Families that use old farmhouses for guests are far more successful in rural tourism than those who welcome them in more modern facilities. Thus, the project “Cultural Landscape”, which is being implemented in the cross-border areas of Montenegro and Albania, could significantly contribute to the preservation of the traditional architecture of the rural parts in the north.

The aim is, according to the Regional Development Agency “Bjelasica, Komovi, Prokletije” (RDA), to raise awareness of traditional folk architecture, but also to improve the appearance of individual buildings, as well as entire villages in that part of the country, through a series of concrete activities.

RDA is a partner of the project and is being implemented with colleagues from the Regional Council “Shkodra” and the Polymers Museum Berane.

"Since during many years of work in the field, we have seen people either demolish old houses and make new ones or let old ones collapse on their own. It is also our experience that the families who have put the old houses in the function of tourism are far more successful than those who welcome guests in more modern facilities in the countryside. We wanted to draw attention to the importance and diversity of old architecture,” says RDA Director Jelena Krivcevic.

 Preserve the old look of real estate: Kolasin village (Photo: RDA)

That's why last summer they hired architects from “Expedition”, who identified traditional buildings in northern Montenegro. That work showed, she says, a variety of styles depending on whether it was a village or katun, but also the peculiarities that certain ethnic groups brought to the construction.

"We also estimated that this colorful character was also of great importance. An expert study has been done, as well as recommendations for those who want to build new facilities in the countryside. These recommendations will better fit them into the setting. There are also recommendations for those who want to renovate old buildings,” says the RDA director.

Krivcevic reminds that in some areas, for which a regime of protection has been announced, there is an urban boom, that is, the construction of cottages, which are often not adaptable to the environment.

The RDA is also implementing the project “Cultural Landscaping of the Village”. Two villages have shown results in rural tourism or have plans in the area.

"Kurikuce is a village at the entrance to the NP 'Biogradska Gora' and the other is Kaludra, on the way to Mokra planina. They will make changes that do not cost a lot, and significantly contribute to the overall impression - planting flowers, arranging bridges, installing containers and fences. The project also envisages the restoration of three mills, which are also one example of our authentic folk architecture. That will be finished by November," Krivcevic said.

Jelena Krivcevic (Photo: RDA)

The RDA claims that it is encouraging that the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism has recognized rural architecture as something significant for tourism development. The rural tourism development program, as one of the measures, says Krivcevic, plans to support the preservation of traditional farmhouses and associated facilities. The RDA, she announces, will work in four municipalities over the next period and show suggestions for the layout of houses to be built in the north.

Handmade artefacts were brought out of the chests

In a dozen households in the north, interiors of old and new facilities for rural tourism were also renovated. It was an opportunity, the RDA explained, to extract a lot of original handicrafts from the chest of women from the north. The members of the association “Kreativa” from Berane helped them in arranging the interior, so the interior of the rooms intended for tourists' stay was significantly refined with a little money.

Text by Dragana Scepanovic, on September 1st, 2019, read more at Vijesti

Natasa Pejic, a Master of Philosophy from Belgrade, has been spending summers in Tivat, where she owns an apartment. She spoke with TMN about her view of this Bokelian town:

 "I have been coming to Tivat for the past three years, mostly during the summer. I enjoy it immensely and try to really relax and recharge for new challenges for the whole of next year, and it means great pleasure to me."

Natasa's first encounter with Tivat happened 30 years ago, of which she says:

"It was nice. I mostly went to Meljine at the time, and it was one of the few excursions outside of Herceg Novi that I accidentally made. I remember a wonderful experience as we, as young people, swam completely spontaneously and by chance to the settlement of Sveti Marko on the island across the town, where Club Mediteranne was at the time, and then the three of us went on foot around that club and it was really exciting for us and we returned swimming as if it was a complete joke. It's my first experience, my first encounter with Tivat. Then, about ten, or 15 years later, I came by boat to the waterfront Pine and I was completely impressed by how royal it looked, these palm trees, extraordinary! Now everything is fine in Tivat, I don't mind anything, which is quite unusual for me. I love the sea the most, sitting in a cafe and watching the bay, the sun shining on these waves, magical."

This is not something easy to compliment, as Natasha travelled around the world and lived in New York for several years, where she earned a master's degree in philosophy on "How to Define Mental Illness".

When it comes to this topic and in this region, Pejic says: “I think that it is not easy at all for us, it is mostly difficult for us to live, and our mental health is much worse than for many years ago, when we lived in a more serious state. Tivat reminds me of some seaside towns in Croatia where I used to spend time as a kid. I have some associations on Jelsa, at sea in the former Yugoslavia.”

Natasa Pejic worked for fifteen years as a journalist:

"I've worked for the Beta News Agency for the longest time, and I'm very proud of that. It is an independent news agency, which I have worked for since its founding in 1994. It was a pioneering venture amid a terrible regime, which imposed itself there, and Beta did a really mining part of the work in the media and contributed to the overthrow of the regime. I don't think Beta has ever been recognized enough for this, the glory went to B92 and some newspapers, and Beta was a fundamental contributor to independent journalism during Milosevic's time.

Natasa Pejic has been in the publishing business for the last few years and has her own small publishing house "Mali vrt":

"I've been in publishing for fifteen years. It is a small publishing company, which I own, and I do not have big ambitions. I publish what I would normally do, do English translations and have three editions so far. One deals with psychology, where I mainly translate the work of Carl Gustav Jung's followers. The second is an edition of poetry, there are classics of world poetry, which I enjoy, which my associate Aleksandar Šurbatović is doing and relatively recently I have an edition that deals with socio-political and economic topics. ”

In Tivat, Natasa is taking a break from Belgrade, where she has a lot of work, and if looking forward to seeing us next summer.

The maps have been produced as part of a 2018-19 project by NGO Expeditio, entitled “Trails Through World Heritage”, and have been distributed to Kotor Tourist Board, which also provided support in delivering the project. 

Three maps have been printed, each with a run of 5000 copies:

Muo (Peluzica) – Fort Vrmac – Sveti Ilija

Glavati (Uvala Sv Ane) – Prčanj – Gornji Stoliv – Donji Stoliv

Kotor – Špiljari – Krstac

All interested locals and tourists can pick up free copies of the maps at Kotor Tourist Board information points.

The maps have been made available in English and have also been provided in electronic format to Kotor Tourist Board.

Photo: Trails Through World Heritage

One of the aims of the “Trails Through World Heritage” project was to offer something completely new to tourists from within the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor, a region which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was also aimed at encouraging those who live in the area to adopt an active lifestyle by promoting alternative types of eco/active and cultural tourism (outdoor, hiking, rural…).  This would be done through analysis, mapping and development of informational and promotional material on walking and hiking trails.

The Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor, part of the Boka Kotorska Bay, is one of over 1,000 places across the world that make up the UNESCO World Heritage List, being of exceptional value to humanity. The harmonious relationship between the impressive nature of the Bay, and its diverse and rich cultural heritage, created and preserved over centuries, gives the Kotor region characteristics of a cultural landscape of exceptional universal value.

The “Trails Through World Heritage” project was supported by the Kotor Municipality through public competition for the allocation of budget funding for the financing of non-governmental organisations in 2017.

September 1, 2019 - A trip to Dobrota near Kotor for this week's RE/MAX Property of the Week in Montenegro. 

One of the concerns about owning a holiday home is that there is usually nobody local to look after it unless special arrangements are made. The advantages of owning property in a gated community include peace of mind, both in terms of security and property maintenance. And should the property come in an idyllic location by UNESCO World Heritage Site Boka Bay and a short drive from the magical old town of Kotor, then peace of mind is just one of the attractions of this week's RE/MAX Property of the Week, a 43 m2 one-bedroom apartment in a gated community with swimming pool, with sales price of 119,000 euro. 

In the words of the official RE/MAX property description:

One-bedroom apartment, fully furnished with a swimming pool, located on the ground floor. This is a gated development, very nicely kept all round and constantly maintained. The swimming pool is also regularly serviced and is shared between all the residents in the building. Location is excellent, it’s very close to Forza Mare and within close proximity of local beaches, restaurants and Kotor Old Town is only 5 minutes away by car. Excellent Investment.

Community Description 

Dobrota is one of the places on the Montenegrin coast where it is still possible to see all the splendor of the former Boka and the noble Kotor, from the time when sailors sailed the world's seas, conveying the glory of these regions and bringing much wealth to the local naval houses.

Dobrota is located in the immediate vicinity of the ancient Kotor with a view to Vrmac. A large number of churches today testify to the solid faith of the old Dobrich. The promenade in Dobrota runs several kilometers along the coast beside countless small stone pontoons and old palaces, unique and glossy like nowhere else.

The seafront of Dobrota consists of old captain villas renovated as seaside cafes and small hotels. Dobrota is also a place with very good restaurants and small seaside cafes where you can truly enjoy the ambiance of the ancient Boka.

For more photos, information and to book a viewing, check out the original RE/MAX listing. 

01 September 2019 - Hong Kong Tatler, the essential guide to the luxury lifestyle in Hong Kong, recently placed Budva, Montenegro on the top of the list of destinations for a luxurious last-minute trip!

Hong Kong Tatler Magazine that covers everything from the best events and most glamorous people, to fine dining, international fashion and luxury travel wanted to inspire its readers to take advantage of the remaining sunny summer days and organise a last minute trip to a luxurious destination. In fact, Tatler based the destination research on famous people’s holiday getaways, and the very first recommendation is Aman Sveti Stefan Resort in Budva!

While exploring Montenegro, one of Hong Kong society's brightest young stars and a social media phenomenon, Eleanor Lam (better known as Elly), fell in love with Aman Sveti Stefan, the charming seaside hideaway resort with lush grounds and stunning sea views.

As Tatle reported, Eleanor Lam is always on the move, and a highlight from her myriad summer jaunts was Budva, a medieval town in Montenegro. She stayed at the Aman Sveti Stefan, an exclusive resort atop a private island that used to be a fishing village in the 15th century.

Pink-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and rugged, pine-cloaked mountains form the untamed backdrop to Aman Sveti Stefan, in one of Europe's last corners of truly wild beauty – Montenegro, managed to charm the young star. Eleanor loves exploring exotic destinations, and the stroll along the shoreline, Queen’s Beach, the scallop-shaped bay considered Montenegro’s finest, left her breathless as she managed to take some gorgeous photograph on site.

Lam also couldn’t resist revealing more beautiful locations in Montenegro, as she visited a peaceful, authentic place with delicious Montenegrin cuisine, Rijeka Crnojevića. Swimming in a pool with a gorgeous view over the Skadar Lake, Ellie posted a picture on social media, saying that she could get used to the picturesque sites Montenegro has to offer.

01 September 2019 - Rada Mineral water factory from Bijelo Polje plans to start exporting products as of September, and it will soon begin the production of juices, flavored water and probably energy drinks.

Co-owner of Water group company from Kolašin Boris Rašković said that so far they had been focused on the domestic market only.

"We have planned some new products from the beginning. As for juices and flavored water, we expect that phase to begin next year. We are making plans for starting exporting next month. That is something new, we haven’t done that so far," said Rašković.

Water group bought last year Bjelasica Rada company from Bijelo Polje. It plans to cover the Montenegrin market with Rada products as much as possible, reported Cafe del Montenegro.

Water group co-owner says that they will have a lot of work to do in Montenegro.

"We are not very satisfied with what we have done so far because the market is much bigger and it could be covered better. The market is a living organism and must be dealt with in the long run," pointed out Rašković.

He also said they operated in accordance with plans.

"We were a little late, but we are satisfied anyway. It was not simple to enter the market. The very beginning of the season wasn’t very satisfactory, but we managed to go even beyond our expectations," stressed out Rašković.

Representatives of Water group point out that they are very satisfied with the reaction of buyers.

"They are happy and we are happy. We expect September and October to be strong," stated Rašković on this occasion.

The factory currently county 20 employees. The number is expected to increase with the market opening.

"Increasing production requires investments. I will not provide you with details now, and we have not made our decisions yet. But there will definitely be more investments in the factory, infrastructure, sale network," concluded Rašković.

Read more news about business in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

01 September 2019 - The 340 million EUR super-yacht Eclipse, owned by the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, was spotted in the Boka Bay this morning.

The ship has 24 guest cabins, two pools, a nightclub, and even a missile defense system!

The Russian billionaire spent 350 million EUR to make this ship, but some claim it cost 1 billion EUR if all the luxury and safety amenities are taken into account.

Roman Abramovich’s Eclipse boasts nine decks, the top one containing two helipads and a garage. The forward helipads open out to allow for a Eurocopter EC155 to be placed in a hangar underneath, reported Cafe del Montenegro.

The 8th deck has a swimming pool and a sundeck, with a pull-out barbecue and pizza oven and a built-in wood-burning fire pit.

The main saloon boasts a fireplace and a massive sculpture from Indonesia. There is another pool on the seventh deck with an adjustable depth feature that sees the floor rise and fall, so that it can be changed into a dance floor.

The Eclipse also has bullet-proof windows and lasers to dazzle paparazzi.

Each cabin in the yacht has a private cinema screen, a Jacuzzi, spa and special security systems. The super-yacht is however very expensive to maintain – running costs are estimated to 40 million EUR a year.

Read more news about traveling through Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

31. August 2019 - Mayors of Tivat and Kotor, Sinisa Kusovac and Zeljko Aprcovic signed annex4A and annex3 contracts with the representative of the German company WTE Hubert Schuter, which created the necessary conditions for taking over the wastewater treatment plant. The two documents were also signed by the directors of the water utilities of Tivat and Kotor, Alen Krivokapić and Safet Luković. These documents specify that within 90 days it should be defined and specified that by February 28, 2020, the WTE should leave the wastewater treatment plant to Tivat and Kotor, said mayor Siniša Kusovac.

During this period, complete staff training will be conducted. 

"Under the WTE monitoring, another 42-day test should be carried out and the technical correctness of the water checked. During that period, the technical acceptance of the complete facility should be carried out. This is especially important because of the company Lustica Development and in the forthcoming period it is necessary to consider the modalities of delivery of technical water, its correctness and the possibility of water supply to the golf course", Kusovac explained.

The agreement between the two mayors and municipalities specified that the expropriation of land in Klačina and the costs on that basis were the obligations of the Municipality of Tivat. The municipality of Tivat and Kotor will specify the costs of management, ie what quantities of wastewater are coming from Kotor, and how much from Tivat and on that parity will be made the costs and obligations will be paid.

Kusovac stated that the members of the Board of Directors were also changed, the Statute was amended and, accordingly, competition and selection of staff would be announced in order to start training as soon as possible, so that the management structure should now only take care of that company, Kusovac said.

Wastewater treatment plant for Tivat and Kotor municipalities was put into operation in July 2016.

EUR 10.3 million has been invested in this investment.

Source Radio Tivat 

30. 31. August 2019 - Wines of the company 13. Jul - Plantaže continued with a gold string of medals at the world's largest competitions, announced the PRiSMA-corporate communications, authorized PR agency of „13. Jul Plantaze” company.

New international recognition for Montenegrin wines comes from the recently concluded China Wine & Spirits Awards, the largest and most prestigious competition in China. Plantaže had sent samples that won nine medals: seven gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

Malvasia wine 2017 has won Double gold. Gold was also awarded to Vranac 2015, Epoch 2013, Premier 2011, Vranac Barrique 2015 and Vranac Reserve 2013. The silver medal went to Vranac Pro Corde 2015, while Vladika 2015 won bronze in this prestigious Chinese competition.

Over 100 international judges, composed of distributors, trade wines, sommeliers of wines and spirits, blindly evaluated wines from 55 countries. The award-winning Plantaže products have received numerous awards all over the world so far, and this is just another confirmation of their superior quality, as concluded in the announcement.

Over half a century, the Montenegrin company 13. Jul - Plantaže represents one of the greatest and most important producers of grapes, wines and grape brandy in Southeast Europe. It owns a unique vineyard in a single complex, covering an impressive area of cc.2.300 ha. Nowadays, Plantaže produces cc.22 million kilos of grapes annually, selling more than 16 million bottled products in over 40 countries in the world. Plantaže is recognisable by the authentic products, made of the authentic grape varieties. Each wine is different because it has been made in a particular place and a single vineyard, as said on the official website of the company - https://www.plantaze.com/en/o-nama/

31 August 2019 - The Jazz Bay Herceg Novi Festival, which traditionally gathers many renowned jazz artists, will be held on September 01 and 02, 2019.

Jazz Bay Herceg Novi Festival will bring eminent regional, European and international jazz musicians to Montenegro. Still, since the founding of the festival, the organisers intended to promote as many Montenegrin jazz artists as possible, especially those who have perfected their musical knowledge at prestigious music colleges.

This year's festival will begin on Sunday, September 1st, with the performance of young Montenegrin jazz artist Iva Kostić with CAUSTIC boiz from 9 pm in the Park Hall. This will mark Iva’s first concert in Herceg Novi, at which she will promote the debut album "Đorđijana".

On the second night of the festival, prominent regional and European jazz pianist and composer Zvezdan Ružić and Sextet will be introduced to the audience in Herceg Novi. After the concert, the organisers have prepared a Jam session, during which the audience will be able to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and explore jazz standards and improvisation. The jamming session will take place from 9 pm to 1 am, in the cafe Boka. All guests will have the opportunity to dance to the sounds of the renowned Montenegrin jazz guitarist Miodrag Šula Jovović and his band.

The festival organisers have put great effort so that the two days of the festival program will enchant the audience, and that thanks to the Jazz Bay Festival, Herceg Novi will be on the map of jazz events as a cultural and tourist destination.