07 Jul 2022
Intrepid Travel – the B Corp certified world-leader in responsible travel – has been brought on alongside USAID's Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) programme and The Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council to regenerate Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) as an exciting destination at the heart of sustainability within Europe.
USAID Turizam facilitates broad-based, tourism-driven economic growth and promotes social harmony by capitalising on the country's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty and supports the growth of the BiH tourism sector in a sustainable manner in the post pandemic era by fostering collaboration among all levels of government, industry and community stakeholders. USAID Turizam, which began in August 2020, is a five-year $20 million project implemented by Chemonics International, with experience in tourism development spanning more than 55 countries.
Intrepid Travel has been brought into the project to share the company's experience in destination and product development, particularly as it relates to sustainable tourism, working with local communities, suppliers and guides on the ground.
“We're honoured to have been chosen as a key tour operator partner for this project, as expanding sustainable travel options around the world remains one of our key priorities,” said Natalie Kidd, Chief Purpose Officer at Intrepid Travel.
”We've been championing this style of travel since our inception in 1989, and it's so encouraging to see such massive investments and commitments being made towards the development of more responsible travel options. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country with so much to offer international travellers, and we're excited to be working alongside USAID Turizam and the Global Travel & Tourism Resilience Council to change the impression of the country and create meaningful experiences,” she added.
In early 2022, representatives from Intrepid Travel travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina to deliver three workshops about how the company recommends suppliers develop sustainable experiences, in addition to advising how to develop and deliver products to industry standards.
“We're facilitating partnerships that make a difference on the ground. From the local communities to international businesses, this partnership ticks all the boxes. We will share this case study with other destinations across the world to amplify the messaging around how much can be done with public and private partnerships,” shared Laurie Myers, Global Strategist for the Resilience Council.
“We're looking forward to a series of programmes and experiences to hit the market, including special expedition programmes exclusively for Intrepid Travel's customers,” she continued.
“Bosnia and Herzegovina is a jewel to be explored by the more responsible and adventurous travellers, and this partnership is yet another stepping stone the USAID Turizam project is taking to introduce the world to this wonderful country, its amazing people and rich tourism offerings,” said Ibrahim Osta, USAID Turizam Chief of Party. “Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most exciting destination in the world,” he continued.
In addition to the advisory role Intrepid has in the project, the tour operator is also releasing a brand-new eight-day Bosnia & Herzegovina Expedition, which is scheduled for five initial departures in 2023. Highlights of the trip include:
- Enjoying a traditional Bosnian meal hosted by locals Mustafa and Mersiha in their kitchen overlooking the city of Sarajevo
- Paddling on a white-water rafting trip down the Neretva River, through canyons and past waterfalls
- Going off-roading in search of wild horses in the foothills of Mount Cincar
- Stepping inside Josip Tito's bunker, a massive and impeccably preserved underground nuclear shelter from the Yugoslav era that just recently opened to visitors
- Meeting Sarajevo's only female coppersmith while wandering the cobblestone walkways of the city's historic cultural centre
- Getting off the beaten track in Jajce, a small town dating back to ancient times full of undiscovered gems
Priced from £1,145 per person, the tour will include seven breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners, all activities as featured in the itinerary, and accommodations including hotels and country guesthouses.
“We're grateful to play a part in making this beautiful destination more accessible in a way that respects the history of the country, leaves a light footprint and respects and supports the local communities,” said Kidd. “Though so recently touched by upheaval, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are eager to share their culture and customs with travellers, and this new expedition will deliver on that through amazing food, gripping stories and thrilling adventures.”
For more information or to book the expedition, visit https://www.intrepidtravel.com/uk/bosnia-and-herzegovina/bosnia-herzegovina-expedition-144139
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ABOUT INTREPID TRAVEL
Intrepid Travel is a world leader in sustainable experience-rich travel that has been taking travellers to discover the world's most amazing places for more than 30 years. The company's mission is to create positive change through the joy of travel. The company offers more than 1,150 trips on every continent and every is designed to truly experience local culture. With its own network of destination management companies in 23 countries, Intrepid has unique local expertise and perspectives. Globally renowned as a leader in responsible travel, in 2018 the carbon-neutral business became the world's largest travel company to be certified B-Corp. Intrepid Travel is the only global tour operator with verified science-based carbon reduction targets and its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, has raised more than $11 million for more than 130 charities around the world. For further information download the company's 2021 Integrated Annual Report and follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn.
ABOUT THE GLOBAL TRAVEL AND TOURISM RESILIENCE COUNCIL
The Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council was established in 2016 by the Jacobs Media Group with the goal of improving travellers' confidence, the Council is a public private platform bringing together industry leaders and government to address preparedness, crisis management and resiliency through thought leadership and key partnerships delivered via media and dedicated events. resiliencecouncil.com
