Sustainable Tourism Development an Opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Sustainable Tourism Development an Opportunity for Bosnia and Herzegovina?

SMAJIĆ, Edin

Bosnia and Herzegovina is endowed with many resources such as geographical position, climate, nature and above all its people. Its diversity is a magnet for millions of potential travelers and visitors. Neither its government nor its people realize their huge potential and possible benefits that tourism can bring about helping them not only to prosper economically but also reconcile their differences. Tourism is playing more and more important role in national and local economies. There is no evidence that this will trend will decline. Bosnian climate, geographic position, cultural and historic monuments and before all the composition of its people are key attraction for visitors. Visitors will contribute significantly to the local and national economy and the economic multiplier effect of this spend, in turn, supports employment and secondary tourist facilities. Similarly, in the determination of future proposals that could impact on the setting, character and appearance of its potentials, special care is needed by planners and promoters to assess its potential, spread the awareness and unleash it to the Globe so that the benefits can be harvested. Bosnia can learn from its neighbors who are well known tourism leaders. There is a huge room for regional cooperation and collaboration. Nonetheless, Bosnia and Herzegovina has its competitive edge in its diversity that none of the neighbors can possibly acquire in the foreseeable future. Key to the sustainable approach of tourism and the cultural heritage is the preparation of appropriate master plan that takes into account the identified overall effects in order to guide the course of development in a manner that protects those very resources that attract visitors and that does not cause in the short, medium and long term any reduction in their character or appearance. If managed properly tourism can bring about positive change that its people await for long time.

Conference or Workshop Item
PeerReviewed

2009-06

139