Image of a large town on a river with a bridge going across. Mountains can be seen in the distance.

Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina .

Economic Growth and Trade | Business Enabling Environment | Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development | Trade and Regulatory Reform
Europe and Eurasia

Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam)

Project Dates: August 2020 - August 2025
A comprehensive approach to tourism can improve Bosnia and Herzegovina’s economy and foster social harmony.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has unique layers of history and one of Europe’s most distinguished natural landscapes. Yet, fractious governance, high unemployment, the low participation of women in the labor force, an aging population, and the emigration of skilled youth undercut the country’s prosperity. The tourism sector has the potential to address these challenges and catalyze economic growth. In 2019, the country had the third-highest tourism growth rate in the world, and tourism contributed more than 409 million euros to the economy. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased tourism revenues by more than 85.6 percent and hampered the sector’s development in 2020.

USAID’s Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) facilitates broad-based, tourism-driven economic growth and promotes social harmony by capitalizing on the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Turizam supports the recovery of the tourism sector from the negative impacts of the pandemic by fostering collaboration among all levels of government, industry, and community stakeholders. To transform Bosnia and Herzegovina into a more competitive destination, the project is improving the economic regulatory environment, enhancing the quality and diversity of products and experiences, professionalizing human and institutional capacity, and creatively branding and promoting Bosnia and Herzegovina to high-yield visitors.

Project Goals


  • Establish an enabling environment with the harmonized policies and regulations needed for noticeable growth in the tourism sector
  • Strengthen tourism quality, services, and branding to improve Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tourism industry
  • Improve access to finance for tourism service providers and other small and medium businesses in tourism-related sectors, such as agriculture
  • Increase access to regional and global tourism and agriculture markets

Our Impact Creative Partnerships Help Bosnia and Herzegovina Tourism Navigate Uncharted Waters

The USAID Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) program partnered with Red Bull to showcasing the country’s potential as a world-class adventure sports destination.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has unique layers of history and one of Europe’s most distinguished natural landscapes. Yet, fractious governance, high unemployment, the low participation of women in the labor force, an aging population, and the emigration of skilled youth undercut the country’s prosperity. The tourism sector has the potential to address these challenges and catalyze…

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Kayaker paddles along river under a bridge
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Still from USAID Turizam video, showing mountainous scenery in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina

USAID Turizam, implemented by Chemonics, had many impressive achievements in 2022.

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