SARAJEVO – WHL’S LATEST DESTINATION WEB PORTAL

whl.travel, the global network of travel Web sites catering to independent and responsible travellers, has officially announced the unveiling of its 100th destination portal,
www.sarajevo-travel.ba, and formally welcomed its newest local partner, Green Visions,

whl.travel began in 2002 as a pilot model incubated by the International Finance Corporation (part of the World Bank Group) for bringing small- and medium-sized accommodation and tour providers into the e-marketplace. It now spans 100 destinations in 52 countries on five continents, including in BiH’s Balkan neighbours. In the next few months, further expansion will reach more than 65 new destinations involving 18 new countries.

Since its establishment, Green Visions has played a lead role in creating an action plan for ecotourism development in BiH that is coupled with sound environmental practices. Green Visions believes that alternative means of development are key to the sustainability of BiH’s traditional highland life and the ecosystems that sustain it.

It holds ecological awareness as the priority in sustainable development, be it in ecotourism, organic farming, medicinal herbs, handicrafts, forestry, wood-production, livestock or other economic endeavors. It has therefore remained loyal to ecological principles while pursuing a sustainable means of growth.

“I am thrilled to have Green Visions as our partner in Sarajevo,” says Len Cordiner, CEO of
whl.travel. “They have been real leaders in opening up tourism in the country again and in
the promotion of sustainable tourism. They are the perfect partners to show you the city and
the country as a whole.”

The development of www.sarajevo-travel.ba was made possible by support from IFC as part of its Balkan Hotel Market Access Program, the key objective of which is to contribute to the
opening up of the Balkan region to the independent travellers market. The IFC Balkan Hotel Market Access Program financial contribution covered the whl.travel online booking system installation costs and monthly fees for a one-year period.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina has excellent conditions for the development of tourism thanks to its unique natural attractions, historic sites and proximity to the EU,” affirms Denis Mesihovic, IFC Program Leader. “IFC’s Balkan Hotel Market Access Program complements the ongoing efforts to attract international travellers to Sarajevo by using the services of whl.travel and their local partner, Green Visions. This will greatly benefit smaller hotels and guesthouses that will extend their networks by accessing the e-marketplace, which will generate additional revenues and employment in the country.”

“I had the opportunity to visit Sarajevo in 2007 at the invitation of the IFC and was immediately captivated by the city,” confirms Cordiner. “Despite the very visible evidence of past conflict, the city retains its old-world old-town charm as a crossroads between the East
and the West. I have been recommending Sarajevo as a must-see destination and I am delighted that it is now accessible on the whl.travel network as our 100th destination. I would like to thank the IFC for their support in Sarajevo and in the region generally.”

Valere Tjolle