Sarajevo, 16 October 2025 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today 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 are very positive again this season - we have recorded a record number of overnight stays, which is truly encouraging. However, numbers alone are not what matters most. What is essential is that tourists who visit various destinations across Bosnia and Herzegovina are satisfied, that they feel welcome, and that they wish to return. To make the Federation and the entire country an authentic and attractive destination, because of our nature, cultural and historical heritage, gastronomy, customs, and people,  we all need to work together. I am glad that UNDP is one of our key partners. We have worked together on the Via Dinarica project and on protecting Mount Prenj. This year, we also carried out the digitalization of public calls together with UNDP, while with GIZ we are working on digitalizing tourist registrations. These are all important steps to ensure that we plan tourism growth in a sustainable way, balancing development with environmental protection. We must remain authentic. Our tourism growth must be accompanied by a well-educated and paid workforce, as well as significant investment in infrastructure - both tourist and transport, from roads and airports to, especially, railways,” 

stated 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.