HerzegovinaBike at the World Bank Workshop in Sarajevo
A key workshop dedicated to the project "Boosting Regional Economic Development of the Western Balkans with the Giro di Ćiro Greenway" was held at the World Bank offices. At the invitation of the World Bank team, Toni Zorić, President of the HerzegovinaBike association, attended the workshop as an expert involved in the development of this transnational initiative.
Revitalizing History for a Sustainable Future
The Giro di Ćiro initiative builds on the legacy of the historic narrow-gauge railway that once connected Belgrade and Dubrovnik, crossing what are today Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro. This corridor, spanning over 770 km, is being reimagined as a transnational "greenway" designed for cycling and pedestrian tourism, with the goal of promoting responsible tourism and stronger regional cooperation.
Focus on the Priority Section in BiH
A core activity of the project discussed in detail in Sarajevo is the preparation of a preliminary study and tourism development plan for a priority section of approximately 150 km in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This section was identified along the Sarajevo–Višegrad corridor, with a branch towards Goražde, as a strategic entry point due to its high tourism potential and technical readiness.
During the workshop, Toni Zorić shared his expertise on the dynamics of cycle tourism in our country, emphasizing how such projects directly strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of domestic tourism.
Integrated Management and International Support
The project is being developed with the support of the Italian consultancy company TRT Trasporti e Territorio, specializing in mobility and transport planning, which is working alongside the World Bank to define a realistic implementation pathway for all four countries.
Through these collaborations, the HerzegovinaBike association continues its mission:
- Connecting cycling with multimodal transport.
- Securing funds through international sources for infrastructure construction and guide training.
- Positioning BiH on the map of the most important European cycle tourism corridors.
A Vision That Resonates with Europe
Long-standing cooperation with institutions and development agencies ensures that tourism development protects our landscapes while bringing direct benefits to local populations in rural areas.
"Active tourism is the solution to today's toughest challenges – from climate change to imbalanced tourism flows. By encouraging tourists to travel by bike, HerzegovinaBike supports healthier lifestyles and low-carbon travel" - the association stated.
Herzegovina and Bosnia and Herzegovina are no longer waiting for European trends; through work on projects like Giro di Ćiro, we are actively shaping them, turning our region into a leader for a sustainable future.
Stay tuned for more updates on the development of the Giro di Ćiro trail!
Your HerzegovinaBike Team
