Serbia-Bosnia joint tourist offerings
Women from Loznica, Sremska Mitrovica, Inđija, Ruma, and Šid, organized by NALED and the Ethno network, visited Tuzla and Sarajevo to learn more about the local crafts characteristic of this region. The two-day study visit was organized as part of the cross-border cooperation project ,,Together for cultural tourism,“ supported by the European Union.
The participants had the opportunity to learn more about the partner association Bosanske Rukotvorine - BH Crafts and their way of working, as well as to discuss further activities and the organization of colonies in Tuzla and Loznica. Colonies represent multi-day events where participating women have the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills, connect with associations from across the border, and showcase their work to various stakeholders, including representatives of local governments, tourist agencies, diplomatic missions, and potential donors for such activities.
During the visit, it was announced that joint tourist products of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be developed by the end of the year, to be showcased at a joint exhibition by March of the following year. These products will feature cross-border motifs and will vividly reflect the results of collaboration achieved through this project, serving as a catalyst for further developing the shared tourism potential of Serbia and BiH.
In its first year since launch, the project has brought together over 200 women in its educational programs, workshops, and info sessions. They were provided with the opportunity, supported by expert collaborators, to conceive new products, showcase and promote them in local tourist organizations and artistic studios, and present them at regional craft colonies and cross-border exhibitions, all integral parts of the project.
Let's recall that in the border region between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, across 18 municipalities and cities, the project ,,Together for cultural tourism“ has been implemented since March 2023. The aim is to socio-economically empower women and promote handicrafts as tourism products in these countries. The project is carried out by NALED in collaboration with the associations Ethno network and Bosnian handicrafts, co-funded by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II) within the cross-border cooperation Program Serbia - Bosnia and Herzegovina 2014-2020.
,,Together for cultural tourism - cross-border Cooperation for enhanced socio-economic development and preservation of traditional crafts“ aims to rescue old crafts and techniques of domestic craftsmanship from oblivion, restore their economic and cultural value, and engage younger generations in preserving cultural heritage by participating in creative workshops.
