September 14, 2020 - The Summer School - Sustainable Development in Tourism - started today at the Faculty of Management in Herceg Novi, which takes place in partnership with the local Tourist Organization, Adventure Park "Vrbanj" and the NGO "Sinergija," with the support of the Ministry of Science of Montenegro.
Dean doc. Dr. Irena Petrusic presented the Summer School participants a comprehensive program for the next seven days and the basic idea behind the school. The educational gathering was officially opened by the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Herceg Novi, Danijela Djurovic.
According to Djurovic, Herceg Novi is fortunate that the Faculty of Management's teaching staff is taking steps to raise awareness regarding quality and sustainable tourism development, preservation and valorization of natural resources, marketing innovations, and future opportunities and dilemmas.
-Undoubtedly, as a state, a city, and a social community, we must look for support in those who educate present and future generations to deliver these goals. Meeting the needs of the current generation without compromising future generations' needs is an important global goal. The biggest challenge for humanity, and thus our society, is to ensure healthy growth without degradation and destruction of natural resources and environmental pollution. To provide future generations with stability and prosperity, Djurovic said at the opening.
After the introductory words, the participants today attended lectures on spatial planning in the function of sustainable development, which was discussed by Sladjana Lazarevic from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Vice Dean for Teaching of the hosting institution, doc. Dr. Nikša Grgurević.
Tomorrow's session will open with a lecture by Dr. Dragan Klarić, who will discuss marketing aspects in rural development. Doc. Dr. Bojana Ostojić will hold a workshop on "presentation of rural settlements in Montenegro through Internet marketing," followed by a visit to the Adventure Park "Vrbanj" as a successful example of sustainable tourism.
On the third day of the school, representatives of the Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi will talk about the how the factors relating to the attractiveness of a tourist destination can affect competitiveness, followed by a lecture on 3D printing and the opportunities it provides, following which participants will have the chance to use the technology.
The summer school will also be an opportunity for students to get acquainted with the types of sustainable materials used in construction of tourist facilities. Doc. Dr. Jovana Jovanović will give a lecture on the application of new construction materials to increase the energy efficiency of tourist facilities. Dr. Kosara Kujundžić, B.Sc., will also talk about methodology that can be applied practically in the tourism sector to achieve the 2030 plan's goals, and will also hold a "Lego serious play" method workshop where teamwork through the game will explore the possibilities and potential for sustainable tourism in Montenegro.
Prof. Dr. Djordje Jovanovic will talk about alternative energy sources as a significant factor in sustainable development. Antonije Pusic (Rambo Amadeus) will discuss the practical application of solar energy. The well-known artist will present his great project- supported by the UNDP project "Development of low carbon tourism," where he restored a century-old ship and turned it into a solar sailing ship - a solar-powered sailboat.
The Summer School program also includes a lecture on "green tourism," or the "green economy" in which vital links between the economy, society, and the environment are taken into account, which affect the transformation of production processes and consumption patterns, contributes to reducing waste and pollution. It involves the efficient use of resources, materials, and energy, creates decent employment opportunities, reduces poverty, and improves income distribution equality. Environmental activist Milica Boca will talk about these topics.
Prof. Dr. Vasilije Kostić will give a lecture on entrepreneurial models in the function of sustainable tourism. As an example from practice, the workshop will be held by Bojana Otašević, MA, owner and director of the company "Mille Baci," which produces home-made Montenegrin ice cream.
The seventh day of the summer school is dedicated to cultural heritage management and sustainable tourism. NGO Sinergija is a non-governmental organization from Herceg Novi. Its primary goal is to recognize and revitalize local public spaces and cultural heritage and use it for various projects, such as revitalization and activation of the Španjola Fortress through art and its future restoration. The participants will be addressed by the representative of the organization, Vuk Čvoro.
Upon completing the Summer School, participants will be awarded certificates, with the announcement of the workshops' most creative participants.
