Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (Tuesday, 23 July, 2024) — Tourists in Sarajevo will enjoy better service and easier access to information about the city and it’s attractions thanks to a joint initiative of the U.S. government through the USAID Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) project and the Sarajevo Taxi Association.
Through this partnership, USAID Turizam is elevating the taxi industry’s role in providing tourists with a richer, more memorable visit to Sarajevo by training drivers in hospitality and equipping them with extensive knowledge of Sarajevo's attractions. So far, 485 Sarajevo Taxi drivers have completed hospitality and service skills training through the USAID Turizam Academy. Their taxis also now feature promotional stickers with QR codes linking to travel guides developed by USAID Turizam on the Discover BiH website.
“This partnership represents a new, innovative strategy in the tourism industry that demonstrates how businesses and organizations outside the traditional tourist sector can play a crucial role in supporting touristic offerings and promoting sustainable development,” said Erol Mujanović, Acting Director of USAID/BiH Economic Development Office. “ By attracting more regional and international visitors to explore the wonders of Bosnia and Herzegovina we will boost tourism revenue, which will contribute to the economic growth of our country.”
“I'm proud of our partnership with USAID Turizam”, said Sarajevo Taxi Association President Enver Suljagić. “This initiative enhances the travel experience for our passengers and, we are proud to contribute to the positive image of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a welcoming and hospitable destination on the global stage.”
Adnan Imamović, a Sarajevo Taxi driver stated: “Partnering with USAID Turizam makes me feel proud and like a true ambassador for our city. Now, I can elevate tourists' experiences with local insights and better hospitality. It's rewarding to show that Bosnia and Herzegovina is a welcoming place with rich culture.”
USAID Turizam is a five-year, $20 million project launched in 2020 to partner with BiH to tap into the vast potential of its tourism industry. Through this project, the U.S. government is strengthening the tourism sector workforce, improving access to finance for tourism businesses, developing innovative tourist products, harmonizing policies and regulations, and helping BiH build its international brand and promote BiH destinations to travelers all over the world.
USAID