USAID Turizam organized a panel within the 12th Sarajevo Business Forum: Resilience and Innovation: Tourism Investment & Growth
The 12th Sarajevo Business Forum, the largest business and investment event in Southeast Europe, was held from May 17 to 19 under the auspices of Bosna Bank International (BBI). USAID Turizam supported the organization of panel dedicated to tourism titled as “Resilience and Innovation: Driving Tourism Investment & Growth”, that was divided into two sessions, with a focus on better understanding the dynamic investment environment in tourism. Throughout the two sessions, the topics discussed were “Reputation, Reputation, Reputation – The Power of Brand as a Catalyst to Attracting Investments” and “Capturing International Capital: Strategies for Investment Growth and Profitability in the Tourism Sector.” The aim was to enhance Bosnia and Herzegovina’s competitiveness for international investments and stimulate growth in the tourism sector.
Why is it important to build a destination reputation?
The value of a well-developed tourism brand as a catalyst for attracting local and international investments was explored during a panel dedicated to destination reputation . Panelists discussed authentic events, including Ms. Daniela Wagner of the Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council, highlighting the incorporation of experiences and connections with local communities. Representatives from TripAdvisor underlined the importance of establishing high-quality feedback on internet platforms and observed that while Bosnia and Herzegovina is well-known for the towns of Sarajevo and Mostar, many other sights and cities remain unrecognized. As a result, it is critical to take a business-to-business approach.
Participants of this session were: Group Business Development Director at Jacobs Media Group Daniela Wagner; Senior Business Development Manager – Central and Eastern Europe, Expedia Group Media Solutions Laura Milos Sanchez; Senior Partner – Travel Representation at FINN Partners Chris Woodbride-Cox; Senior Principal Client Partner at Tripadvisor Tim Schoefield. Moderator and curator was Ibrahim Osta, Senior Destination Development Advisor at USAID Turizam project.
Participants of the panel dedicated to tourism
Is sustainability a cost or a value driver?
Within the framework of the second session dedicated to generating international capital, strategies for investment growth and profitability in the tourism sector were discussed by eminent experts from the tourism sector, whose professional careers are based on ideas of sustainable growth, smart investments, and generating significant investments in destinations. The second session focused on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s untapped potential and how that potential may be realized in the travel and tourism industries. This includes maximizing the tourism destination’s asset value, sustainability, and inclusivity. All panelists provided a comprehensive view on tourism investment, sustainability, and the possibilities for growth and development in many areas of the business through collaborative efforts.
Participants of this session were: Chief Executive Offices at Aptamind Partners (UK) Aradhana Khowala; Secretary General at A World For Travel (France) Christian Delom; Chief of Operations & Business Development at Roya International (UAE) Shaji Thomas; Senior Vice President Consulting, Informa UK LTD. Tony Griffin. Moderator and curator was Ibrahim Osta, Senior Destination Development Advisor at USAID Turizam project.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: A new investment platform for the growth of health tourism!
As part of the Sarajevo Business Forum, USAID Turizam hosted a thematic workshop on health tourism, based on a comprehensive approach to sustainable tourism development. The event was organized by the USAID Turizam project, the Ministry of Economy of Sarajevo Canton, and Bosna Bank International (BBI). This roadshow focused on accessible financial solutions, industry requirements, and the strategic planning required for reaching this expanding market segment. USAID Turizam thanks all entrepreneurs who presented their inspirational stories, including ASA Hospital – the First Private General Hospital and Hotel Borovi Sjenica.
Sarajevo Business Forum has built a one-of-a-kind networking platform for industry experts, investors, and stakeholders interested in collaborating and creating a long-term influence on Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tourist potential. Economic growth has been fostered as a result of concerted efforts, and the country is moving toward a more competitive and sustainable tourism sector. This event provided an outstanding opportunity to reimagine the future of the tourism industry and adapt to market needs and the demands of various visitor profiles.
USAID Turizam encourages the growth of the tourism industry and positions Bosnia and Herzegovina as one of the most dynamic and appealing international tourism destinations by organizing these panels and workshops, with the goal of raising standards, increasing visitor numbers, and reducing seasonality.
Watch the video record of the first session below:
Watch the video record of the second session below:
Listen to the panelists’ statements about the importance of these two sessions as well as their advice for developing prosperous, sustainable tourism:
See the agenda at the link:
