ISPOD ĆETE PRONAĆI PORUKU NA HRVATSKOM / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN CROATIAN

Dalmatia, the stunning coastal region of Croatia, is home to a multitude of fascinating ports and villages, the largest of which is the harbour town of Split. An obligatory stop on any Croatian holiday, the site was even chosen as a retirement home by the Roman emperor Diocletian. It is now also a thriving transportation hub from which travellers can explore the surrounding region and Croatia’s renowned coastal islands.

Traditional wooden boats docked in front of Diocletian's Palace on a summer night in Split, Croatia

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Posted under Croatia, General, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

Following the successful completion of a Balkan Hotel Market Access Program, independent travellers exploring the Balkans can now research, plan and book their trips online through locally owned and operated travel websites.

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The Stari Most (Old Bridge) of Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, spans the Neretva River. Originally built during the Ottoman era, it was destroyed during the Bosnian-Herzegovian War and then rebuilt according to the old design and using as much of the recovered original stone as possible. The bridge and surrounding historic neighbourhoods are now a World Heritage Site.

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Posted under Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, General, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, countries, media, responsible travel, whl.travel news, whl.travel newsletter

VIDI DOLE ZA OVU PORUKU NA SRPSKOM / SEE BELOW FOR THIS MESSAGE IN SERBIAN (read about why the translation uses Latin script, not Cyrillic)

Known as Beograd (’White Castle’) in Serbian, Belgrade is an ancient city with a tumultuous, layered past that reaches far back to the fourth century BC, a historical mosaic of invaders and inhabitants that makes for the city’s colourful and curious Balkan quality. From Celts and Romans to Ottomans, Hapsburgs and Slavs, Belgrade and its surrounding northern province of Vojvodina have been a home and battleground for many.

The Tisa River Blossom is a unique natural phenomenon that occurs in Vojvodina every year in mid-June: for several days, just before sunset, insects known as the Tisa Flower rise to the surface of the Tisa River and perform their unusual wedding dance. It can look as if the whole river is in bloom.

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Posted under Serbia, countries, new local connections, whl.travel news

Albania Discovered – The Future Is Looking Bright

Setting Your Responsible Sights on the Southern Balkans

By Luke Ford
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Once a well-kept secret, Albania is on the verge of being ‘discovered’ by tourists. Until 1992 a communist country closed off to the rest of the world, Albania has only recently seen greater numbers of foreign travellers venture down to its southern Balkan corner of Europe, bringing with them suitcases of western brands and influences. Not to be discouraged though, and despite a growing number of Mercedes-Benzes, Coca-Colas and Mai Tai cocktails, the country remains very Albanian. Quaint mountain villages indifferent to modern development in the cities, which also retain their own unique charm, give rise to incredible travel experiences that you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere in Europe.

A look down Lake of Koman on the way to the Valbona Valley

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Posted under Albania, General, countries, local tips, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter

A Visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Look Beyond Its Recent Past to a Greener Present

By Ashley Hiemenz

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Hikers in the Bosnia and Herzegovina highlands above Trnovacko Lake

The ghost of recent violent times in the Balkans still haunts the region; few people give it priority consideration as a destination of choice for their next holidays, perhaps least of all places like post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina. The mere mention of Sarajevo and Mostar conjures up memories of the human and material devastation that occurred during the 1990s.

However, over the last decade or so, easing recriminations have allowed for significant developments and improvements to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s tourism infrastructure. Intrepid travellers tempted to try something new have been thrilled to discover an incredible country of stunning and pristine nature, a fascinating blend of cultures including some of the oldest traditional practices in Europe, friendly people, UNESCO World Heritage sites and world-famous Balkan cuisine. For city enthusiasts, Sarajevo, the capital, is a cosmopolitan centre with trendy bars and cafes, while nature mavens will find in the surrounding mountains and countryside countless escapes and excursions.
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Posted under Bosnia and Herzegovina, General, countries, local tips, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter

Keeping Montenegro Pristine

Using Sustainable Tourism to Get Back on the Map

By Ethan Gelber

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I’m always favourably surprised by how many people have heard of Montenegro. For such a Lilliputian nation, it seems to have outsized celebrity, although, sadly, still seldom as a place worthy of holiday consideration. Having been an attractive vacation retreat as recently as the 1980s, Montenegro until just a few years ago had fallen off the radar as a tourist destination for anyone outside the region. Despite remaining more or less aloof during the Balkan hostilities of the 1990s, Montenegro’s tourist infrastructure and reputation suffered as did the entire region’s: gutted by a decade of flying bullets and political barbs.

Montenegro Adventures and Green Visions guides atop Bobotov Kuk

Today, however, Montenegro is at last reaching new travel audiences. Unlike some of its neighbours – Montenegro shares borders with Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania – Montenegro declared its independence in 2006 without its armed forces firing a shot, which sent a clear positive message to travellers. Even before then Montenegro had felt free to pursue an agenda that included redeveloping tourism assets and services throughout the country.

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Posted under General, Montenegro, countries, responsible organisations, responsible travel, whl.travel newsletter