Tourism in Bosnia boosted by ecotourism investments and local initiatives

Tourism in Bosnia boosted by ecotourism investments and local initiatives

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Ecotourism in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) is increasingly shaping up as a highly significant direction for tourism development. National parks such as Una are becoming key investment hubs, as well as concrete opportunities for local entrepreneurs to join the tourism value chain. With multi-million support from the federal budget, the concept of sustainable tourism is moving from an idea to practical implementation, CE Report quotes FENA.

National Park Una and statistics

An excellent example of sustainable tourism in FBiH is the Una National Park. As one of the country’s most important natural destinations, Una is the focus of numerous development projects and investments. Over the past two years, the Government of FBiH has allocated more than 3.2 million BAM for the development of Una National Park, including infrastructure investments, visitor facility upgrades, and projects involving local communities. At this pace, Una National Park is increasingly establishing itself as one of the key pillars of tourism development in BiH.

“The continuous growth in visitor numbers that we have recorded in recent years is clear evidence that investments in infrastructure, facilities, and promotion are producing concrete results. Thanks to the support of the Government of FBiH and the federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Park is becoming more accessible, better organized, and attractive for all generations,” said the acting director of Una National Park, Alen Zulić.

The value of investments is also reflected in the statistics: in 2024, the number of visits increased by 15 percent compared to 2023, with more than 178,000 visits involving paid services (such as entrance fees, permits, or other services) recorded by the Public Enterprise NP “Una.”

As of June 30, 2025, Una National Park had already been visited by 70,000 tourists, which represents a 34 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

“Investments in Una National Park are not only focused on preserving natural values but also on strengthening the local community by improving accommodation and hospitality facilities, organizing guided tours, and promoting authentic products, souvenirs, and other tourist services,” Zulić added.

Nasiha Pozder, Minister of Environment and Tourism of FBiH, believes that investing in Una National Park is also an investment in the real economy of the local community.

“Every new trail, sign, rest area, or viewpoint has the potential to create jobs, new services, and opportunities for local entrepreneurs,” said Pozder.

Support for other natural destinations

This support does not come in isolation. In 2025, the Government of FBiH, through the Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism, invested an additional 4 million BAM in tourism development in FBiH.

“Our strategy is to continuously and systematically invest in tourism in order to strengthen all its segments, especially those that contribute to sustainable development and the inclusion of local communities. Investment in ecotourism means preserving natural values, strengthening identity, and creating a sustainable model that will ensure long-term prosperity for all generations,” explained Pozder.

As Minister Pozder further stated, this approach shows that investments are not focused on a single location but encompass a network of natural gems across FBiH, encouraging the growth of ecotourism in the broader area.

In addition to Una National Park, financial support is also directed toward other natural destinations, such as Blidinje, Vranica, and Prokoško Lake, through projects of education, environmental protection, digitalization, and interpretation of natural content.

“Sustainable tourism development is a long-term commitment to future generations. Every project we support must align with the principles of nature preservation and improving the quality of life in local communities,” emphasized Minister Nasiha Pozder, adding that this approach helps build a recognizable brand for our destination, attracting responsible tourists and fostering innovation among local entrepreneurs.

Results will be measured long-term

Concrete results of these investments are already visible on the ground. In 2024, in addition to the rise in visitor numbers at Una National Park, there has been a growing number of local initiatives and small businesses developing tourism services related to ecotourism, such as accommodation, guided tours, and sales of authentic products. This dynamic contributes to strengthening the local economy and creating new jobs.

As Minister Pozder concluded, investments in ecotourism in the Federation of BiH represent an example of thoughtful and sustainable development that combines nature conservation with economic prosperity.

The true reach of this approach, however, will become clear in the coming years through numbers, tangible results, and the sustainability of these projects.

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