Who We are
The Balkan Tourism Development Foundation (BTDF) is a regional organization established to lead the development of sustainable, responsible, and innovative tourism across the Balkans.
As a cross-border cooperation platform, BTDF brings together institutions, the private sector, local communities, experts, and international partners with the aim of transforming the Balkans into a globally recognized destination for quality tourism and unique experiences. We are a hub where ideas, people, opportunities, and projects converge, acting as a bridge between the countries of the region and the international tourism market.
BTDF is independent, professional, and fully committed to the sustainable development of tourism-related sectors. Through innovation, partnerships, and initiatives, we deliver tangible value to local communities and economies.
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It is a great honor to lead the Balkan Tourism Development Foundation. The Balkans is a region of extraordinary diversity—rich cultures, deep history, breathtaking landscapes, and resilient communities. Yet, for many years, this potential has been underrepresented, fragmented, or undervalued on the global tourism stage.
The Foundation was created with a clear purpose: to unite the region through sustainable tourism development and transform potential into long-term, shared value. From the very beginning, our vision has been collaborative. BTDF operates with a wide and diverse network of partners—local communities, tourism professionals, governments, educational institutions, NGOs, and international organizations. We firmly believe that tourism development cannot succeed in isolation; it requires cooperation across borders, sectors, and cultures.
Our mission goes beyond promotion. We focus on building strong tourism ecosystems that protect cultural identity, preserve natural resources, empower local communities, and create long-term economic opportunities. Sustainable tourism is not a trend—it is a responsibility.
Through our initiatives, we support innovation, capacity building, destination development, and cross-border projects that strengthen the Balkans as a unified yet diverse destination. We ensure that tourism growth benefits people on the ground—small businesses, young professionals, artisans, and local families—while maintaining the authenticity that makes the Balkans truly unique.
I am proud of the network we have built and the trust we continue to earn. Our strength lies in partnership, shared knowledge, and a common belief that the Balkans can lead by example in sustainable and inclusive tourism development.
Looking ahead, our commitment remains strong. We will continue to expand cooperation, attract strategic investment, support innovation, and position the Balkan region as a destination of quality, authenticity, and responsibility.
I invite policymakers, industry leaders, communities, and innovators to join us in shaping a tourism future that is sustainable, inclusive, and proudly Balkan. Together with our partners, we continue to create a future where tourism contributes positively to people, places, and the prosperity of the Balkan region.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your shared vision.
Mario Kardi
Founder & President
