Blue Pass as New Adriatic Tourism Offer
On 10 November 2022, the University of Dubrovnik hosted the closing event of EXCHANGE — Explore Cross-border Aquatic Biodiversity, presenting the results of 27 months of cooperation among five partners from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
The central result was Blue Pass, a joint tourism product combining discounted visits to thematic routes with a digital guide to the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
My contribution was to present the Blue Pass EXCHANGE mobile application and the follow-up Action Plan, connecting the visitor tool with arrangements for continued cooperation.
A shared tourism offer across three countries
Blue Pass brought together four thematic routes:
Dubrovnik and Aquarium Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Kotor and Aquarium Boka, Montenegro.
Mostar Aqua Path, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Hutovo Blato Nature Park Aqua Path, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The joint ticket offered discounted visits, while improvements to visitor infrastructure supported the presentation of these destinations. Together, the routes connected marine and freshwater biodiversity with the cultural heritage of neighbouring communities.
Presenting the mobile guide
In my presentation, I introduced the Blue Pass EXCHANGE mobile application, developed for Android and iOS.
The guide organised information by thematic route, with each section covering natural heritage, cultural heritage, the visitor route and transport information. A consistent structure helped users navigate between destinations while exploring what made each location distinctive.
The application complemented the ticket by providing information visitors could use to understand the attractions and plan their journeys across the participating areas.
Photo: The Blue Pass EXCHANGE mobile guide, connecting natural and cultural heritage across four thematic routes in three countries.
Planning cooperation beyond the project
I also presented the Blue Pass Action Plan for follow-up, addressing the continuation of the initiative beyond the funded implementation period.
This linked the closing event’s review of completed activities with the practical need to sustain cooperation around the tourism product. Blue Pass depended on connections among partner institutions, attractions and tourism organisations, alongside the information and services available to visitors.
The event brought these contributions together, demonstrating how cross-border cooperation could translate knowledge of aquatic biodiversity into a shared tourism offer. My presentations focused on the digital guide and the next steps for maintaining that connection.
Cover photo: The EXCHANGE project team at the closing event, University of Dubrovnik, Croatia, 10 November 2022.
