VIADINARICA III

VIADINARICA III

The project utilizes the achievements and years of experience of UNDP gained during the previous two phases of the Via Dinarica project in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the aim of further promoting the Via Dinarica destination on the global tourism map. Simultaneously, the project's perspective is to associate the concept of tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina with sustainable approaches based on nature, gender-responsive green development, and the development of livelihoods, enhanced by technology and innovation. With this project, UNDP continues to expand its diverse partnerships and affirms a platform to support sustainable tourism in the country within the network of regional partners.

The success of the first phase of the Via Dinarica project: Platform for Sustainable Tourism Development and Local Economic Growth (2014–2017) contributed to positioning Bosnia and Herzegovina on the world tourism map as one of the best places for nature tourism. Phase II of the Via Dinarica project (2018–2021), funded by USAID and AICS, was implemented against the backdrop of the COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent quarantine, a sharp decline in tourism activities and arrivals, and its impact on tourism service providers and the allocation of funds from public budgets for tourism investments and interventions. However, despite the obstacles and challenges related to COVID-19, Via Dinarica managed to adapt its approach and achieve its set goals. The significance of Via Dinarica lies not only in providing financial resources to its beneficiaries; with the support of Via Dinarica, one becomes part of a broader regional network for the development of sustainable tourism under a recognizable, internationally affirmed brand.

Sustainable Tourism for Green Development along the Via Dinarica Trails in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The project leverages the achievements and multi-year experience of UNDP gained during the previous two phases of the Via Dinarica project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the aim of further promoting the Via Dinarica destination on the global tourism map. Simultaneously, the project's perspective is to redefine the concept of tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina towards sustainable approaches based on nature, gender-responsive green development, and the development of livelihoods, enhanced by technology and innovations. With this project, UNDP continues to expand its existing diverse partnerships and affirms a platform to support sustainable tourism in the country within the network of regional partners.

Title I: Sustainable Tourism Infrastructure and Services along the Via Dinarica Trails as a Contribution to Recovery from the Crisis Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Result/Activity 1: Green and Natural Infrastructure and Safety of the Via Dinarica Trails

Expected Results:

Maintenance of 950 km of Via Dinarica trails.
Marking of 200 km of new Via Dinarica trails.
Introduction of new technologies (e.g., augmented reality, QR codes on Via Dinarica trail markers) at a minimum of 15 locations.
Organization of 3 volunteer camps with the participation of at least 100 hikers.
Implementation of 15 green/natural infrastructure projects, each valued at approximately $30,000, in partnership with and co-financed by local authorities and cantons along the Via Dinarica trails.
Advisory Council of Via Dinarica coordinating 3 networks related to trails and including a responsible on-site partner/support center for Via Dinarica, 3 Via Dinarica info centers, and a wide range of local stakeholders.
Regular maintenance of the Via Dinarica portal and updating of relevant information.

Result/Activity 2: Indigenous and Modern Tourist Services Based on Natural, Cultural, and Historical Heritage Developed in Collaboration with Experts and Active Communities.

Expected Results:

Improvement of conditions and transition to green eco-standards in at least 5 accommodation facilities along the Via Dinarica.
Support provided to at least 20 tourism service providers to expand the diversity and modernize the tourism offerings with at least 10 new/sustainable tourism services along the Via Dinarica corridor.
Empowered capacities of at least 100 tourism service providers.
Opening/retaining of at least 30 job positions.

Title II: Strategies and Financial Frameworks Enabling, Preserving, and Promoting Via Dinarica as a Sustainable Tourist Destination

Result/Activity 3: Strategies and Financial Incentives for Transition to Gender-Responsive Sustainable Tourism

Expected Results:

Identification of opportunities and provisions in regulations and strategies to ensure the development of gender-responsive sustainable tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Support received for at least 2 draft strategies/regulations to encourage the transition to sustainable tourism in the country.
Identification and support for niches and strategic opportunities for pilot measures by providing financial incentives through support programs that affirm, promote, and encourage sustainable tourism in collaboration with partner ministries.
Informal coordination mechanism (Via Dinarica committee, advisory council, and network) and local operational body (Via Dinarica support center) supported to enhance communication for the sustainability of Via Dinarica in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Result/Activity 4: Promotion of Via Dinarica as a Destination for Green and Sustainable Tourism, Including Digital Marketing

Expected Results:

Expansion and improvement of the Via Dinarica website.
Development and market placement of at least 10 new Via Dinarica tourism packages.
Preparation and offering of at least 3 video/audio recordings showcasing the most important parts of the Via Dinarica destination to tourists.
Implementation of at least 2 digital solutions contributing to personalized tourism offerings and sustainable tourist behavior, set as pilot solutions on the Via Dinarica web portal.