Every year, IBTM World in Barcelona gathers the global meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (MICE) community to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and shape the future of the industry. It is where the world’s leading destinations and agencies showcase their expertise and inspire event professionals to imagine new possibilities.
This year, Fortuna DMC is proud to once again represent Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkan region on this prestigious stage. For us, IBTM is more than a trade show – it is an opportunity to present our country as a destination full of authentic experiences, creative solutions, and inspiring venues that bring lasting value to corporate clients.
Our message is simple: Bosnia and Herzegovina is not just a destination – it is a story waiting to be lived. We invite you to visit our stand in Barcelona, meet our team, and discover how we can turn your next incentive trip or meeting into a journey of discovery in the very heart of the Balkans.
As a preview, we sat down with Sanja Kaljuzny, Deputy Director of Fortuna, whose professional journey mirrors the growth of Fortuna itself. Through her story, you will glimpse the passion, expertise, and creativity that define our approach to MICE.
From Tour Guiding Roots to Leading Incentive Programs
For more than 30 years, Fortuna has built a team that understands every aspect of destination management – from guiding groups and providing operational support, to product design, client relations, and the organization of corporate events. Many team members, including the current leadership, began their careers as tour guides, which gave them a deep appreciation of what it means to create an experience rather than just a tour.
Over time, this hands-on expertise has shaped every part of Fortuna’s work. The company has been represented at international trade fairs, collaborated with global media, and strengthened its professional profile through industry certifications and partnerships.
Today, Fortuna’s team develops and delivers incentive and corporate programs that combine creativity, logistical precision, and the authenticity of the destination. At the heart of this effort is Deputy Director Sanja Kaljuzny, whose own professional journey reflects the growth of Fortuna itself. In this interview, she shares how the team continues to design programs that are both innovative and true to the values that have defined Fortuna since the very beginning.
Q&A with Sanja
– What do you say to clients who ask why they should choose Bosnia and Herzegovina as a destination for incentives or business events?
Bosnia and Herzegovina may not boast the same level of infrastructure as some Western European destinations, but what we offer is something many others cannot: authenticity, diversity, and efficiency.
On a small territory, you can experience a remarkable variety of climates and landscapes. Guests can wake up surrounded by snow-covered peaks and enjoy Mediterranean sunshine by afternoon. This compact geography allows us to design incentive programs with maximum variety and minimal transportation costs – something our clients deeply value.
And because Bosnia and Herzegovina is not a large country, we benefit from a strong network of contacts and partnerships. This opens doors to exclusive venues and unique experiences that may not be accessible otherwise. It also means that planning and implementation are fast and efficient – decisions can be made quickly, permissions secured smoothly, and programs adjusted on the spot.
When combined with our country’s cultural richness – from Ottoman heritage to Austro-Hungarian architecture, from diverse culinary traditions to living folklore – Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes a destination where guests feel genuinely connected, welcomed, and inspired.
– What are some of your favorite experiences to include in incentive programs that always delight clients?
What excites me most is the creative part of the job – the process of designing an experience that perfectly balances fun, purpose, and the client’s business goals. Incentive programs are not “one size fits all.” For each client, we aim to create something that resonates with their company’s culture and objectives, while still being unforgettable for every participant.
That could mean team competitions on our rivers, where colleagues work together to conquer rapids. Or sports games and creative workshops in natural settings, combined with fine local wines and gastronomy. It could be a culinary challenge, where teams prepare traditional dishes, or a wine-pairing session that stimulates conversation and teamwork.
Some of my favorite examples include:
- A traditional pie-making workshop in the 17th-century Bišćević House, set to the sound of sevdah music.
- Rafting on the Neretva or Una rivers and canoe safaris on the Trebižat, which double as adventurous team-building days.
- A barbecue competition in nature, where groups cooked, competed, and celebrated together.
- “Fox in a Box” interactive city tours of Mostar and Sarajevo, blending history with gamification to create playful yet educational exploration.
These are just glimpses of what we do – but for me, the joy lies in the challenge of tailoring each program so that it feels as though it was designed exclusively for that client and their team.
– Can you share one experience that consistently creates the biggest “wow effect” with international groups?
We love to keep some surprises for our guests 😉. But let me paint a picture:
Imagine standing at sunset, gazing over the Mediterranean horizon. The sky glows orange and pink, a gentle breeze carries the sound of soft local music, and in your hand you hold a glass of chilled Herzegovinian wine. Around you, your colleagues – away from the office and the pressures of daily work – are laughing, talking, and sharing a moment of genuine connection.
It is these kinds of moments – carefully planned, yet naturally authentic – that create the strongest memories. That is the “wow effect” we aim for: not just a striking view, but an emotional experience that bonds teams and leaves them inspired long after they return home.
– If you had to choose one more Balkan destination for meetings and events, besides Bosnia and Herzegovina, which would it be and why?
I would choose Croatia or Montenegro, primarily because of their stunning coastal settings and world-class resorts. The Adriatic coast adds a new dimension to MICE programs, with opportunities like boat trips to islands, seaside gala dinners, or wellness activities by the sea.
But even when we collaborate with regional neighbors, I believe Bosnia and Herzegovina holds a unique advantage: the ability to combine natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and logistical efficiency in one destination. And with its mountains, rivers, and even a small stretch of Adriatic coastline, our country continues to surprise international clients who arrive not knowing what to expect.
See You in Barcelona
This short conversation with Sanja is only a sneak peek into what Bosnia and Herzegovina and Fortuna DMC can offer the international MICE community.
If you are attending IBTM World Barcelona 2025, we warmly invite you to visit our stand, meet our team, and discover how your next incentive trip or corporate event can be transformed into an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Balkans.
Let’s connect in Barcelona – and start creating stories together.