USAID Turizam, in collaboration with key partners, successfully hosted BiH’s first roadshow in the US and participated in the USTOA Annual Conference, strengthening tourism ties and promoting BiH as a must-visit destination to US travel professionals.
USAID Turizam project achieved significant milestones by hosting the first-ever BiH roadshow in the United States (US) in collaboration with Visit Sarajevo, the BiH Foreign Trade Chamber (FTC), and Turkish Airlines, as well as participating in the prestigious United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) Annual Conference & Marketplace in Florida. These two key events have paved the way for stronger tourism ties between the US and BiH, showcasing the country’s rich tourism potential to a wider international audience.
The roadshow, held in New York City and Los Angeles, attracted 59 US travel advisors and tour operators, resulting in 708 Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings for ten local Destination Management Companies (DMCs). Turkish Airlines supported the initiative by offering free airline tickets to two travel advisors to visit BiH, further strengthening the connection between the US and BiH tourism sectors. This initiative is expected to significantly increase the number of American travelers to BiH.
Turizam’s active participation in the USTOA Annual Conference & Marketplace provided an invaluable opportunity to engage with 25 US-based tour operators, highlighting BiH as a must-visit destination. The USTOA Annual Conference & Marketplace, established in 1972, is the only travel industry event in the US that brings together leading North American travel companies with tourism suppliers and destinations from around the globe.
By participating in such high-profile events, Turizam elevated the country’s profile and established crucial partnerships that will continue to enhance BiH’s tourism offerings in the years to come. These efforts are expected to lead to an increase in tourism flows, enhanced visibility for BiH in the US market, and long-term growth in both tourism spending and job creation.
These initiatives reflect USAID Turizam’s commitment to expanding BiH’s international destination profile and solidifying its image as a vibrant and accessible global destination.
