Via Delle Cascate

Supporting Sustainable Tourism Development in Central and Northwestern Bosnia

Description

This project aims at contributing to the sustainable tourism development of Bosnia and Herzegovina by enhancing its cultural, historical and natural resources. It seeks to foster inclusive and sustainable development while creating job opportunities for local communities.

The initiative is part of CISPs broader strategy to promote Sustainable Tourism as a tool for development, working in collaboration with local institutions and communities through capacity building, knowledge exchange, and technical support.

“Via delle Cascate” is an approximately 300 km itinerary that follows natural watercourses, connecting historic and contemporary towns, valleys, and mountainous areas between Bihać, Jajce, and Travnik. The route crosses the Una National Park, showcasing the rich natural and cultural heritage of Western and Central Bosnia and Herzegovina.

By promoting the preservation and valorisation of cultural and natural heritage, the project supports strategic territorial planning and promotion, boosts the competitiveness of local SMEs, and enhances the region’s appeal to both domestic and international responsible tourists.

Project’s code: AID 12707

SDGs

OBJECTIVES

General objective
Contribution to the sustainable tourism development of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Specific objective
To enhance cultural, historical, and natural resources by supporting local institutions in the governance of sustainable tourism and promoting Central and Northwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina, thereby generating sustainable development and employment opportunities.

Activities

Institutional Strengthening

Provide technical training and assistance in territorial planning for sustainable tourism development through workshops and training sessions in BiH and a study visit in Italy.
Exchange and share knowledge and best practices through workshops and seminars.

Strengthening naturalistic-cultural routes

Create a community map and develop the "Via delle Cascate" brand for visitors.
Requalify and improve historical, cultural, and natural sites along the itinerary.
Architectural project and environmental study to protect and valorise cultural and natural sites.

Promotion of local entrepreneurship

Market analysis of tourism sector and profiling of potential beneficiaries.
Provide training to improve and create businesses and support local enterprises growth, innovation and service/production diversification.
Provide grants to financially support businesses.
Offer guidance, tutoring and mentoring in developing and implementing innovative business plans.

Communication and promotion

Launch and promote the "Via delle Cascate" brand to attract visitors.
Organise a test trip for Tour Operators for feedback and improvements.
Host festivals to educate and raise awareness about the route.
Share project's results at a final conference.

Output and results

Local institutions can better manage the area.
Local businesses are strengthen and can provide more job opportunities to local communities.
Natural and cultural heritage is enhanced.
The “Via delle Cascate” itinerary is promoted and visited by responsible tourists.

Gallery