Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the most ethnically and religiously diverse countries in Europe. The country has a diverse landscape to match too, with a craggy mountainous heart, gold-sand beaches and dense forest. Unlike other popular destinations, this Balkan country remains relatively undiscovered by the masses, so it’s a hidden gem that you would love to find.

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Explore the options for a responsible trip

GOOD PLACES TO VISIT

Explore destinations that were certified for their sustainability efforts

São Miguel do Gostoso

Tibal do Sul

GOOD BUSINESSES

Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and activities that are committed to sustainability. Their efforts are summarised in a SCORECARD (click on the picture). For the Good Travel Seal, the higher the level, the more things are checked by an independent auditor.

Accommodations

WBR Zona HOTEL STANICA RAVNO d.o.o.

GTS 2 Star

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Sustainability

Sustainability in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an evolving concept, with increasing awareness of environmental issues and a growing commitment to address them. Efforts are being made to promote eco-friendly practices in sectors like tourism and agriculture. While challenges like air pollution persist in urban areas, there’s a growing interest in green technologies and renewable energy sources.

GOOD PRACTICE STORIES

Get inspired with stories from places and people that are acting for a fair and responsible tourism

Bosanska Krupa

The main issue Bosanska Krupa faced was a neglected and unused communal space in the heart of the city center, a place only partially accessible to citizens and visitors. An area void of any content, plan, or protection. Therefor “Zeleni otoci” or Green Islands was created, an unique city park made up of eight river islands in the heart of Bosanska Krupa. This idyllic place is a haven for the soul and body, showcasing the harmonious coexistence of people and nature. It is more than just a destination; it is our vision of a sustainable and harmonious future, a source of inspiration and motivation for everyone, a part of our community’s identity, and a lifestyle that embraces nature in our everyday lives.

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City of Trebinje

Over the past years, the City of Trebinje has emerged as a tourism hub in the region, experiencing continuous growth in the number of registered overnight stays. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to the tourism sector, particularly for tourism operators such as tourist agencies, hotels, motels, restaurants, and sports associations. To address these challenges, it was necessary to find innovative solutions and approaches to enhance the resilience of the local community and businesses in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and potential future challenges. One potential avenue for improvement was the development of active tourism, specifically outdoor tourism, in the City of Trebinje.

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Konjic

City of Konjic has great potential for tourism due to its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It is an attractive destination in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located near popular tourist spots like Sarajevo, Mostar, and Dubrovnik. Tourists can enjoy exploring the city’s historic sites, such as the renovated Stone Bridge, along with engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, white water rafting, kayaking, and paragliding. The Neretva River, known as the “divinity that flows,” is an important tourist symbol in Konjic. It originates in the mountainous regions of high Herzegovina, forming a unique ecosystem. Rafting on the Neretva River offers thrilling experiences for both beginners and experienced adventurers. However, the tourism sector in this area faces several challenges.

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Monument of Nature Skakavac

The Monument of Nature Skakavac is recognizable by a 98 m-high waterfall, a unique location of natural and cultural heritage in the vicinity of the city Sarajevo. To preserve it and protect it from urban and human degradation, essential protection is secured through classification as a IUCN category III b site. While still under development as a mini destination, today Skakavac offers a selection of outdoor activities, marked trails and biking routes, local refreshment and equipment hire; all managed with a focus on responsible behaviour and interaction with the natural world.

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Protected habitat Tišina

The preservation and protection of the Bar Tisina area is being achieved through the declaration of the destination as a protected habitat, and the assignment of management responsibilities to the Municipality of Šamac. Currently, a Management Plan is being developed to promote sustainable tourism, the process involves conducting assessments, securing legal protection, engaging stakeholders, and involving the community. Efforts are being made to encourage sustainable tourism practices and establish monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. Various funding sources are being explored for ongoing management and protection efforts.

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Tourism & People

Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina combines history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Visitors are drawn to cities like Sarajevo and Mostar, where cultures converge. Bosnian people are known for their friendliness and resilience. Traditional Bosnian cuisine, cultural rituals, and scenic landscapes make for an enriching travel experience.

Travel tips from our editors

Getting around

The country has a well-connected bus network that links major cities and towns. Trains also operate, although the network is not as comprehensive as buses. Additionally, walking is a pleasant way to explore cities and towns, and some places offer bike-sharing programs for cycling enthusiasts.

Nature & Wildlife

With woodlands that still cover 50% of the country, national parks such as the Unesco-listed Hutobo Blato Bird Reserve and some of the most impressive peaks in the Dinaric Alps, Bosnia & Herzegovina is also paradise for hikers and nature-lovers.

Sustainability Recognitions

Brazil has 9 destinations featured in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations 2021.

Other sustainability certifications can be seen here (English) and here (Portuguese).

Fernanda Rodak | Page Editor

“Brazil is a worldwide known hotspot for biodiversity as well as home to a multitude of cultural expressions. The natural and cultural heritage and immense variety of tourism experiences in the country are valuable assets for its competitiveness. Yet, as we envision a post Covid-19 era, sustainability in tourism becomes crucial to build resilience and guarantee the long-lasting health of Brazil’s ecosystems and well-being of the hosting communities. This would also ensure an active contribution of the country’s tourism sector to the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Visit other destinations nearby

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Finland