USAID Project Turizam in Bosnia Herzegovina, for the Development of Sustainable Travel Products

The tour operator is also introducing an eight-day expedition to Bosnia and Herzegovina, set to depart in 2023, for international travellers to experience the destination from a responsible lens first-hand.

July 6, 2022 – Intrepid Travel – the B Corp certified world-leader in responsible travel – has been brought on alongside USAID’s Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) program and The Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council to regenerate Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) as an exciting destination at the heart of sustainability within Europe.

USAID Turizam facilitates broad-based, tourism-driven economic growth and promotes social harmony by capitalizing on the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty and supports the growth of the BiH tourism sector in a sustainable manner in the post pandemic era by fostering collaboration among all levels of government, industry and community stakeholders. USAID Turizam, which began in August 2020, is a five-year $20 million project implemented by Chemonics International, with experience in tourism development spanning more than 55 countries.

Intrepid Travel has been brought into the project to share the company’s experience in destination and product development, particularly as it relates to sustainable tourism, working with local communities, suppliers and guides on the ground.

“We’re honoured to have been chosen as a key tour operator partner for this project, as expanding sustainable travel options around the world remains one of our key priorities,” said Natalie Kidd, Chief Purpose Officer at Intrepid Travel.

”We’ve been championing this style of travel since our inception in 1989, and it’s so encouraging to see such massive investments and commitments being made towards the development of more responsible travel options. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country with so much to offer international travellers, and we’re excited to be working alongside USAID Turizam and the Global Travel & Tourism Resilience Council to change the impression of the country and create meaningful experiences,” she added.

In early 2022, representatives from Intrepid Travel travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina to deliver three workshops about how the company recommends suppliers develop sustainable experiences, in addition to advising how to develop and deliver products to industry standards.

“We’re facilitating partnerships that make a difference on the ground. From the local communities to international businesses, this partnership ticks all the boxes. We will share this case study with other destinations across the world to amplify the messaging around how much can be done with public and private partnerships,” shared Laurie Myers, Global Strategist for the Resilience Council.

“We’re looking forward to a series of programs and experiences to hit the market, including special expedition programs exclusively for Intrepid Travel’s customers,” she continued.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a jewel to be explored by the more responsible and adventurous travellers, and this partnership is yet another stepping stone the USAID Turizam project is taking to introduce the world to this wonderful country, its amazing people and rich tourism offerings,” said Ibrahim Osta, USAID Turizam Chief of Party. “Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most exciting destination in the world,” he continued.

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In addition to the advisory role Intrepid has in the project, the tour operator is also releasing a brand-new eight-day , which is scheduled for five initial departures in 2023. Highlights of the trip include:

• Enjoying a traditional Bosnian meal hosted by locals Mustafa and Mersiha in their kitchen overlooking the city of Sarajevo

• Paddling on a white-water rafting trip down the Neretva River, through canyons and past waterfalls

• Going off-roading in search of wild horses in the foothills of Mount Cincar

• Stepping inside Josip Tito’s bunker, a massive and impeccably preserved underground nuclear shelter from the Yugoslav era that just recently opened to visitors

• Meeting Sarajevo’s only female coppersmith while wandering the cobblestone walkways of the city’s historic cultural centre

• Getting off the beaten track in Jajce, a small town dating back to ancient times full of undiscovered gems

Priced from $1,995 AUD per person, the tour will include seven breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners, all activities as featured in the itinerary, and accommodations including hotels and country guesthouses.

“We’re grateful to play a part in making this beautiful destination more accessible in a way that respects the history of the country, leaves a light footprint and respects and supports the local communities,” said Kidd. “Though so recently touched by upheaval, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are eager to share their culture and customs with travellers, and this new expedition will deliver on that through amazing food, gripping stories and thrilling adventures.”