14th Annual Forum of EUSDR - Sarajevo, 3-6 November 2025

Bosnia and Herzegovina holds the Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region from 1 January to 31 December 2025. As part of this, the 12th Danube Participation Day took place in Sarajevo as an official side event of the 14th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region in early November.

This gathering represented a highlight of the Presidency term, bringing together stakeholders from across the Danube Region and beyond, while showcasing the achievements and ongoing activities of the year. People Powered Tourism took part of the event, having received an official invitation to the PA3 Steering Group meeting as well as the panel on eco-tourism and local and regional development, offering a unique opportunity to share insights and connect with partners in a dynamic setting.

The EUSDR event held in Sarajevo from 3 to 6 November unfolded as an engaging blend of professional exchange and cultural discovery. Across several days, the city and the conference together created an atmosphere where ideas, history, and regional cooperation met in a uniquely inspiring way.

Sarajevo’s Captivating Setting

Sarajevo immediately set the tone with its striking contrasts: the call of traditional cafés in Baščaršija, the elegance of Austro-Hungarian boulevards, and the modern rhythm of a city moving confidently into the future. This rich, layered environment provided more than just a backdrop—it added character and depth to every moment of the event.

Walking through the old town, passing copper artisans, bakeries, and centuries-old mosques, the sense of cultural diversity was impossible to miss. It echoed perfectly the themes of the EUSDR: connection, cooperation, and the meeting of different histories and perspectives.

A Dynamic and Inspiring Conference

The event featured a vibrant program focused on shaping the future of the Danube Region, with sessions on sustainability, environmental protection, digital development, and governance innovation. The atmosphere throughout was marked by openness, curiosity, and the willingness to share knowledge.

A key moment came on 3 November, when the Lead Partner of the People Powered Tourism delivered a presentation during the PA3 Steering Group meeting. The contribution sparked strong interest among participants, showcasing how community-based tourism initiatives can enhance regional identity, support local development, and foster people-centered cooperation across the Danube Region.

Other elements stood out:

– Engaging policy sessions exploring how Danube Region countries can strengthen governance and accelerate joint initiatives.

– Practical, solutions-oriented working groups, encouraging creative thinking and the development of transnational project ideas.

– Vibrant networking opportunities, where informal conversations naturally turned into collaborative prospects.

A Broader View, New Insights, and Future Potential

The EUSDR meeting offered an exceptional opportunity to gather new perspectives and practical insights. The wealth of experiences shared by regional experts, project leaders, and policymakers provided valuable knowledge that can be directly applied to future activities. These learnings not only enrich ongoing work but also open new pathways for cooperation, innovation, and project development.

The event also strengthened the belief in the long-term potential of People Powered Tourism DRP. As the concept of community-driven, human-centered tourism continues to gain recognition, there is strong optimism that by the time the next annual meeting arrives, the project will have advanced to a stage where it can be showcased more prominently—potentially even through a dedicated panel presentation.

The EUSDR event in Sarajevo successfully combined substantial professional dialogue with a setting that inspired reflection and connection. With its lively exchanges, cultural richness, and the wealth of new experiences gathered, the event reinforced a strong sense of momentum—and optimism that the region’s evolving tourism vision will play an even more prominent role in future cooperation and discussions.