More than 440 trained participants in a year are proof that there is a paradigm shift in tourism and hospitality education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as a broader perception of the nature of all closely related professions.
With the intention to turn Bosnia and Herzegovina into a competitive global tourist destination, USAID Turizam through various activities stimulates the improvement of the economic environment, as well as enhancing the quality and diversity of tourist products and experiences. This, among other things, implies the professionalization of the workforce in the tourism sector.
News from Bihać: Tourism Development Through Education
In the previous year, USAID Turizam formalized cooperation with the Bihać branch of the Center for Education and Research “Nahla” (Nahla Center). The first results of the conducted grant activities were discussed at today’s ceremony held in Bihać, a city home to some of the most beautiful natural assets and the world-renowned emerald river Una. . A total of 136 people from the Una-Sana Canton attended professional training in the field of tourism and hospitality organized by Nahla Center, as part of the project “Building a culture of excellence in hospitality – training for innovative tourist experiences in the Una-Sana Canton.” This includes courses in English for tourism workers and courses on maintaining hygiene standards in catering facilities and developing catering skills.
By providing modern practical skills to those working or willing to work in the tourism and hospitality sector, the project has contributed to both improving the quality of tourist services and the employability of new workers in the tourism sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the training sessions, for instance, enabled participants to learn the so-called Ritz-Carlton customer service methods, which this world-renowned hotel chain uses to set high standards in service delivery.
“The project motivated me to continue engaging in tourism and to constantly improve my business,” adds Sandra.
A couple from the Netherlands, Niels and Esther van Slooten, who have lived in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the past five years, share her opinion.
“It’s very important to understand the guests who come, to ensure they are satisfied with the services and offer. This training, supported by USAID through the USAID Turizam project, has significantly helped us,” say the van Slootens.
Nahla Center: We want to present Bihać in the best way to the world
Thanks to the activities of the USAID Turizam project, professional training of staff in the tourism and hospitality sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina is increasingly recognized as a continuous need. For example, the Center for Culture and Tourism in Cazin, a partner of the Nahla Center, included its own employees in training programs aiming to improve its capacities and competencies. In addition to this institution, 14 more employers from the Una-Sana Canton have included their workers in courses of the Nahla Center.
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Una-Sana Canton records an increasing number of tourist visits. Whether this number will continue to grow largely depends on the quality of the workforce, according to the Nahla Center: “Our success in maintaining or improving our current position depends on how ready we are to offer tourists an unforgettable experience that will make them return and attract guests who haven’t previously visited our canton. Through professional training and courses like these, this goal becomes increasingly attainable.
Our courses have helped participants gain knowledge and skills that will enable them to stand out in the dynamic environment of the tourism industry.”, says Emina Šahinović, project coordinator at the Nahla Center.
USAID Turizam: Skilled and Competent Human Capital guarantees a Prosperous Future for Tourism in BiH
Short training programs in tourism and hospitality have proven effective in improving the skills of employees and those willing to start a career in this industry, which offers many opportunities for advancement. Encouraging numbers this season, surpassing the record year of 2019, guarantee that the current and future workforce’s interest will be on the rise. USAID Turizam will continue to work on initiatives that bring joy to the diligent human capital in tourism and hospitality, including increasing employment rates and opportunities for advancement. This further strengthens the workforce and provides a clear picture of solutions to the labor shortage in the industry.
Find out about similar USAID Turizam project activities at the following links:
