BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA Trends and Developments Contributed by: Nebojša Marić, Marić & Co
consumers seek more diverse, globally recog - nised brands to satisfy their demand. The recent confirmation that H&M will soon open a store in Sarajevo – following successful launch - es in Banja Luka and Tuzla – further solidifies this trend. The arrival of globally recognised brands not only enhances market competitiveness but also drives improvements in retail infrastructure, supply chains, and consumer expectations. Tourism The tourism sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina is experiencing a resurgence, with investors keen on acquiring assets in the hospitality industry, particularly in established tourist destinations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hotels, resorts, and vacation properties are in demand, as investors look to capitalise on the country’s growing repu - tation as a travel destination. Adventure tourism and eco-tourism companies are also attracting interest, particularly from investors focused on sustainable tourism and niche markets like hik - ing, rafting, and cultural tours. The boost in tourism is also facilitated by an expanding network of low-budget flights, which is particularly strong in Sarajevo. Ryanair and Wizz Air are receiving subsidies for operat - ing from Sarajevo and they are drawing more visitors, especially from Western Europe. At the beginning of 2025, Ryanair introduced new des - tinations from Sarajevo, set to become active in April this year. The five new summer routes include Girona, Paris, Düsseldorf, Karlsruhe/ Baden, and Stockholm. Since the country is becoming more accessible to international travellers, especially from Western Europe, this increased air connectivity presents opportunities
for investment in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and transportation services, to accom - modate the rising number of visitors. Transportation and Logistics In 2024, Sarajevo marked a major advance - ment in its public transportation system with the introduction of a new tramline and the arrival of brand-new TANGO NF3 trams, built by the Swiss company Stadler. These next-generation trams feature state-of-the-art technology, adher - ing to European standards for quality, comfort, and safety. The low-floor trams, which can carry up to 180 passengers (including 79 seated), are equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, WiFi, USB ports, and video sur - veillance to ensure passenger safety. Notably, these trams can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, improving overall transit efficiency in the city. Kanton Sarajevo has also launched an app which tracks public transportation vehicles in Kanton Sarajevo and provides passengers with easier access to public transport services. Sarajevo Airport is preparing for significant expansion to accommodate growing passen - ger traffic, with plans to extend the runway to 3,010 metres and build rapid-exit taxiways, a new fire department building, and a solar power plant. The airport is also considering construct - ing a new terminal with a capacity of up to 2.5 million passengers, expandable to five million. To finance these projects, a hybrid concession model is proposed, which would allow private investment while maintaining public ownership and control. The airport’s long-term develop - ment strategy aims to enhance both infrastruc - ture and operational efficiency.
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