is merely the first step toward something bigger, and that we will gradually see the rewards of the effort put in showcasing Bosnia and Herzegovina in the coming years.”
Another significant prize was given to Trebinje – a city that exemplifies successful growth and utilization of best practices in sustainable tourism
For the first time, the city of Trebinje participated in the world’s largest tourism fair, ITB Berlin, thereby opening up a variety of opportunities for the city, which is known for its stories about sustainable tourism development, to expand its network of partners and intensify the exchange of experiences with representatives of the tourism sector from all over the world. Earlier, the city of Trebinje applied for the “The Golden City Gate” competition, which is held as part of the world’s largest tourism fair, ITB Berlin.
Trebinje’s City Administration Office emphasized the exceptionally successful collaboration with the USAID Turizam project, and on this occasion, the Deputy Mayor of Trebinje, Dražen Bošković, stated: “The prizes won by the City of Trebinje in the previous period are very significant for the sustainable development of tourism, mainly in terms of opportunities for the promotion of the destination at the global level. Furthermore, these awards or contests allow for networking and experience exchange with representatives from the world’s most prominent destinations. Our destination’s goal for 2023 is to achieve a Green Destinations designation as a sustainable tourist destination. Trebinje will thus be the first location in Bosnia and Herzegovina to get this distinguished award.”
Herzeg House/Hercegovačka kuća, Nature Park Orjen, Tvrdoš Monastery, Trebinje’s Promo Video
The City of Trebinje completed several activities which contribute to the growth of tourism, as well as the development and promotion of the agricultural sector, with the assistance of the USAID Turizam project. First and foremost, USAID Turizam assisted with the application process for the Green Destinations Awards competition, in which Trebinje gain significant success. In the category “Local Supply Chains,” the story “Herzeg House/Hercegovačka kuća” was awarded as the best sustainability story in the world in 2021. The City of Trebinje was then chosen for the “Good Practice Story Award” again in 2022, this time for the story of the Orjen Natural Park. This sequence of Trebinje prizes, however, is not final. Trebinje was selected as the top location for sustainable wine tourism at the end of 2022, with the Tvrdoš monastery receiving the award as an instance of best practice aimed at strengthening cultural and historical heritage and wine.
Trebinje won the coveted “The Golden City Gate” award in the city category already in the first quarter of 2023, demonstrating that this attractive Mediterranean city is committed to achieve its objective of becoming the most desired small city in the Western Balkans by 2030.
USAID Turizam extends heartfelt congratulations to Robert Dacešin and the City of Trebinje on these big international prizes, with the hope that these achievements will pave the way for Bosnia and Herzegovina to be positioned as the most exciting destination in the world!
Watch the videos below:
