Assessment of sustainable tourism potential in protected areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina

Protected areas of Bosnia and Herzegovina represent an important resource for the development of sustainable tourism, with particular potential for agritourism in rural regions. The aim of the study was to analyse the tourism valorisation of protected areas and visitors’ attitudes toward natural and cultural resources. The study encompassed 40 protected areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina, applying both quantitative and qualitative methods, including a weighted Tourism Valorisation Index (tourist arrivals Di, tourism supply Pi, promotion Mᵢ) and a survey of 206 respondents with experience in mountain and recreational activities. The results indicate that tourism supply and promotion contribute most strongly to valorisation, with national parks achieving the highest index values (Di = 0.408; Pi = 0.82; Mi = 0.85), while strictly protected areas record minimal tourist traffic (Di = 0.003-0.006; Pi = 0.12-0.15; Mi = 0.10-0.12). Survey data confirm visitors’ orientation toward nature-based stays, active tourism, and the involvement of local communities. Respondents highly value the preservation of the natural environment, the authenticity of experiences, and socio-economic contributions (ratings 4-5). Stricter protection regimes support ecological and educational forms of tourism, whereas sites with lower levels of protection achieve higher tourism intensity through recreational and cultural activities. The integration of quantitative and qualitative data provides a basis for strategic planning of sustainable tourism, including agritourism and ecotourism.