GEOGRAPHICAL ASPECT OF THE VALORISATION OF THE TOURISM POTENTIAL OF THE TOWN OF ŠIROKI BRIJEG
Izabela Ćavar
Olgica Marušić
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.07
UDC: 911.3:338.483.11(497.6 Široki Brijeg)
Abstract: The article presents the results of the research into the tourism potential of the town of Široki Brijeg from a geographical point of view. There is a valuable cultural-historical and natural heritage in the area of Široki Brijeg, as well as cultural and sports events that are significant for the tourism valorisation and future tourism development. The town is currently underdeveloped in terms of tourism, as confirmed by research, statistical data on tourist trends, and a survey of the local population. Tourism development should be based on investments and promotion of religious, cultural-historical and natural attractions important for the development of tourism, with significant projects such as Street Food Fest and West Herzegowina Fest. Naturally attractive areas and attractions should be valorised for tourism purposes in accordance with the concept of sustainable development. The area of Široki Brijeg is the most important and the most developed economic centre of the canton and significant outbound tourist centre at the international and regional level. The role of outbound tourism in the region is supported by research on the ownership of second homes and apartments in the beautiful Blidinje Nature Park. Additionally, a survey was conducted on the appealing factors of both international and regional tourist destinations, including the neighbouring Croatian coast and the Blidinje Nature Park, as well as the tourism significance and attractiveness of Mostar, Međugorje (Čitluk), and Ljubuški. The inhabitants of low Herzegovina traditionally went to the mountains – higher parts of Herzegovina - as seasonal herders in the past, and in modern times, going to the mountains - Blidinje Nature Park - is for rest and recreation. The research has shown and confirmed that Široki Brijeg is a significant outbound area, the highest number of registered second homes in the Blidinje Nature Park, near the ski resort and other settlements are owned by the residents of Široki Brijeg, and in the same locations where seasonal cattle farming settlements were located in the past. An economically developed town should take advantage of its excellent geo-traffic position in the vicinity of regional developed tourist destinations, attract a portion of visitors through tourism valorisation and attractions, and find its role in tourist flows and develop sustainable tourism.
Keywords: geographical aspect, tourism potentials, Široki Brijeg, torusim valorisation, Blidinje Nature Park
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UNDERSTANDING EMPLOYEE NEEDS – THE PATH TO LOYALTY
Snježana Gagić Jaraković
Mateja Stanojević
Vesna Vujasinović
Maja Paunić
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.32
UDC: 640.4:331.5
Abstract: Understanding and addressing employee needs is fundamental to fostering loyalty within organizations, particularly in the hospitality industry, where human capital is the cornerstone of service excellence. The research analyzes the needs of hospitality workers that are crucial for them to remain loyal to their employers. Through additional comments from respondents, their perspective on the current state of the profession will also be presented. The research was conducted online and included 612 hospitality workers from various positions. The findings of the study can provide clear guidelines for hospitality businesses on how to shape human resource strategies to attract new employees and retain existing ones. Focusing on the hospitality sector, the study investigates the unique challenges and expectations employees face, such as irregular working hours, high customer interaction. It highlights the importance of tailored strategies to meet these needs, ranging from effective communication and leadership to opportunities for personal and professional growth. This paper outlines best practices in employee engagement and retention through theoretical and data analysis, emphasizing that a satisfied and motivated workforce is essential for organizational success. The findings offer valuable insights for managers and industry stakeholders, presenting actionable recommendations for fostering a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being while aligning with organizational goals.
Keywords: Employee Needs, Employee Loyalty, Hospitality Industry, Job Satisfaction, Organizational Commitment, Workforce Motivation, Leadership in Hospitality
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THE ROLE OF DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADVENTURE TOURISM: EVIDENCE FROM SPLIT-DALMATIA COUNTY
Mijana Matošević Radić
Ivana Keran
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.45
UDC: 338.48-51:339.13(497.5 SDŽ)
Abstract: Croatia is recognized as one of the most visited destinations in the Mediterranean and faces the challenge of spatially and temporally unevenly distributed tourist demand. Most of the tourism activity is concentrated in coastal counties, with Split-Dalmatia County among the most visited. In this context, the development of special interest tourism has been identified as a key strategy for reducing seasonality. Destination management companies (DMCs), through specialization and an in-depth understanding of the resource and attraction base, play an increasingly significant role in creating complex, high value-added tourism products. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of DMCs in Split-Dalmatia County in the development of adventure tourism. An empirical study was conducted to explore the perceptions of DMCs regarding the importance, potential, and challenges of adventure tourism in Split-Dalmatia County. The findings indicate that most DMCs independently develop and promote adventure related activities, frequently combining them with other forms of tourism services. However, several limitations were identified, including seasonality, insufficiently developed promotional channels, a lack of specialized guides and limited inter-institutional cooperation. Based on the results, recommendations were proposed to improve the development of adventure tourism in the county. These include extending the offer beyond the main season, introducing multi-day tours, promoting digital innovations, and strengthening safety standards.The study highlights the pivotal role of DMCs not only in organizing and coordinating adventure tourism products but also in fostering collaboration among destination stakeholders, thereby contributing to the sustainable competitiveness of the region.
Keywords: sustainable tourism development, destination management companies (DMCs), stakeholder collaboration, adventure tourism, Split-Dalmatia County
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ANALYSIS OF HOTEL STANDARDS AND CLASSIFICATION IN THE SARAJEVO CANTON
Sumeja Lokvančić
Amra Čaušević
Amra Banda
Tena Božović
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.56
UDC: 338.488.2:006.3(497.6 KS)
Abstract: The tourism industry and hotel sector are global industries facing increasing customer expectations in the dynamic tourism market environment. Sarajevo Canton attracts a large number of tourists, especially during the summer season, with tourism playing a crucial role in the economic development of the destination. Quality management is a key element for the long-term success of hotel establishments. This paper highlights the importance of quality management systems, standardization, and categorization, and their contribution to improving service quality in the hotel industry. The aim is to analyze quality management systems and the categorization system within the hotel sector in Sarajevo Canton, providing insight into the current state of the industry, identifying problems, and recommending measures for improving and enhancing the tourism offer. The analysis revealed inconsistencies in legal regulations at the federal and lower government levels and a lack of national legislation for hospitality activities, leading to overlapping or conflicting rules. Although Sarajevo Canton has achieved certain successes in tourism, the hotel sector requires improvement. Comparison with international standards and practices indicates the need for investment in facility modernization, enhancement of professional services, legislative harmonization, and staff education. Recommendations include strengthening inspection controls, reducing the informal economy, encouraging the implementation of ISO and international standards, re-categorization of 4 and 5-star hotels, defining jurisdiction over hotels with 3 or fewer stars, and appropriate reconstruction and modernization aligned with global trends.
Keywords: Hotel sector; classification; standardization; Sarajevo Canton
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ANALYSIS OF HOTEL STANDARDS AND CLASSIFICATION IN THE SARAJEVO CANTON
Sumeja Lokvančić
Amra Čaušević
Amra Banda
Tena Božović
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.56
UDC: 338.488.2:006.3(497.6 KS)
Abstract: The tourism industry and hotel sector are global industries facing increasing customer expectations in the dynamic tourism market environment. Sarajevo Canton attracts a large number of tourists, especially during the summer season, with tourism playing a crucial role in the economic development of the destination. Quality management is a key element for the long-term success of hotel establishments. This paper highlights the importance of quality management systems, standardization, and categorization, and their contribution to improving service quality in the hotel industry. The aim is to analyze quality management systems and the categorization system within the hotel sector in Sarajevo Canton, providing insight into the current state of the industry, identifying problems, and recommending measures for improving and enhancing the tourism offer. The analysis revealed inconsistencies in legal regulations at the federal and lower government levels and a lack of national legislation for hospitality activities, leading to overlapping or conflicting rules. Although Sarajevo Canton has achieved certain successes in tourism, the hotel sector requires improvement. Comparison with international standards and practices indicates the need for investment in facility modernization, enhancement of professional services, legislative harmonization, and staff education. Recommendations include strengthening inspection controls, reducing the informal economy, encouraging the implementation of ISO and international standards, re-categorization of 4 and 5-star hotels, defining jurisdiction over hotels with 3 or fewer stars, and appropriate reconstruction and modernization aligned with global trends.
Keywords: Hotel sector; classification; standardization; Sarajevo Canton
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CLIMATE CHANGE, CULTURAL HERITAGE AND THE PLANNING OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM: THE CASE OF STEĆCI IN SARAJEVO CANTON
Edin Hrelja
Amina Sivac
Nusret Drešković
Snežana Radulović
Ahmed Džaferagić
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.99
UDC: 551.583:338.483.12(497.6 KS)
Abstract: The long-term monitoring of climate in Sarajevo Canton, primarily based on temperature and precipitation data from the Sarajevo–Bjelave meteorological station (1888 2024), provides a solid foundation for assessing climate variability and change. While the overall trend reflects gradual warming and relatively stable annual precipitation, alterations in seasonal patterns have contributed to an increased occurrence of floods, droughts, landslides and wildfires. These processes threaten not only the natural environment but also the preservation of cultural heritage, particularly necropolises of stećci, which represent an integral component of the Canton’s historical landscape. As these medieval monuments are recognized as a unique cultural asset and a key driver for the development of special-interest tourism, their exposure to climate impacts directly influences long-term strategies for sustainable tourism. By integrating spatial models of climate-related hazards with the distribution of stećci, this research enhances understanding of how climate change affects both cultural heritage and tourism development. It underlines the importance of adaptive spatial planning that reconciles heritage conservation with the sustainable use of cultural resources.
Keywords: climate change, stećci, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, Sarajevo Canton
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QUANTITATIVE GIS EVALUATION OF SKI SLOPES: CASE STUDY SKI CENTER BJELAŠNICA
Edin Hadžimustafić
Dževad Mešanović
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.115
UDC: 796.9:911.3GIS(497.6 Bjelašnica)
Abstract: The subject of research in this paper is a quantitative analysis of the ski slopes at the Bjelašnica Ski Center. Bjelašnica is a mountain in Bosnia and Herzegovina, very attractive and visited by domestic and foreign tourists, especially in winter. It is one of the Olympic mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the XIV Olympic Winter Games were held in 1984. The aim of the research is to present the procedure for quantitative analysis of ski slopes in geographic information systems. The paper analyzes slopes, aspects, altitudes, lengths, determines ski slopes difficulties, and creates topographic profiles for 6 ski slopes. For the purpose of comparing the results, ski slopes on Bjelašnica were selected, where some of these parameters have already been calculated. The analysis was done in geographic information systems by integrating remote sensing data. Quantitative analysis is done primarily to help skiers gain insight into the terrain itself, its steepness, and the difficulty of the trail, in order to better prepare for the experience that awaits them. Ski resort management also needs this information to ensure safety on the trail, improve management, and to assess their ecological impact on the environment. A small number of ski resorts in Bosnia and Herzegovina have conducted a quantitative analysis of ski slopes. Quantitative data on ski slopes improves the tourist offer of ski centers, and it is essential for them to have it.
Keywords: ski slopes, quantitative analysis, Bjelašnica Ski Center, Bosnia and Herzegovina, geographic information systems
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GASTRONOMIC TOURISM IN THE HERCEG ETHNO VILLAGE IN THE WEST HERZEGOVINA TOURIST-GEOGRAPHIC REGION
Aida Bidžan-Gekić
Haris Gekić
Emina Ajanović
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.135
UDC: 338.48-6:641/642(497.6-15)
Abstract: The Herceg Ethno Village in the West Herzegovina region is a kind of "living museum" in which the cultural identity of this region is further interpreted through the gastronomic offer. It is necessary to look at this identity through various forms of branding and marketing strategies, which would be used in the promotion of gastro tourism at the Herceg Ethno Village. The authors of this paper want to show that the development of gastro tourism and the development of its brand do not only imply a name or logo, but include numerous elements that shape the experience of visitors/tourists: from the smell and taste of traditional food, the visual identity of the restaurant and the ambience, to the way of presentation and communication with guests. That is why gastro tourism will be observed through its multisensory experiences, which will provide an excellent basis for showing the construction of a strong and authentic tourist brand, in the service of the development and survival of the Herceg Ethno Village.
Keywords: Herceg Ethno Village, gastronomic tourism, branding, marketing, development
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LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF TOURISM IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA: ANALYSIS OF LEGISLATION AND ITS IMPACT ON SECTOR DEVELOPMENT
Ema Rajkić-Jazvin
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.151
UDC: 338.485:349(497.6)
Abstract: This paper provides an overview of the legal instability caused by inadequate and unregulated legislation, as well as by the failure to implement existing laws, which affects the development of the tourism sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Insufficient enforcement of legal regulations further contributes to strengthening public distrust in the institutions responsible for tourism development. The research uses a mixed‐methods approach: desk review of relevant legal documents (laws, regulations) and strategic plans (e.g. the new Tourism Development Strategy for Federation of BiH 2022-2027) to map the formal framework; literature review of academic, policy, and evaluation reports; and semi‐structured interviews with key informants (government officials, tourism associations, local community leaders). Comparative analysis with EU norms is used to spot divergences. Data are qualitatively analyzed to extract recurring themes of legal/institutional constraint.
Keywords: tourism, legal framework, EU norms, legal harmonization, envoronmental protection
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CONSIDERATION OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION IN THE SANICA RIVER VALLEY (NORTHWEST BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA)
Ahmed Džaferagić
Lejla Žunić
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.163
UDC: 338.48:502(497.6-16)
Abstract: In recent years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has experienced a significant increase in the number of tourists. Many of the main tourist attractions are associated with rivers, particularly those in karst areas characterized by waterfalls and cascades. In tourism promotion, rivers are often presented as unique, untouched, and wild environments. However, increasing environmental degradation has been observed, primarily as a result of uncoordinated spatial planning, hydrotechnical interventions, and weak institutional control in river corridors that are simultaneously promoted as tourist attractions. On many rivers, despite representing primary tourism resources, riverbanks and riverbeds have been severely degraded within a relatively short period. This issue is especially evident along rivers such as the Una and Pliva, where environmental activists have initiated actions aimed at their protection, although other watercourses have also experienced significant degradation. This paper focuses on the Sanica River, located in the municipalities of Ključ and Sanski Most, whose course has been exposed to strong anthropogenic pressure in recent years. In certain sections, large retaining walls and embankments have been constructed, weekend houses built, artificial dams erected, trees removed, and illegal waste disposal sites formed. The aim of this paper is to highlight the consequences of uncoordinated spatial management and inconsistent environmental policies, as well as their implications for tourism development and the degradation of major tourist attractions. The purpose is to encourage all relevant stakeholders and institutions to take greater responsibility for environmental protection and to promote a more balanced and sustainable development of tourism. The research methodology includes remote sensing and repeat photography, among other methods. The first part of the paper provides an overview of previous research and outlines the specific characteristics of the Sanica River, while the second part focuses on tourism development and environmental degradation.
Keywords: tourism development, environmental degradation, karst, tufa, Sanica River, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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BETWEEN TRADITION AND TOURISM: THE ROLE OF BJELAŠNICA’S CULTURAL HERITAGE IN SHAPING THE TOURISM SUPPLY
Amra Banda
Amra Čaušević
Muniba Osmanović
Belma Durmišević
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.174
UDC: 338.48-44:398.1(497.6 Bjelašnica)
Abstract: Bosnian-Herzegovinian mountains are primarily recognized for winter mountain tourism, yet selective forms such as eco and rural tourism are becoming increasingly significant, especially during the summer season, with local communities playing a key role in their development. In addition to the natural advantages of the mountain area, creating a distinctive and competitive tourism product requires consideration of the anthropogenic segment of the tourism attraction base – the specific architectural and cultural heritage, as well as traditional manifestations that shape the identity of the area. This paper focuses on Bjelašnica and Igman as a mountain area where cultural-historical heritage and traditional ways of life represent a significant but insufficiently valorized potential for sustainable tourism. Special attention is given to the elements of local culture and everyday life (traditional costumes, gastronomy, stories, legends, and customs of the local community), which are still rarely used for tourism promotion and development. Within the area of Bjelašnica and Igman, six sites originating from different historical periods have been identified, among which the necropolis with stećci at Dolovi, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, stands out. Numerous local legends and traditional costumes, particularly in the Bjelašnica villages, form an important part of the region’s identity. To enable their inclusion in the tourism supply, segments of the anthropogenic attraction base that are accessible and possess aesthetic and/or curiosity value have been analyzed and assessed for tourism valorization. The main obstacles to the more intensive development of rural and cultural tourism include weak promotion, lack of cooperation between households and destinations, insufficient knowledge of foreign languages, and limited investments.
Keywords: cultural heritage, Bjelašnica, rural tourism, tourism supply
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TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF SARAJEVO'S OLYMPIC MOUNTAINS - A TOURISM AREA LIFE CYCLE PERSPECTIVE
Amra Banda
Almir Peštek
Belma Durmišević
Emina Ajanović
Muniba Osmanović
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.193
UDC: 338.48-31"324"(497.6 Sarajevo)
Abstract: Sarajevo Olympic mountains, Bjelašnica, Igman, Jahorina, and Trebević represent a valuable physical-geographical and tourism resource of Bosnia and Herzegovina, characterized by winter tourism Their developmental has been shaped by complex historical, political, and social processes, with the 1984 Winter Olympic Games marking the culmination of infrastructural and tourism prosperity, followed by wartime devastation and post-war institutional fragmentation that resulted in prolonged stagnation. This paper applies Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model to examine the evolution of tourism function in these mountain areas. Through a combination of historical-geographical approach and qualitative sources, this paper analyzes spatial and functional changes, as well as challenges related to sustainability, management, and institutional coordination. The Sarajevo Olympic mountains do not represent a textbook example of the TALC model, as their development has not followed a linear path; instead, growth phases were often interrupted by external factors such as war, political-administrative structure, and climate change. A particular challenge lies in the inconsistency of statistical data, which complicates precise identification of developmental stages. Although the mountains share similar patterns of exploration, growth, stagnation, and decline, each has followed a specific development path determined by infrastructural, socio political, and economic conditions. The findings indicate that the future tourism development of the Sarajevo mountains should be oriented towards sustainability, rational use of natural resources, and the development of selective tourism products, supported by improved institutional coordination and mor consistent statistical records.
Keywords: tourism development, tourism area life cycle, Olympic mountains
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TOURISM POTENTIAL OF POČITELJ AND POLICY CHALLENGES
Alma Pobrić
Emina Ajanović
Belma Durmišević
Muniba Osmanović
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.209
UDC: 338.483.11:32(497.6 Počitelj)
Abstract: The Old Town of Počitelj represents a unique urban and architectural ensemble of Herzegovina. Its ambient and cultural-historical value is authentic and holds significant tourism potential for Bosnia and Herzegovina. This paper analyzes the approach to authentic cultural heritage through the lens of political discourse, which has an undeniable impact on the valorization of Počitelj as a tourist destination. In this context, attention should be focused on preserving authenticity, protecting the environment, and improving the quality of life of the local population. Special emphasis is placed on the controversies surrounding the construction of the Hercegovina Bridge and the Počitelj–Zvirovići highway, which have raised questions about the balance between infrastructural development and the preservation of the cultural landscape. The research findings indicate persistent challenges in institutional governance, issues of maintenance and protection, and the need for a sustainable tourism model that integrates economic development with the preservation of cultural identity. Despite infrastructural changes, Počitelj has maintained its tourist appeal and continues to record an increase in visitors, confirming its importance as a key cultural and tourism resource of the municipality of Čapljina and the wider Herzegovina region. The paper concludes that the future development of Počitelj depends on an integrated approach to cultural policy, spatial management, and the active involvement of the local community in decision-making processes.
Keywords: Počitelj, cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, infrastructural development, political discourse
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TUZLA – CITY OF URBAN TOURISM
Semir Ahmetbegović
Željka Stjepić Srkalović
Fadila Kudumović Dostović
DOI: 10.35666/25662880.2025.11.226
UDC: 911.37:338.48(497.6 Tuzla)
Abstract: With the continuity of population and urban development since the Neolithic, which was dominantly based on the secondary sector and natural resources, Tuzla has developed into a regional centre of successful economic, social and urban development. At the beginning of the 21st century, Tuzla was affected by the transformation of the economic sector, which increasingly relies on tertiary and quaternary activities, including tourism. Thanks to the recognized potential and the newly built tourist infrastructure, Tuzla today records a constant growth in tourist traffic, which is increasingly taking part and even becoming one of the most vital sectors of the economy of this city. Today, Tuzla offers tourists a rich urban, cultural, historical and other tourist content with a built quality tourist infrastructure. The number of tourist accommodation capacities has increased, namely hotels and private apartments, flats and rooms, which can respond to both the number of visitors and the quality of service. The operation of the Tuzla International Airport, with increasingly better opportunities for expansion and opening new lines to numerous European cities, greatly contributes to tourist attendance. In Tuzla today we can talk about two seasons of urban tourism, the summer season in which the salt lakes "Pannonica" play a dominant role, which are part of the urban content, and the winter season, which is somewhat shorter, but still very popular. However, Tuzla is also visited in the off-season, when it becomes a centre for business, congress, educational and other forms of thematic tourism. Some forms of tourism record tourist traffic throughout the year, such as health tourism, for which this city has become very recognizable in the last twenty years.
Keywords: tourism, urban development, thematic tourism, urban tourism, Tuzla
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