Tourism development with a focus on people, conservation, and sustainability
USAID Turizam representatives attended the 3rd World Islamic Tourism Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 14 to October 19. This year’s theme was “Inspiration for balance, transformation, and solutions.” USAID Turizam participated in the sessions “Forum for Urban and Sustainable Islamic Tourism”, and USAID Turizam COP Ibrahim Osta discussed BiH diverse tourism offerings for all profiles of travelers, especially Muslim tourists. In his presentation, Ibrahim Osta highlighted the USAID Turizam approach centered on people and conservation, which aims to promote Bosnia and Herzegovina as a sustainable and appealing tourism destination in the international market. The conference brought together leaders from the sustainable tourism sector with the intention of exchanging experience and knowledge concerning promotion and sustainability implementation, as well as promoting the idea that the Islamic tourism market could be a catalyst for economic growth. According to the Global Muslim Travel Index, Islamic tourism is one of the most rapidly developing global markets, and Bosnia and Herzegovina is ranked as the sixth-best European destination (Find out more in our article about halal tourism). According to this report’s estimations, the Islamic tourism business might reach 230 million visitors by 2026 and be worth $300 billion.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina provides a plethora of options for Muslim tourists, given its historic Ottoman heritage and nearly fifty percent Muslim population. Lifestyle, food, architecture, and religious facilities, along with a rich natural and cultural heritage, are already attracting Muslim tourists from a variety of countries, particularly the Arab and Asian markets. “, emphasized USAID COP Ibrahim Osta.
Visit Sarajevo at the 3rd World Islamic Tourism Conference
Visit Sarajevo (Canton Sarajevo Tourism Association) delegation participated at the conference, representing the diverse BiH tourism offering. The Visit Sarajevo representatives were Executive Director Kenan Magoda, Marketing Manager Emina Nizić and Technical Associate at the Tourism-Information Center Selver Hodžić. They participated as part of the session “Destination Presentation for Islamic Tourism”.
The conference gathers more than 300 participants and 80 exhibitors from all over the world. Among them was Visit Sarajevo’s stand, which was visited by the Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri. In nine core sessions, including destination showcase, tourist economy, sustainability, cultural exchange, etc., the conference brought together thought leaders, policy makers, industry captains, and travel specialists for a discussion and exchange of best practices in travel and tourism.
Through such project activities, USAID Turizam aims to increase the appeal of BiH as a destination in the world of business tourism, threby attracting the greater number of consumer-related organizations and delegations. Business torism has the potential to enhance bookings and improve capacity utilization during the off-season in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, this segment of tourism industry has a 40% higher tendency for revisits of destinations to further explore localities with family or friends.
The Significance of Islamic Tourism Conference
The World Islamic Tourism Conference highlighted the socio-economic benefits of entering the Islamic tourism market, and on that occasion, Dato’ Mohamed Razip, PhD, Executive Director of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), a government agency within the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Art, and Culture, stated: “There are vast benefits in tourism, specifically when we deliver to the burgeoning Muslim tourist market. New businesses can evolve, products and services can expand, new jobs can be created, more people can benefit. More importantly, Islamic Tourism strives to bring new perspectives which promote a healthy Human Development Index (HDI) consisting of excellent healthcare, education and decent standard of living, and a focus on ESG (Environment, Social and Governance), through best practices within the supply chains in the tourism, travel and hospitality segment. “
