Tourism Activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH)
ID: 72016825RFI00001Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTAGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTUSAID/BOSNIA/HERZSARAJEVO, BIH

NAICS

All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541990)

PSC

SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: OTHER (R499)
Timeline
    Description

    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking qualified contractors to support a tourism activity aimed at enhancing economic growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The initiative focuses on four key objectives: supporting targeted policy reforms, developing authentic tourism products, strengthening the destination's brand, and improving human capital within the tourism sector. This opportunity is critical as tourism is a vital sector for BiH's economic development, particularly following the significant recovery post-COVID-19, which has seen a resurgence in tourist arrivals. Interested parties must submit their capability statements by December 30, 2024, to Amila Hodzic at ahodzic@usaid.gov, adhering to the specified guidelines and format.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Amila Hodzic
    ahodzic@usaid.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The "Tourism Activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina" aims to enhance the socio-economic conditions through improved tourism, a crucial sector for the country's growth. Despite recent recovery post-COVID-19, the sector's potential remains underutilized. The activity focuses on supporting policy reforms, developing authentic tourism experiences, strengthening the BiH destination brand, and improving workforce capacities. With a five-year implementation plan, the project will allocate $750,000 for grants under contracts to local organizations, ensuring interventions align with U.S. government regulations and local needs. Four key objectives include: 1) Supporting policy reform, 2) Developing new tourism products, 3) Enhancing the brand's presence in international markets, and 4) Improving workforce quality through targeted training. Addressing challenges such as emigration, gender disparities, and governance hurdles, the plan emphasizes local ownership, gender equality, and robust private sector engagement. The activity aims to achieve a 10% increase in tourism nights and a $500 million rise in tourism receipts over its duration. Through careful monitoring and adaptive management, the initiative aspires to foster sustainable tourism growth while ensuring that all factions of society benefit equitably from its development.
    The USAID/BiH Turizam Activity, initiated in August 2020 and set to conclude in August 2025, focuses on stimulating economic growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) through the enhancement of its tourism sector. Key accomplishments include the development of tourism strategies in Republika Srpska and the Federation of BiH, significantly improving BiH's brand recognition as a tourist destination via organized events and digital marketing strategies. Notable achievements encompass receiving the World Travel and Tourism Council's Safe Travels stamp, promotional collaborations with platforms like TripAdvisor, and international accolades for destinations like Mostar. The program has also introduced higher visitor engagement through the Most Beautiful Villages model and supported the establishment of new flight routes. An Investment Directory was developed to align investors with tourism initiatives. Additionally, the project emphasizes human capital development through digital training platforms, equipping over 3,400 users with vital industry skills. Overall, USAID's efforts play a crucial role in enhancing BiH's tourism potential, infrastructure, and professional capacity, creating a pathway for sustained economic growth in the sector.
    The Activity-Level Gender Analysis in the Tourism Sector, conducted by USAID/Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), aims to identify gender disparities within the tourism sector to inform future initiatives. It highlights existing legal frameworks promoting gender equality while revealing gaps in implementation. Cultural norms dictate traditional gender roles, leading to women's underrepresentation in decision-making and entrepreneurial activities, further exacerbated by limited access to financial resources. The report emphasizes that women tend to occupy lower-paying roles, with barriers preventing them from pursuing higher positions or entrepreneurial opportunities, particularly in rural areas. Recommendations include enhancing gender integration in tourism strategies, supporting women's entrepreneurship, advocating for regulations against labor exploitation, and promoting public awareness to challenge entrenched gender norms. By addressing these issues, the analysis aims to foster gender equity in BiH's tourism sector and ultimately enhance economic growth through inclusive strategies.
    The document outlines a Request for Information (RFI) issued by USAID for a prospective tourism activity in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). It highlights the need for business contractors with the capability to contribute to the tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in BiH's economic development. The activity aims to enhance the economic benefits of tourism while fostering inclusivity and social cohesion by leveraging the country's cultural heritage. The RFI emphasizes four key objectives: supporting targeted policy reforms, developing authentic tourism products, strengthening destination branding, and improving human capital in tourism. The document notes the sector's recovery post-COVID-19, indicating significant growth in tourist arrivals in 2023. Interested parties are invited to provide capability statements that detail their previous experience in tourism, socioeconomic status, and specific roles envisioned in the project. Responses to the RFI are voluntary and will not influence future formal solicitation processes. Submissions should be sent via email by December 30, 2024, and must adhere to specified guidelines regarding content and format. This initiative underscores USAID's commitment to enhancing tourism in BiH as a pathway for sustainable economic growth.
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