G Adventures is set to expand community tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina by 2025.
- The initiative is backed by a collaboration with USAID and GTTRC, enhancing sustainable tourism.
- Yves Marceau emphasises the region’s growing appeal beyond traditional European destinations.
- USAID Turizam and G Adventures will team up with local suppliers for new travel experiences.
- This collaboration underscores the importance of tourism for local community development.
G Adventures, renowned for its focus on community tourism, is planning to extend its services to Bosnia and Herzegovina starting in 2025. This initiative emerges from a partnership involving USAID’s Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Global Travel & Tourism Resilience Council (GTTRC), and G Adventures itself. Yves Marceau, the vice-president of product at G Adventures, articulated his enthusiasm, noting the increasing popularity of the Balkans region as tourists begin to explore options beyond the usual European destinations.
He asserted the significance of ensuring that tourism advances in a way that supports local communities, describing travel as an exchange that benefits both travellers and resident populations. “This collaboration,” Marceau noted, “exemplifies how communities off the beaten path can thrive through concerted efforts by governments, NGOs, and private social enterprises.”
USAID/BiH’s economic development office director, Karl Wurster, praised the collaboration with G Adventures, highlighting the company’s dedication to fostering long-term sustainable tourism in the country. Representatives from G Adventures will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to scout new destinations, services, and experiences to broaden current itineraries and develop fresh travel opportunities.
USAID Turizam will facilitate introductions between G Adventures and local suppliers to explore future experiential offerings and press trips. GTTRC intends to showcase this partnership at its events, citing it as a model example of sustainable tourism development. Laurie Myers, GTTRC’s global strategist, echoed these sentiments by pointing out Bosnia and Herzegovina’s recognition as an emerging sustainable destination in recent conferences.
Ibrahim Osta, the senior destination development advisor for USAID Turizam, described the collaboration as a testament to the power of sustainability and responsible tourism, emphasizing a people-centric approach that benefits all involved parties.
This initiative highlights the pivotal role of sustainable tourism in enriching communities and fostering economic development.
