Improving the Tourism Sector’s Enabling Environment and Competitiveness
Representatives from the tourism value chain gathered in Travnik, Tuzla, Mostar, and Sarajevo from June 6 to June 15 to formulate an agreement on a framework of measures aimed at addressing challenges encountered by the private sector in tourism. The proposed set of measures will serve as a basis for updating the the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s White Policy Paper and Regulatory Reform Agenda for Tourism and Hospitality. The Chamber of Economy of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, are working jointly to address the problems faced by the private sector in tourism and hospitality through the development of this document, with the support of the USAID Turizam project.
What are the Obstacles that the Private Sector Encounters?
- Creating a systematic solution that contributes to long-term business solvency (Participants underlined that ad hoc methods that merely offer short-term effects are insufficient.)
- Addressing the issue of the “gray economy” (Participants emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to tackle the issue of gray economy and encouraging tourism service providers to register their activities. In the long term, this will support the development of fair market competitiveness.)
- Increasing the frequency of inspection control (Participants stressed the importance of increased inspection control, particularly during the summer season, due to the growing number of unregistered tourism services.)
- Applying an electronic visa system (Participants noted that visitors to Bosnia and Herzegovina frequently come from long haul destinations, but the visa application process is long-lasting, and they have to travel to other cities to submit applications for a visa.)
- Improving Transportation Infrastructure (Participants stressed the necessity of investing in airport expansion, establishing new air routes, and increasing airport connectivity with city tourist sites.)
- Improving Rural Tourism (Participants stressed the importance of connecting smaller local communities and improving service quality in rural areas.)
- Introducing specialized training for tourist guides (Participants emphasized the need for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina to distinguish between the areas of operation for guides, which involves a tailored certification program for guides, such as adventure tour guide).
- Lack of a skilled and educated workforce (Focus group participants observed that the existing curriculum does not fulfill the job market’s needs and that students require a modern education program that includes regular practice. To that end, increasing the reputation of tourism-related occupations will attract a skilled workforce in perpetuity, contributing to the tourism sector’s sustainable growth and development. Students should be encouraged to enroll in tourism-related programs.)
Focus groups’ photographies from Travni, Tuzla, Mostar, and Sarajevo.
Upcoming Bihać Focus Group
In the first half of July, a focus group will be held in Bihać, where tourism sector representatives will discuss the tourism situation in the Una-Sana Canton and provide insights into the actual situation and challenges confronting Bosnia and Herzegovina’s northern region. This focus group will contribute to the qualitative component of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s White Policy Paper and the Regulatory Reform Agenda for Tourism and Hospitality, paving the path for long-term solutions to challenges in tourism and related sectors.
The Importance of the White Policy Paper for the Tourism in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The White Policy Paper is a comprehensive document that’s purpose is impacted by socioeconomic phenomenon. This document examines public opinion on existing difficulties and provides a broader overview of the challenges in a certain area. Through this activity, USAID Turizam fosters greater promotion and diversification of tourism experiences and products with the ultimate goal of establishing a stimulating environment for the private sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It provides a real mechanism for problem-solving and a practical way for presenting government programs and legislation, as well as an analytical examination of public opinion.
