To promote the development of evidence-based public tourism policies, The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) commissioned an in-depth analysis of the current strategic and legislative framework for the tourism sector in BiH. This research was conducted by the Center of Excellence (CoE) for Evaluation and Policy Research as part of the Partnering in Excellence and Evaluation Research (PEER) grant under the USAID/BiH Monitoring and Evaluation Support Activity (MEASURE II). 

The purpose of the study is to provide an objective analysis of the strategic and legislative frameworks for the tourism sector in BiH and to articulate a set of policy recommendations that support the development of the sector. Using a mixed-methods approach, this in-depth analysis includes a review of existing legal and policy documents, quantitative data from the tourism sector, and qualitative data from focus group discussions with relevant tourism stakeholders in BiH including representatives from private and public sector, such as tourism associations, tourist agencies and other related organizations.  

The main findings of the study are as follows: 

• Fragmented governance structures and lack of consistent strategic approach to tourism-development at state level; 
• Inconsistent implementation and evaluation of tourism policies/strategies; 
• Weak business enabling environment to support development of SMEs in the tourism sector; 
• Lack of accurate and relevant data to inform tourism sector policies and development; 
• Lack of coordinated and strategic approach to marketing BiH as a tourist destination. 

Full Report and the Extended Summary can be downloaded here:

• Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina: In-depth Analysis