The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organized a kick-off workshop for the development of Sustainable Tourism Portfolio at the UN House in Sarajevo, marking the start of a coordinated national effort to promote sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient tourism development.

The event brought together representatives of government institutions, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international partners to discuss how Bosnia and Herzegovina can better harness its extraordinary natural and cultural wealth, from mountains and rivers to traditions, gastronomy, and heritage, through a systemic, long-term approach.

Opening the event, Renaud Meyer, UNDP Resident Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the importance of moving beyond fragmented initiatives toward a more integrated, structural approach that connects people, institutions, and territories under a shared vision.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina has all the ingredients to become a regional model for sustainable tourism - breathtaking nature, deep cultural roots, and genuine hospitality. What we need is to structure this potential into a coherent system that brings lasting benefits to local communities, creates green jobs, and protects the environment. The portfolio approach allows us to do exactly that - to connect ideas, resources, and partners for greater, more sustainable impact,” said Meyer.

Representing the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nasiha Pozder, Federal Minister of Environment and Tourism, highlighted the progress made in the tourism sector and the shared responsibility to ensure that growth remains authentic and environmentally sustainable.

“The numbers this season are very good - we have recorded a record number of overnight stays, which is especially encouraging as it shows that visitors are staying longer in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Beyond statistics, what truly matters is that tourists who come and visit various destinations across the country are satisfied, that they enjoy their stay here, and that they wish to return. To make the Federation and the entire country of Bosnia and Herzegovina an authentic and attractive destination - thanks to our nature, cultural and historical heritage, gastronomy, traditions, and people - we all need to work together. I am glad that UNDP is one of our partners; we have worked and continue to work together on the Via Dinarica project, as well as on the protection of Mount Prenj. 

This year, we also carried out the digitalization of public calls together with UNDP, while with GIZ we are working on the digitalization of tourist registration. All these are important steps toward planning and balancing tourism development in a sustainable way, ensuring harmony between growth and environmental protection. We must remain authentic. Our tourism growth must be accompanied by a well-educated and fairly paid workforce, as well as significantly increased investment in infrastructure - both tourist and transport, from roads and airports to, especially, railways,” emphasized Minister Pozder.

The Sustainable Tourism Portfolio, coordinated by UNDP together with relevant ministries, local governments, development partners, and private sector representatives, aims to create a unified framework for sustainable tourism - linking initiatives in green infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, digital transformation, and cultural heritage protection.

Through this portfolio approach, UNDP seeks to enhance coordination, attract investments, and ensure that tourism development in Bosnia and Herzegovina is green, inclusive, and resilient, benefiting both people and nature.