EU funded projects in BiH

Sectors
EU Acquis chapters	Other issues
Programme Funding Year	2010
Value	€232,458
Periods of implementation	2013
Locations	BANJA LUKA, KOZARSKA DUBICA, GRADIŠKA, NOVI GRAD, LAKTAŠI, MRKONJIĆ GRAD, PRIJEDOR, ŠIPOVO, KLJUČ, SANSKI MOST, JAJCE, RIBNIK

This project seeks to contribute to the creation of a joint economic space in the middle Sava basin with the aim to improve the livelihoods of citizens in this cross-border region by developing and promoting the region as a single tourist destination. This project targets the counties Karlovac, Sisak-Moslavina and Brod-Posavina on the Croatian side and the municipalities Banja Luka, Mrkonjić Grad, Novi Grad, Bosanska Kostajnica, Dubica, Ključ, Ribnik, Sanski Most, Prijedor, Jajce, Šipovo, Laktaši, Gradiška on the BiH side. On both sides of the border the economy has been severely affected by the consequences of the conflicts in 1990s and by limited integration to the global economy. Therefore the cross-border region is seeking to identify sustainable sources of economic growth and the development strategies produced at local levels have identified tourism as a potential development factor. The proposed tourist itinerary (Grain Trade Route) and tourist packages will combine attractive natural sites with active adventure pursuits and elements of culture from each of the locations. The itinerary will connect regional attractions led by the unique attraction Korablja, linking these rural areas to tourism markets in more developed destinations, thereby creating stronger economic opportunities. It will encourage tourists to stay longer and spend more in the region and contribute to the creation of a common economic space. Through offering quality products and active promotion, touristic packages are expected to attract more visitors, spreading economic benefits across the region and having the potential to increase the incomes and create new job opportunities for the target groups and beneficiaries of the project.

Expected results: 1. Increased awareness of the potential economic benefits of cooperative activities supported through a cross-border coordinating organisation; 2. Improved small-scale infrastructure and replica of the historical ship “Korablja” through enabling visitors to navigate in the cross-border area and to experience different products and services along Grain Trade Route; 3. Established regional information exchange system and improved access of visitors to information; and 4. Improved joint marketing and leveraging of marketing resources to reach target markets.