Bosnia and Herzegovina has gained its first specialized portal for news and information from the world of cycling tourism – cikloturizam.ba. The project was initiated by the association HerzegovinaBike, with the aim of raising the promotion of cycling and cycling tourism to a new, professional level and presenting it as a sustainable opportunity for the development of tourism in our country.
What was once just an idea and a long-standing wish has now become reality. The portal will feature news, stories, and analyses from the world of cycling tourism, introduce new routes and events, share inspiring stories of cyclists, as well as highlight the best European practices that can be applied in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Why Cycling Tourism?
Cycling tourism is globally recognized as one of the fastest-growing forms of active tourism and sustainable development. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the EuroVelo network alone attracts more than one million users annually, while cyclists generate over 80 billion dollars in tourism spending every year. Its impact is especially significant in rural communities – cyclists travel more slowly, stay longer at destinations, and spend more on local services and products. Studies show that cycle tourists spend on average up to 40% more than traditional motorized tourists.
Beyond its economic significance, cycling tourism also brings numerous social and health benefits: reducing pollution and traffic congestion, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle, and supporting the development of local communities through sustainable tourism.
Connection with the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF)
HerzegovinaBike has recently become a member of the European Cycling Federation (ECF), the leading European organization that has been developing the EuroVelo route network for 25 years and advocating cycling tourism as a sustainable form of tourism and transport.
Thanks to this membership, HerzegovinaBike now has access to the latest information, research, and guidelines shaping the development of cycling tourism in Europe. This knowledge and expertise will now be available to the domestic audience through the portal cikloturizam.ba.
Cycling Tourism – A Conscious Way of Traveling
Unlike traditional tourism, cycling tourism emphasizes the experience of the journey, nature, and the present moment. It is a conscious form of travel in which “the journey becomes the destination.” Cyclists slow down, stop at destinations, discover rural places, and enjoy local flavors and stories.
This form of tourism is increasingly recognized as a sustainable way of traveling – it protects nature and the climate, promotes health and active living, and enables a deeper connection with the surroundings.
Another unique value of cycling tourism is that it is suitable for everyone – from solo travelers to families with children. Family cycling trips encourage togetherness, create lasting memories, and give children the chance to learn through play and exploration. Its spontaneity and flexibility make it particularly attractive – routes can be changed, stops made at playgrounds, or hidden caves explored along the way.
The First Portal for a New Vision of Tourism in BiH
With the launch of cikloturizam.ba, Bosnia and Herzegovina now has a platform that will follow both domestic and international trends, provide information for tourists and local communities, and encourage further development of cycling infrastructure and services.
„Bosnia and Herzegovina has all the prerequisites to become an attractive destination for cycle tourists – from unspoiled nature and cultural-historical heritage to welcoming people. We believe that now is the right time for BiH to have such a portal, one that will bring cycling tourism closer to the people while also connecting with European experiences and standards. This is a new opportunity for the entire country – a media platform that will unite information and further stimulate the development of cycling tourism in BiH”, said representatives of HerzegovinaBike.
With the launch of cikloturizam.ba, Bosnia and Herzegovina gains not only a media space to promote cycling but also a tool for education, networking, and creating new tourism opportunities.
