This paper considers the essence, significance and necessity of application of the marketing approach, i.e. planning, organizing and control of marketing activities in tourist and rural tourist policy, intending to add to competitiveness of the tourism offer in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The paper elaborates theoretic and substantial aspects of marketing element in tourism and rural tourism, with a special view on importance and contribution of marketing approach in competitiveness of tourism and rural tourism offer in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The marketing approach in tourism and rural tourism, presented in this work, may serve as a basis for creating policy and developing marketing approach in B&H tourism and rural tourism.