Geotehnika Montenegro of Nikšić will be carrying out major works until November next year to mitigate the landslide around Kanli Kula, which, once implemented, will stop further shifting of the land and “cracking” of the fortress. The estimated value of the project, financed by the Public Works Administration of Montenegro, had been 300k euros; however, an offer from Geotehnika was accepted at 219,615 euros including VAT. Experts from Geotehnika have already been working for a month on the complex project.

The audit of the main project is being carried out by Civil Engineer, Podgorica. The Public Works Administration had earmarked 50k euros for this; however the company has cost 27,600 euros for the completion of the work.

The damage to Kanli Kula has become all the more visible in recent years, with cracks and crevices in the walls widening, and sagging increase. Experts have confirmed that this is the consequence of a significant landslide from the main road to the Old Town and The Church of the Archangel, noting that it is now precarious.

Kanli Kula Damage - photo Radio Jadran

The repairs to Kanli Kula, an old Turkish fortress from the 16th century - once a prison, but in 1966 rebuilt as one of the best summer stages on the Adriatic - will be carried out in two parts. The first is to carry out minor works that will precede major landslide mitigation. Only then will the second-stage reconstruction of the fortress take place, Prof. Dušan Lučić of the Montenegrin Institute of Civil Engineering, stated to Radio Jadran. Prof. Lučić was a member of the team involved in the exploratory work carried out at the beginning of April 2017.

The project works will take one year, given the need to use the entire 11- month hydrological cycle to monitor how the soil “reacts” in all atmospheric conditions.

During a visit to Herceg Novi this summer, the Ambassador of Turkey to Montenegro, Songul Ozan, stated that the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Montenegro was interested in cooperating with the city and government to find a model that would assist the renovation of Kanli Kula and remedy the landslides that threaten the fortress. Together with her Deputy Bled Kačar and Trade Relations Advisor Derij Koč, the Ambassador urged the Municipality’s leadership to consider applying for the project with the Turkish Agency for International Cooperation and Coordination.

For the repairs and adaptation to Kanli Kula, JUK Herceg Fest, which manages the fortress, will be working jointly with the Ministry of Culture under a mandatory conservation project, stated the Institution’s Director Gordana Porobić Krcunović.

Although architecturally in a deplorable state, the fortress has been able to “withstand” all cultural and entertainment programmes that have been minimised in technical and technological terms. This summer, a high-tech visitors centre was opened at the fortress, with funding provided by the Interreg IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme for Croatia-Bosnia Herzegovina-Montenegro 2014-2020, through the Fortress ReInvented project. With augmented reality glasses and 3D animation, users were able to step back into the Middle Ages and see what this centuries-old fortress and the city of Herceg Novi looked like throughout history.

Source: Radio Jadran

01 November 2019 - The local government of Herceg Novi has recently drawn up an Investment Map for the city, which includes several significant projects crucial to the development of the city.

Guided by the desire to overcome all the negative effects of privatization, and to change the previous orientation of economic activities in the narrow zone of the urban part of the municipality, to promote the development of its rural part, especially Luštica, the local government representatives have drawn up a map of investments. The Investment Map includes 15 projects, of which as many as 11 relate directly or indirectly to tourism development, reports Radio Jadran.

Some projects included in the Map will be built from the city’s own resources, such as a public garage and a square in front of the municipal building - worth 3 million EUR. Future investors will be offered to invest in 14 more projects, according to a presentation of the Map organized by the municipality's management.

The Investment Map of Herceg Novi includes the following projects: Bus Station Complex with Shopping Centre in Igalo, Business Centre in Igalo, Tourist Settlement Njivice Viewpoint, "Sport inn" hotel with football pitch in Igalo, Porto Bono Tourist Complex in Luštica, business and apartment type facility in Meljine, mixed-use facility in Igalo, Hotel Play-Igalo, Sports town in Sutorina, Cable car Njivički put-Ilinica, Sanitary landfill Duboki do, City bypass and Zelenika-Rose ferry, nautical tourism at the Škver and the revitalization of the narrow-gauge railway line through Herceg Novi.

The Mayor of Herceg Novi, Stevan Katić, said that the Map was prepared on the basis of valid planning documentation and the spatial plan. He highlighted that one of the most significant projects for Herceg Novi is the construction of the Igalo Bus Station.

Katić also reminded that the current priority is the completion of water and road infrastructure in Luštica, for which project documentation is being drafted, and towards the end of this year and early next year, the realization of infrastructure investments in the peninsula, worth 10 million EUR, will start.

Director of the Agency for Construction and Development of Herceg Novi Boro Lučić emphasized that all 15 investment sites were developed following the spatial plan and added that he expects that future investors will be interested in these projects.

01 November 2019 - The Herceg Novi Tourism Organisation is a partner on the European project Cycling Rural, which includes the arrangement of several scenic viewpoints and four cycling tracks in Herceg Novi. The first project working session was held on October 31st in Ljubuški (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and it was attended by the president of the Tourism Organisation Pavle Obradović, reports Radio Herceg Novi.

“CYCLING RURAL - Cycling routes to improve natural and cultural heritage of Herzegovina and Montenegro” is a project that refers to tourism valorisation of natural and cultural heritage sites in rural and tourism marginalized areas in the targeted communities in Herzegovina and Montenegro (Široki Brijeg, Ljubuški, Posušje, Grude and Herceg Novi). The project aims to make these sites and countries recognized as outdoor tourism destinations. Cycling Rural involves the creation of new and attractive tourism offers (Cycling Rural tourism brand) in both cross border regions and at specific locations. This will directly lead to diversification of tourism offer and it will raise the quality of tourism offer and tourism services in the Adriatic Hinterland.

New scenic viewpoints in Herceg Novi will be arranged in the areas of Kameni and Vrbanj, and the project foresees four cycling tracks.

“The whole project is based on raising the attractiveness of cycling tours, which will increase the attractiveness of destinations included in the project. One cycling tour is planned from the Hotel Plaže, via Meljin and Pod to Kameni, and three are in the area of Kameni and Vrbanj. The Tourism Organisation is working to promote active tourism and this will be a new offer segment alongside the Adventure Park, which will increase the number of visits to the hinterland. The project envisages around 100 000 EUR for Herceg Novi,” said Obradović.

The Tourism Organization of Herceg Novi has applied for 23 projects, four of which have been approved, and as Obradović pointed out, significant funds will be allocated from EU grants.

“I am very pleased that this year we have established a sector for project planning. I hope that we will be even more successful in the future. Huge funds are being allocated from EU funds, and I now call on all local institutions to work together”, said the TO Director.

The Cycling Rural project runs through the spring of 2021 and is approved under the second call of the bilateral, through LOT 2 "Improving the Quality and Diversity of Tourism Offer Based on Natural and Cultural Heritage".

30 October 2019 - The Institute for physical medicine, rehabilitation and rheumatology Dr Simo Milosevic JSC Igalo, which marked its 70^th anniversary as a renowned institution for multidisciplinary spa treatment this year, was recently awarded a prestigious plaque to celebrate the institution’s high-quality offer.

Representatives of the Institute Dr Simo Milosevic Igalo recently took part in a specialized congress tourism fair (MICE) in Belgrade, WESTM2019, organized by the Novi Sad-based company Turistička prizma, which marks 25 years of existence and successful work this year.

On this occasion, an international journalist jury decided to award the prestigious prize – “Turistička prizma 2019 Award for creating a new quality in tourism” to Institute Dr Simo Milosevic Igalo, in the form of a Prizma statue and a charter.

Institute Dr Simo Milosevic JSC Igalo is an institution for physical medicine, rehabilitation and rheumatology. It is one of the largest and the most famous institutions for a multidisciplinary spa treatment on the Balkan Peninsula. The institute is a pioneer of modern physical and preventive medicine, thalassotherapy, and wellness, and it is also one of the leading international centres for rehabilitation of children, adults and seniors.

Besides the preventive medicine program and health rehabilitation, Institute Igalo offers wellness and recreational programs, which basically rely on the modern medical principals. These programs are devoted to the promotion of healthy lifestyles and benefits of aromatherapies, massages and face, body and soul pampering treatments.

The distinguished Award for creating a new quality in tourism, which was recently put in the hands of the representatives of the Igalo Institute, has been awarded continuously at the WESTM since 1997.

Winter Events & Spa Travel Market (WESTM) is MICE and Spa tourism exhibition for South-East and Central Europe organised in Serbia. It is designed for hotels and other accommodation facilities, ski resorts, spas, convention centres, tourist boards, tour operators and travel agencies, manufacturers and distributors of equipment, as well as all other companies operating within MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) or spa tourism. WESTM is the first international fair in Serbia for the MICE industry.

WESTM provides its participants with two days of business meetings with the MICE industry of the region, and educational and related programs are all designed with one goal: to make this event the step forward for business improvement. The event aims to establish better cooperation between the tourism industries of Southeast and Central Europe (SEE) and other European countries, as well as with companies outside of Europe who are interested in the regions. The educational program “ Travel2IT ”, which is open to all participants, aims to provide new practical knowledge and insight into emerging trends related to the winter, wellness & spa and congress tourism, and ICT.

27 October 2019 - After a decade of using its emblem, Herceg Novi finally received new city symbols - a coat of arms and a flag, which was put up on the city’s Clock Tower Tora.

As the Mayor of Herceg Novi, Stevan Katić, said at the ceremony, the new symbols have a historical foundation and represent a specific cultural heritage created for centuries. He emphasized that the symbols are in step with the efforts of the local government to present Herceg Novi in ​​a recognizable way, which will correspond to its uniqueness, reports Radio Jadran.

“The new coat of arms and flag are elements of the common past and present of Herceg Novi. I hope that the citizens of Herceg Novi will be able to understand the exact meaning of the symbols and that they will bind them to the city and each other. This flag will be put up on the Tora Clock Tower, after that at the fort and numerous establishments throughout the city. The flag, along with the coat of arms, will tour the world representing our city. By emphasizing them today, Herceg Novi celebrates its wealth, heritage, honesty, wisdom, peace, strength and daring," he said.

During the ceremony, the City Music and Majorettes went on a festive walk from Gradska kafana through Njegoš’ Street. They performed in front of numerous citizens of Herceg Novi and guests, who enjoyed the entertaining program at the Square and Tora Staircase, extending the ceremony to highlight new symbols of the ancient city.

After the ceremony raising the flag, a bazaar was opened in the main city square, serving traditional dishes, prosciutto, and wine to locals and guests.

The street symbol exhibition attracted many visitors, who were also entertained by the street musicians’ performance. Castel Nuovo made a tour through the city, all the while entertaining the audience with authentic tunes.

Establishing a ferry service from Zelenika to Rose, and the possibility of developing Zelenika as a leisure port that would be an alternative to Kotor are important issues for Herceg Novi, according to Minister of Transport and Maritime Affairs Osman Nurković and representatives of the city’s administration.

On Wednesday, during a working visit to Herceg Novi, Nurković and the city administration discussed road infrastructure, the status of Zelenika port and city port Škver, as well as issues related to the maritime economy.

“Legislation and strategic documentation that the Department of Transport and Maritime Affairs is working on need to provide comprehensive solutions and regulate an area where there is a lot of inconsistency and overlap with functions in other departments,” stated Nurković.

According to the Ministry, Nurković stated that, regardless of political views and choices, the common task for all is to create better conditions to ensure Montenegrin citizens can enjoy higher living standards.

Herceg Novi - Photo Boka News

Mayor of Herceg Novi Stevan Katić recalled that the most significant projects for the improvement of transport infrastructure are the construction of a city bypass, a road network on the Luštica Peninsula, defining the issue of the concession on city port Škver, solving the problem of traffic jams at border crossings with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and toll collection on the Meljine-Petijevići section, which could be defined as a highway by the state.

He stated that these were investments of interest to both the citizens of Herceg Novi and indeed the entire country, and which need cooperation from the Ministry and the local authority. 

Speaking about the reconstruction of the Adriatic Highway, Katić and others stated that better communication was needed to ensure there would be no traffic collapse or delays in carrying out the work during the second phase of the project.

Mayor of Herceg Novi Stevan Katić has been in Malaga to sign the Declaration on the Protection of Mediterranean Biodiversity, aligning the city with others that have made a commitment to protect natural ecosystems in the Mediterranean region, through strengthening management and networks between protected areas.

As announced on the local government website, the signing is part of activities within the project to streamline networking and management efforts in Mediterranean Protected Areas as a mechanism to enhance nature conservation and protection in the region - PANACeA, with Malaga hosting both the signing of the Declaration, and the project lead - the University of Malaga.

The visit was an opportunity to organise a bilateral meeting between the leaders of Herceg Novi and Malaga, which is the first official meeting between representatives of the two cities, and the first step towards further ties. During the meeting, both parties expressed an interest in linking the cities, and the Acting Mayor of Malaga accepted the invitation of Mayor Katić to visit Herceg Novi in the near future and talk about the next steps.

The Herceg Novi delegation also included Deputy Mayor Danijela Đurović and Secretary for Utilities, Ecology, and Energy Efficiency, Aleksandar Kovačević.

Source: Radio Jadran

In just over two years of the current local authority in Herceg Novi, dozens of sections of local roads have been repaired and updated, mainly in residential areas surrounding the town.

Improvements to the pedestrian and traffic infrastructure are needed in every area, and the intention of the Herceg Novi Municipality to tackle each problem has been underpinned by a pledge to invest around a million euros in the development of infrastructure in Topla.

Topla will soon become a major construction site, confirms Deputy Mayor of Herceg Novi Miloš Konjević. Some of the projects to be implemented include:

• The section of road T5 from Voli to Ramarex, for which the project has been completed;
• For the section of road I4 from Mojdeški Bridge to Stanišića Dubrava, technical specifications, have been issued and work is ongoing on project development.
• Construction is underway on pavements on the section of Njegoševa Street from Mimoza Restaurant to Kukoljac Villa;
• Preliminary designs for the renovation of existing pavement on Mića Vavića Street (between the crossroads with Njegoševa Street and the car park for Topla I residential area) have been completed. Work on improvements to this particularly busy 140-meter section of the pedestrian walkway will cost 20k euros.
• Plans are underway to construct a road from Topla III to Modra Ploča, on the currently tarmacked section, with a projected cost of around 30k euros. This area has already had street lighting installed, on the section near the former Chinese restaurant;
• At the playground near Dašo Pavičić Primary School, final work remains concerning installing seating, lighting and storage spaces. This work is to cost 60k euros, and there are also plans within the local government to improve the playground at Topla II, which will cost around 5k euros.

M. Konjević

• Directly by the kindergarten and primary school, work on protective fencing has been completed.  Updating of existing, and construction of new fencing, will be carried out at Milašinović Bridge;
• Repairs are envisaged to the road around the school, as well as the construction of a retaining wall. The estimated cost of this work stands at 60k euros;
• Work on updating pedestrian infrastructure will follow on the section from the Novljanka Building to the Pet Danica Walkway;
• There are also plans to improve the Walkway from the Jazz Cafe Bar to Kantula Restaurant, which will be followed by the replacement of old kiosks with new street installations;

As Konjević points out, all the projects above are in line with local authority plans to improve public infrastructure in each area.

It is indeed a substantial amount of work, and each of the projects represents an important change to the appearance of the town. This is recognised by the local population who are providing their support and assistance in implementing the projects, concludes the Deputy Mayor of Herceg Novi.

11 October 2019 - On October 3rd, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announced new direct services to Tivat in Montenegro, with flights and holidays going on sale from London Stansted and Manchester Airports.

The announcement marks the first time that Jet2.com has operated flights direct to Montenegro, a destination that features everything from golden beaches and cool bars to whitewashed villages and rugged national parks. Currently accessible from Dubrovnik, the launch of this brand new route now gives holidaymakers direct access to Montenegro with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.

The airline will operate up to two weekly services (Thursday and Sunday) to Tivat from each base, with services running from May through to October.

Located on the west coast of the Balkan Peninsula, Tivat opens up an array of dazzling options for holidaymakers, including resorts such as stylish Budva, chilled-out Bečići and the stunning Herceg Novi. The classy coastal town of Tivat itself is nearby, as is the jaw-dropping Kotor Bay.

This is Jet2.com’s third brand new route for Summer 20, in addition to Preveza (Greece) and Zadar (Croatia).

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “The introduction of services to Tivat means that we are operating direct flights to Montenegro for the first time. With stunning scenery, a wonderful climate, and fantastic resorts such as Budva and Bečići on offer, we are expecting this destination to be hugely popular with holidaymakers. Yet again, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are giving holidaymakers and independent travel agents even more choice and flexibility when it comes to booking our award-winning flights and holidays.”

Low-cost carrier Jet2 will enter the Montenegrin market in 2020 with the launch of two new routes to Tivat. The airline will inaugurate two weekly flights from Manchester and London Stansted starting May 21. Both will be operated with a 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The announcement marks the first time the leisure airline and package holiday specialist has operated flights to Montenegro.

"The Balkan beauty of Montenegro sits beside neighbours Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Majestic mountains stand proud against brilliant beaches, with terracotta-topped towns in between. You’ll find laid-back rural areas alongside upmarket marinas too. Sound up your street? Let us show you more…," says the open invitation of the Jet2 company to all interested travellers to visit Montenegro and its beauty.

Tickets are already available for purchase on the airline's website.

Get more information on when and how to visit Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

September has indeed been warm, and the time has been used by many to work on their homes, repair their roofs, garden and also to take a stroll and swim in the sea. The balmy weather is also most likely the reason for an increase in the number of guests staying on the Herceg Novi Riviera, 9690 in total, which is an increase of 30 percent on last year, shared almost equally between hotels and private accommodation.

It’s well known that locals prefer to enjoy the September sunshine and sea, not yet cooled by storms or rain. The unbearable heat and crowds pass, and the locals themselves can then experience a welcome gift of the warm, therapeutic caress of the sea and the sun’s rays.

The air temperature in recent days has reached 29°c, and the sea 23°C. This meant that many locals have been joining tourists, mainly from Russia, on the beaches.

However, one can rarely count on the swimming season to continue through October. From today, many of those running the beach bars are shutting up shop.  They follow what the forecasts say, and it doesn’t pay to hold out much longer. Meteorologists are predicting a cold front from tomorrow, with rain in the evening, and temperatures some 7-8 degrees cooler.

But today? Well, it still looks a lot like summer!

Source: Radio Jadran