The capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina is preparing for the 12th International Tourism and Hospitality Management Congress (ITHMC 2026). The event, scheduled for 21 to 25 October 2026, converges academics, researchers, and industry leaders to analyze the evolving global visitor economy.

Hosted by the University of Sarajevo’s Faculty of Science, Department of Geography, the congress integrates academic research with practical industry application. Zenith Travel Investment D.O.O. is serving as a primary coordination organization for the event.

The congress utilizes a hybrid format, enabling both physical attendance in Sarajevo and remote online participation. This approach aims to maximize international networking and knowledge exchange between universities and tourism practitioners.

Key Facts Breakdown

  • Event: 12th International Tourism and Hospitality Management Congress (ITHMC 2026).
  • Dates: 21 to 25 October 2026.
  • Location: Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
  • Lead Academic Host: Department of Geography, Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo.
  • Coordination Partner: Zenith Travel Investment D.O.O.
  • Key Academic Participant: Professor Aleksandar Valjarević (University of Belgrade, Serbia).
  • Core Themes: Sustainable tourism, hospitality innovation, destination management, and tourism entrepreneurship.
  • Specialized Topics: Dark tourism, film tourism, event tourism, gastronomic tourism, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

Data Table: Event Schedule

Date Scheduled Activities
21 October Airport transfers and city tour
22 October Registration, opening addresses, invited speakers, and academic sessions
23 October Academic presentations and Gala Dinner
24 October Cultural and social activities
25 October Delegate departures

Why This Matters

From a logistical and market perspective, this congress signals Bosnia and Herzegovina's aggressive push into the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. By leveraging Sarajevo's unique "cultural identity"—a blend of diverse historical influences—the city is positioning itself as more than a leisure destination.

For the hospitality industry, the focus on "Dark Tourism" and "Film Tourism" is particularly telling. These are high-growth, niche segments that allow destinations with complex histories, like Sarajevo, to monetize heritage responsibly. The inclusion of GIS (Geographical Information Systems) in the agenda suggests a shift toward data-driven destination management, moving away from intuitive planning to precise, spatial analysis of visitor flows.

Industry Outlook

Expect a surge in short-term demand for Sarajevo's premium accommodation and transport infrastructure during the October 2026 window. The inclusion of excursions to Mostar, Blagaj, Počitelj, and Konjic indicates an effort to distribute the economic impact of the congress beyond the capital city. If ITHMC 2026 successfully demonstrates the city's capacity for high-level academic and professional gatherings, it will likely trigger an increase in similar international business tourism bids for the region.

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