USAID Administrator Samatha Power, together with tourism ministers of Bosnia’s two semi-autonomous entities, Edita Djapo in the Federation (FBiH) and Suzana Gasic in Republika Srpska (RS), launched a promotional campaign of Bosnia and Herzegovina on TripAdvisor.

Speaking at a press conference on Trebevic mountain near Sarajevo, Power Power spoke about her personal history with Bosnia, as she worked as a journalist in the country during the war in the 1990s.

She called BiH a “crossroads of cultural and ethnic diversity” and said the country has much to offer.

“As BiH looks to the future, people here have the opportunity to transform the country into Europe's next major tourist destination, while strengthening ties between the BiH people and creating well-paid jobs and economic growth,” Power said.

“As part of a new joint partnership between FBiH and Tripadvisor, the Federation is investing in a new promotional campaign to attract tourists from all over Europe and Eurasia,” she said, explaining that they will research and monitor market trends to promote experiences across the country to potential visitors.

During challenging times for Bosnia and Herzegovina, the US has always been committed to fostering unity. BiH's growing tourism sector brings people together—& on Trebević Mountain, @USAID joined BiH to launch a campaign on @tripadvisor showcasing this unique country. #TurizamBiH pic.twitter.com/eJ1KUYkcP6

— Samantha Power (@PowerUSAID) January 21, 2022

She also praised the adoption of a new tourism strategy in Republika Srpska in December, with the help of USAID.

Power said she wants to return to BiH, not as an official, but as a tourist.

“I want my children to try cevapcici and burek. I want my husband to hike on of these trails. And I have to admit, I want to go on that wine tour. I want the eyes of the world to be on Sarajevo again, not because of divisions but because of unity,” said power.