Kiwis who like adventure and sustainability are being targeted by Bosnia and Herzegovina as the country looks to rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new eight-day tour of the country has been launched by specialist group tours and adventure travel outlet, Intrepid Travel.
Visitors from Aotearoa will be able to choose from five scheduled tours set to run in 2023.
Highlights include:
- Enjoying a traditional Bosnian meal hosted by locals Mustafa and Mersiha in their kitchen overlooking the city of Sarajevo
- Paddling on a white-water rafting trip down the Neretva River, through canyons and past waterfalls
- Going off-roading in search of wild horses in the foothills of Mount Cincar
- Stepping inside Josip Tito's bunker, a massive and impeccably preserved underground nuclear shelter from the Yugoslav era that just recently opened to visitors
- Meeting Sarajevo's only female coppersmith while wandering the cobblestone walkways of the city's historic cultural centre
- Getting off the beaten track in Jajce, a small town dating back to ancient times full of undiscovered gems
The tour includes seven breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners, all activities as featured in the itinerary, and accommodations including hotels and country guesthouses.
"We're grateful to play a part in making this beautiful destination more accessible in a way that respects the history of the country, leaves a light footprint and respects and supports the local communities," said Natalie Kidd, chief purpose officer at Intrepid Travel.
"Though so recently touched by upheaval, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are eager to share their culture and customs with travellers, and this new expedition will deliver on that through amazing food, gripping stories and thrilling adventures."
Intrepid Travel was brought on alongside the US Agency for International Development's (USAID) Developing Sustainable Tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Turizam) program to help regenerate the country as an "exciting destination at the heart of sustainability".
"Bosnia and Herzegovina is a jewel to be explored by the more responsible and adventurous travellers," said Ibrahim Osta, USAID Turizam chief of party.
"This partnership is yet another stepping stone the USAID Turizam project is taking to introduce the world to this wonderful country, its amazing people and rich tourism offerings.
"Bosnia and Herzegovina is the most exciting destination in the world," he said.
Kidd said the company was "honoured" to have been chosen with sustainable travel options around the world remains one of the company's key priorities.
"We've been championing this style of travel since our inception in 1989, and it's so encouraging to see such massive investments and commitments being made towards the development of more responsible travel options.
"Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful country with so much to offer international travellers," she continued.
"We're grateful to play a part in making this beautiful destination more accessible in a way that respects the history of the country, leaves a light footprint and respects and supports the local communities.
"Though so recently touched by upheaval, the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina are eager to share their culture and customs with travellers, and this new expedition will deliver on that through amazing food, gripping stories and thrilling adventures."
