Come Explore Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina lies at crossroads. This heart – shaped land has seen invasions and migrations since pre historic times. They were all instrumental into making the multi faceted mosaic that makes the Republic Bosnia and Herzegovina of today: a bridge between empires, peoples, religions and customs.

The southern extension of the Alps encompasses most of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Its unique geographically positioning lends itself to warm Mediterranean weather in the south and cooler continental temperatures in the Alpine north, providing nature lovers with array of landscapes.

To many Bosnia and Herzegovina is an unknown land.

But let me tell you about Bosnia and Herzegovina: tucked below the towering peaks of the central Dinaric Alps, stunning beauty, pristine nature, unrivalled hospitality, abundant rivers and natural springs.

Vlado Simic wants tourists to forget the past and to discover beauty in his homeland. He dreams of turning Bosnia and Herzegovina into prime tourist destination, interview.

Q: Tell us about yourself, what do you do when not promoting Bosnia and Herzegovina, friends, dreams….?
Vlado Simic: Besides promoting of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I’m Director of Foundation for E-Tourism which primary goal is improvement of tourism offer and quality of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina. When I’m off duty, I like to travel, that`s why friends call me "trip junky". For me, best relaxation is traveling, music and good company. A couple of friends, good rock music and the road are my favorite things.

The most beautiful places I have visited so far are Rome and San Francisco, fantastic cities. The reason I love Rome so much is because of its ancient architecture, a big open museum.

Since the beginning of undertaking "Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina" I no longer have as much free time for reading, unless e-books so I can read while I’m on the road. My biggest dream is to change the image of Bosnia and Herzegovina since people outside of the Balkan region remember Bosnia as country in war.

Hopefully, my undertaking "Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina" will be a contribution in this respect. .

Q: Why undertaking "Explore Bosnia and Herzegovina"?
Vlado Simic: The aim is to explore the beautiful and unspoiled nature, unmatched biodiversity, daunting mountain tops yet to be climbed…. While traveling through Bosnia and Herzegovina, visitors can explore the legacy of great civilizations, Roman and Ottoman as well as Austro-Hungarian empires…Bosnia is a country which takes one from ancient times to the present in a moment ….

It is really worth exploring of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Q: How do you remember beginning, inspiration, mission, services you offer, a brief reflection so far?
Vlado Simic: With a couple of friends, we started a web site under working title "Tourism Web Gateway of Bosnia and Herzegovina" with aim to present the country as attractive tourist destination. That was way back in 1998… Many friends and other people then thought that is to early for such project and, frankly, we didn’t get any support from government and/or international donors.

But we did not give up and continued the undertaking, and were financing it from our own pockets hopping that, eventually, we will be able to rise as leading one-stop-shop for tourism in Bosnia and Herzegovina. There were ups and downs - but we prevailed and finally - we were awarded grant funds by USAID and Norwegian government.

Q: How Bosnia and Herzegovina knows you?
Vlado Simic: We are also running Regional Tourist Information web site http://www.e-turizamc.com in Bosnian language, and upto now, we have several thousand registered members, also from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and Macedonia. We are already recognized as foundation and company fully dedicated to the tourism and environment.

Q: What is the best way to reach Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Vlado Simic: The best and fastest way is by airplane. Sarajevo airport is very well connected with major cities in Europe. There are daily flights to Munich, Vienna, Budapest, Frankfurt, Zagreb, Belgrade, Ljubljana etc. The longest flight is about 2 hours. Visitors traveling by car have to drive through Croatia or Serbia to reach the Bosnian border. Sarajevo is about 4 hours drive from Zagreb, the Croatian capital or Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and about 5,5 hours from Dubrovnik in Croatia.

Q: For many travelers, Bosnia and Herzegovina is a new and unexplored destination. What kind of tourist destination is Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Vlado Simic: Tourists, who love nature or rafting on beautiful rivers, hiking or alpinism or exploring culture, religion and customs, will definitely enjoy Bosnia and Herzegovina. Perhaps you remember that Sarajevo hosted the 14th Winter Olympic Games. We have several good mountains slopes for skiing. Mid- November to end of February is the skiing season.

Here is also Medjugorje, one of largest pilgrim centers for Catholics. Every year, over a million people visit Medjugorje. Then there is the "Sarajevo Film Festival" which takes place in August every year. It has grown into the most important festival in the Balkans and beyond. The Sarajevo Film Festival and the city of Sarajevo are great destination for night life. Thousands of guests come every year to the Film Festival and New year celebration. Sarajevo those day offers unique atmosphere.

Q: Who are the tourists visiting Bosnia and Hercegovina, from which countries and which markets are you targeting?
Vlado Simic: Two age groups: 20 – 40 and 40 – 60. Our target markets are the Czech Republic and Slovakia for rafting and canoeing, UK and France for nature lovers and fishing, Austria due to the legacy of the Austro – Hungarian empire. Many Italians and Poles are coming to Medjugorje.
We also plan to attract tourists from USA.

Q: Bosnia and Herzegovina is for all times. Which is the best time to visit?
Vlado Simic: I think, best time to visit Bosnia and Herzegovina is between May – September. The nature is at its peak and tourists can enjoy a variety of tourist offers and attractions throughout the country.

Q: Tourist infrastructure, latest and most visited places and resorts..?
Vlado Simic: Definitely Medjugorje and Sarajevo are the two most visited destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Also Mostar and the whole of Herzegovina are raising stars of our tourism promotion. Many call Herzegovina 'California" because of great weather conditions, picturesque countryside and great rivers, they are great attraction for tourists.

Q: What to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and where to go, forms of relaxation, and sports…?
Vlado Simic: Bosnia and Herzegovina offers a variety of possibilities, from white water rafting to hiking, biking, religious and historical tours or just nice walks in beautiful nature. Also skiing or ski boarding or joys of night life, we can offer it.
Thus a variety of possibilities makes Bosnia and Herzegovina a must see destination. .

Q: Which are popular winter sport centers?
Vlado Simic: Bjelasnica, Jahorina and Igman are "Olympic" mountains and our largest ski centers. Both Vlasic and Kupres are fast growing ski resorts.

Q: Which tours are recommended, suggest an itinerary..?
Vlado Simic: It is not easy to make a selection, but the following is my favorite.
Recommended period from May – September:

Sarajevo – A Test of Orient in Europe
Day 1: Sarajevo
Visit the true crossroads where East meets West and enjoy Europe’s loveliest and most interesting cities.

Day 2: Rafting on river Neretva
A great trip for novices and pro’s alike on the turquoise waters of the Neretva river

Day 3: Lukomir Highland village
Discover one of Europe’s last medieval highland cultures tucked deep in the heart of the Dinaric Alps.

What to do:
Sightseeing by bus, raft the Neretva River, hike to Bosnia’s highest village

What to see:
Bascarsija Old Town, Lukomir village, Tunnel Museum

Q: Introduce us to the historical charm of Bosnia and Herzegovina cities?
Vlado Simic: In true sense of the word, Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of history is one of richest countries. It used to be part of Roman empire, Ottoman empire, Austro – Hungarian empire, it was involved in World War I (the assassination of Franz Ferdinand – the Archduke of Austria triggered WWI), we were involved in World War II and also in the with Former Yugoslavia (1992-1995).

Bosnia always was and is - on crossroads of movements in Europe. Let me tell you that only in Sarajevo, we have a catholic cathedral, orthodox churches, mosques, and synagogue in a distance of few hundred meters.

Q: Bosnia and Herzegovina is a paradise for nature lover. Introduce us to soaring mountains and untouched forests, wild rivers, which are best for rafting and canoeing or trekking..?
Vlado Simic: It is not yet sufficiently known that the " National Park Sutjeska" has the last preserved primal forest in Europe. We are proud on fact that Bosnia and Herzegovina has four great rivers, Drina, Neretva, Vrbas and Una, and we are sharing river Tara with neighboring Montenegro. All those rivers are perfect for white water sports. Which ever you choose, you will enjoy it. Also, in the northern part of country the Kozara mountain is great for trekking!

Q: Latest on eco tourism, eco villages?
Vlado Simic: Eco resorts have become very popular. We have four eco villages and two more are under construction. One of most popular is "Eco Village Stanisici" situated in the far north – east of Bosnia and Herzegovina, near the town of Bijeljina. Here one can see and enjoy some of our traditions and customs and well as village life.

Q: It is being said that Bosnia and Herzegovina greatest assets is the hospitality of its people, along with the traditional Bosnian coffee and cakes, lively urban promenades and small cozy place. Would you like to introduce us to some?
Vlado Simic: "One of those places where you come as a guest, leave as an acquaintance, and return as a friend", says our B&H writer – Nenad Velickovic, and I think it describes Bosnian people as we are.

Hospitality in Bosnia is greatly treasured, tourists will be hosted with kindness and assistance on every step. Small cozy coffee shops are numerous, it is hard to single out some. There are dozens of them in every place. We are coffee lovers, we like to hang around with friends. Also many are smokers here, smoking is allowed everywhere, except hospitals, schools and similar facilities.

Q: Sarajevo is where East meets West in Europe. A cosmopolitan city that effortlessly incorporates its Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Slavic roots. Sarajevo is a cultural and architectural feast for visitors. Introduce us to the city of Sarajevo, and cultural events?
Vlado Simic: Just today finished "MESS" theatre festival. During first week of November begins Jazz Fest, which is recognized as such in Europe and it is getting bigger and better every year. And of course, the shining star of festivals and events is th already mentioned " Sarajevo Film Festival". It attracts great stars and celebrities from around the world, Bono Vox, John Malkovich, Pedro Almodovar, Mickey Rourke, Nick Nolte, Kevin Spacey to name a few.

Oscar winning film director Danis Tanovic of "No Mans Land" is a native of Sarajevo.

Q: Introduce us to the National park, nature park, protected areas and which are most visited?
Vlado Simic: We have three National Parks: Sutjeska, the National Park Kozara and Una National Park. Una is one of Bosna`a most beautiful rivers in Bosnia, one can even drink from the river, probably the cleanest river in Balkan, I would say. Then there is "Hutovo blato" nature park, which is the biggest bird resorts in Balkan and – perhaps in Europe – both in size and diversity. It is home to some 240 types of migratory birds.

The most visited park is Sutjeska – great for hiking, climbing and enjoying untouched forests.

Q: Mounting climbing, recommend a popular climb?
Vlado Simic: According to mountaineers, the very best for climbing is mountain Prenj, located in Herzegovina, some 40 km north of Mostar, around 80 km south of Sarajevo. Beautiful mountain, unmatched biodiversity, a heaven for mountaineers and hikers and also for mount biking.

Q: What kind of responses are you getting?
Vlado Simic: Simply fantastic, especially from potential clients such as hotels, travel agencies and other service in tourism industry. Exploringbosnia.com is something that was essential for our tourism sector, a one-stop-shop informationfor potential tourists. We offer plenty of information about micro destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina followed by possibility of on line booking and on line payment of accommodations and other tourist services.

Q: What is next for you?
Vlado Simic: My aim is make "exploringbosnia.com" as prime internet booking site and leading portal in Bosnia and Herzegovina providing informations for tourists, and by that raising the number of visitors to our country.

Q: Final thoughts, suggestions, recommendations, invitations…..
Vlado Simic: I wish to say, come, explore Bosnia and Herzegovina and enjoy some unforgettable moments. Come, visit us!

Vlado Simic of "Exploring Bosnia and Hercegovina" thank you very much.

FROM TESTIMONIALS
"Exploring Bosnia" is the best place to find information, value and deals on hotels and tours in Bosnia and Herzegovina!
Richard Bangs, host of the award winning PBS show Adventures with Purpose.

This is also a country of unspoiled rivers, majestic mountains and pristine nature
Laura Hubber, BBC correspondent.

An unexpected diversity of the small country opens up for day trips in the surrounding area
Martha Steszl, Profi Reisen Verlagsgesellschaft correspondent.

ABOUT BOSNIA AND HERCEGOVINA
Located in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula. North, west and south-west boundary lines divide BiH from the Republic of Croatia, and east and south boundary lines from Serbia and Montenegro. The coastal line of Bosnia and Herzegovina around the town of Neum is about 21 km long.

Bosnia and Herzegovina in Figures
Capital: Sarajevo
Area: 52.280 sq km
Population: 4.354.911 (1991)
Lowest point is Neum, 0 m, highest point Maglic, 2386 m
Coastal line is 21,2 km

(Courtesy Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Image: Vlado Simic of "Exploring Bosnia and Hercegovina" undertaking

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