SARAJEVO, NOVEMBER 4 (ONASA) – The tourism sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina will soon benefit from the implementation of a comprehensive plan to facilitate access to finance for investors and entrepreneurs in the field of tourism, including the creation of specialized financial products.
The tourism sector will thus have the opportunity to improve its offer in order to attract more visitors and improve the competitive advantages of tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
USAID’s project for the development of sustainable tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Tourism) signed a Joint Implementation Plan with UniCredit Bank Plc., Mostar with the aim of supporting the promotion of specialized financial products for tourism, improving the ability of tourism companies to access finance through capacity building training in financial management and business development, as well as improving the willingness of institutions to approve financing for tourism projects.
Within the framework of the Joint Implementation Plan, the partners committed to promote financial products to tourism companies throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, including product presentations, seminars and webinars, exchange information on the performance and projections of the tourism industry, provide assistance in the development of quality projects and financing proposals, support the development and product diversification, and plan development through training, marketing and promotion.
“By signing the Support Plan, we continue to provide support to a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector and, accordingly, provide access to the necessary funds to maintain business and preserve jobs. Our country is abundant with hard-working and creative tourism workers and beautiful tourist destinations, and after two, very challenging years for the entire economy, we are glad to see that the tourism sector is gradually recovering, developing and growing. Strengthening the development of communities is our priority, and by continuously investing in the development of tourist products, we are enriching the offer of domestic tourism and significantly contributing to the recovery of the entire sector,” emphasized is Amina Mahmutović, President of the Management Board of UniCredit Bank Plc., Mostar.
The joint implementation plan was finalized after extensive consultation with hundreds of tourism industry representatives. Most of them expressed interest in accessing specialized credit and leasing lines in the tourism sector. Recognizing the challenges the tourism sector faces in accessing finance, USAID Tourism has partnered with banks and leasing companies to increase the number of tourism businesses that have successfully accessed financial loans.
USAID Tourism works to create a dynamic, sustainable tourism economy, led by the private sector in accordance with the culture of hospitality and recognizable natural attractions of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The project supports the private sector in leading the growth of the tourism sector, including positioning Bosnia and Herzegovina as one of the most dynamic and attractive tourist destinations at the international level with the aim of increasing the number of visitors, reducing seasonality and increasing value.
To learn more, visit the first online platform for financing small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector, created by USAID Tourism: https://finance.turizambih.ba/.
For more information about USAID Tourism activities, visit the website turizambih.ba or profiles on social platforms.