02 January 2018 - This year's Forbes list of the best budget destinations offers something for every type of traveller. Aside from San Antonio in Texas, USA and Taipei in Taiwan, the popular business magazine included the Balkan Peninsula, and Herceg Novi in the 18 best budget destinations for 2019.

Some people may not be able or willing to spend much money, but wish to travel around the world anyhow. The ever-growing travel wish lists are definitely putting a lot of pressure on our budget. Luckily, there are plenty of destinations where you can get all the options you dream about without breaking the bank.

There are many tips and tricks on keeping expenses low while travelling, such as travelling around cities by foot, cycling, hitchhiking, using cheaper options when it comes to public transport, camping, buying food and necessities in supermarkets, self-catering, visiting free museums, galleries, joining group tours etc. Another way to save money is to calculate or evaluate a travel budget before the departure. It certainly helps to know the budget and the cost of living of the country you are traveling to.

It is also beneficial to learn about cheap destinations that can make your dreams a reality. Alexandra Talty, the senior contributor to Forbes Magazine, recently wrote an article on “The 18 Best Budget Travel Destinations For 2019”. As she wrote in the article, from the Philippines to Armenia, this list of the best budget travel destinations has something to offer to every kind of traveller.  The article explains that many places can provide an outsized experience that is still affordable to many.

Talty’s List of Budget Travel Destinations for 2019 includes Herceg Novi as the most representative budget destination of this part of Europe. She wrote that if a traveller wants to experience Europe on a budget, she would recommend exploring the Balkan Peninsula. Talty considers that Croatia is the most popular Balkan country, but it can be quite expensive, so she recommends starting a trip around the Balkan Peninsula in Herceg Novi, Montenegro!

The journalist quoted traveller expert’s review of their visit to Montenegro: “I spent five days in Montenegro last year, and I felt like it was never enough. We went on a boat tour to Perast, Porto Montenegro, Our Lady of the Rocks and wrapped up the trip by kayaking and paddle boarding on the beach nearby. Other fun activities include paragliding and diving. The best part is that all of these activities are way cheaper compared to other European cities.”

List of Budget Travel Destinations for 2019 also includes San Antonio (Texas), Puebla (Mexico), Hawaii (USA), St. Helena, Province of Laguna (the Philippines), Agra (India), Budapest (Hungary), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Gobi Desert (Mongolia), South Africa, Zanzibar, Armenia, Serbia, Transylvania (Romania), George Town (Malaysia), Moscow (Russia) and Taipei (Taiwan).

31 December 2018 - The Belgrade band Riblja Čorba introduced several thousand people of Herceg Novi and its guests to 2019. For the first time, the Herceg Novi Tourist Organization organized a reception on the plateau in front of the hotel Igalo and impressed visitors very successfully.

Riblja Čorba, a rock/hard rock band, formed four decades ago, was in its element, warming the audience, after a heavy storm, performing hits: „Kad hodaš“, „Kad sam bio mlad“, „Poslednja pesma o tebi“, „Rekla je“, „Lutka sa naslovne strane“, „Kada padne noć“, „Amsterdam“, „Gde si u ovom glupom hotelu“, „Nemoj da ideš mojom ulicom“ etc.

The audience sang both old and new songs composed by Bora Đorđević. In the breaks, he even read his humorous verses from the books he recently published.  Pre-band "Light under the Black Mountain" also had a great performance and left audience impressed.

At midnight Santa Claus descended from the roof of Sole Mar building, while the fireworks made a magnificent experience. The actor Miloš Pejović and the best women basketball player of Montenegro, Dragana Živković congratulated the New Year's to the world.

"It is great, full parking, one-way street is all shaky, vibrant. Trade houses came with various offerings, and there were 6,000 of us for sure," as confirmed by few of the guests.

The Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi said that they are satisfied that everything went well during New Year's Eve with Jelena Rozga and tonight with Riblja Čorba.

31 December 2018 - Azmont Investments has invested 369.4 million EUR in Portonovi Resort so far, while the total amount of investments is estimated at 650 million EUR. Currently, 1900 employees are engaged in the company and on the construction site.

Data on the realization of tourist investments in Herceg Novi were submitted to Azmont investments and OHM Mamula Montenegro, which has made 2.1 million EUR on the realization of Lastavica from the planned 15 million.

It has been estimated that most of the projects on the coast are carried out following the obligations under the contracts and Investment Programmes.

In Kumbor, at the port of Portonovi Resort, work on the walls, waterproofing, shafts, earthworks, concrete brickwork and tile works are underway, as well as the works on parquet arrangement, ceramic tiles around the pool, stone paving, paving the main road, balustrade and gates. Also, procurement of furniture and equipment for outdoor space, installation of outdoor lighting, greening (irrigation, trees and grass), supply and installation of doors and windows for exhibition spaces, facade production, masonry works in the interior are already being done. There is also procurement and installation of metal and rolling shutters, mechanical, electrical and plumbing services, sewage services, supply and installation of sprinklers, production of hydrant network, installation of heating and cooling systems, ventilation and smoke extraction, installation of video surveillance and building management system.

The completion of the construction of the heating and cooling plant, the main project of the traffic and technical infrastructure and the main project of the One and Only hotel, is expected to be completed soon in Portonovi Resort.

The contract on a long-term lease of the former military barracks "Orjenski bataljon" was signed on July 10 2012, and came into force with the signing of the Protocol on handover, on February 8 2013.

From the company OHM Mamula Montenegro they informed that from the planned 15 million EUR for the adaptation of the fortress Mamula on the island of Lastavica so far, 2.1 million EUR had been spent. The conservation programme and the architecture project to the Directorate for the Protection of Monuments are being consented, and the main project is being revised. An underwater biodiversity study has been carried out, the elaboration of the Environmental Impact Assessment is in the final stage. Also, works are underway on the model room of the future hotel, and the main project of the underwater cable from the cape Arza to the island Lastavica is completed. 

The agreement on a long-term lease of the site Lastavica with Mamula fortress, posted on February 23, 2015, has been leased for 49 years, as well as the reconstruction of the Mamula fortress in a unique hotel of a museum character, with a category of 5 stars, following conservative conditions.

December 30, 2018 - New Year's program in Bokelian cities is very diverse, so it's hard not to find a party for your taste. Whether you are a fan of good rock, love pop or enjoy the sounds of folk music, Kotor, Tivat, Budva or Herceg Novi will satisfy your preferences. Here's a review of the New Year's programs that will make it easy for you to make a decision.

NEW YEAR PROGRAM - KOTOR

Kotor enters the New Year with the sounds of good rock. After the Children’s New Year and performances of Kotor’s musicians planned for today, tomorrow a two-day Rock New Year's program begins, where the most popular regional rock names of today will perform.

NEW YEAR PROGRAM - TIVAT

The main New Year program in Tivat is closer to the preferences of fans of folk music, but the organizers made sure to offer a diverse accompanying program.

NEW YEAR PROGRAM - HERCEG NOVI

Herceg Novi and its guests will enter the New Year 2019 with the hits of the Belgrade rock band "Riblja čorba" and their frontman Bora Djordjevic. They will perform at Igalo on 31 December from 23:00. At the same stage at 21:00, as a pre-band, Kotor’s band "Light under the black mountain" performs.

NEW YEAR PROGRAM- BUDVA

This year, Budva organizes a jubilee New Year celebration on the square in front of the Old Town.

28 December 2018 - Preparations for the first organized New Year's Eve celebration in the open air in Igalo, in the parking lot in front of the former hotel Igalo, are all being completed as planned.

According to the director of the local Tourist Organisation, Pavle Obradović, the reservations and sale of the arrangements in this community are excellent. The Palmond Bay, the Lighthouse Hotel, as well as many larger apartments, are all fully booked. The representatives of the TO expressed regret that the Institute “Dr Simo Milošević” is not open for the holidays because they predict that its rooms would probably be fully booked as well. They also mentioned that they have high expectations for the next season.

The concert stage in Igalo is already set up. During the three festive nights, traffic through Sava Ilić Street, from the intersection (where the Tamaris Hotel used to be) to Hotel Vojvodina, will be banned for all motor vehicles an hour before the start of the program, Obradović explained. The Official Decision on the lease of eight portable booths on the promenade in Igalo, across the street from the Youth Park, as well of the two on the Škver (English: Square) was already signed.

New Year's program in Igalo will begin on December 30 with the performance of Split pop singer Jelena Rozga. The stage will then be taken over by the band Light under the black mountain. The citizens of Herceg Novi and tourists will enter the new 2019 with the sounds of the rock band Riblja čorba. The program on Monday, January 1, will begin with the band Toć, and the midnight is reserved for the performance of the biggest Montenegrin music star, Sergej Ćetković.

December 27, 2018 - Through the Secretariat for Culture and Education, the local government will provide full support to the organization of auditions, rehearsals, performances and all other activities within this project aimed at youth. Children from Herceg Novi will participate in the project "Montenegro in the rhythm of Europe", which was formalized by the Municipality of Herceg Novi and the organizer of this event. Through the Secretariat for Culture and Education, the local government will provide full support to the organization of auditions, rehearsals, performances and all other activities within this project aimed at young people.

"Children from Herceg Novi will show their musical and dance talents in auditions. For about twenty of those who will be chosen as the most prominent by the jury of the event, rehearsals will be organized from February to April, after which they will perform at the central competition in Tivat. The team of our city will represent, with their performance, one of the countries that have an embassy in Montenegro and, of course, our city," explains the secretary for culture and education Ana Zambelić Pištalo.

She adds that participating in this creative project is another way of supporting the children and youth in the Municipality of Herceg Novi, in developing their creativity and openness, creating new friendships and acquiring knowledge. The Secretariat will coordinate this project in Herceg Novi, in cooperation with all schools and professional team of the organization.

"Montenegro in the rhythm of Europe" is the main action of the European Union diplomats in Montenegro.

This musical and scenic event is supported by the ambassadors of European countries and is designed following the European Charter on the participation of young people in everyday life at the municipal and regional level and other European documents dealing with youth issues.

Text by Boka news, on December 26th 2018, read more at Boka news

22 December 2018 - The youngest citizens of Herceg Novi will have the opportunity to try decorating a Christmas tree, but also tlearn something new, through the traditional manifestation on the occasion of the New Year's holidays – “Christmas Decoration of Spruce tree on the slopes of Mount Orjen”. Aside from children and parents, the manifestation is open to all mountain lovers and to all people who simply enjoy socializing.

The manifestation, which will be held tomorrow - December 23, is organized by Mountain Club Subra at the Mountaineering Hut “Za Vratlom”.

According to the club, the departure is tomorrow at 9:30 from the former motel Borići (800 metres above sea level) and there is around an hour and a half hike to the Mountain hut "Za Vratlom" (1160 metres above sea level). There, along with the old story of the tradition of Christmas Decoration of Spruce tree on the slopes of Mount Orjen, the youngest will be able to enjoy local food and drinks.

After that, it is officially the time for the Christmas Decoration of Spruce tree on the slopes of Mount Orjen, in the true spirit of this gorgeous mountain, which has been adorned with a thin white blanket since the last weekend. In addition to warm shoes and clothes, children can take crayons, as there will be even more exciting activities and small surprises, as announced from the club representatives.

"Christmas Decoration of Spruce tree on the slopes of Mount Orjen" was organized with the support of the Secretariat for Social Activities and Sports of the Municipality of Herceg Novi. Participation is free of charge. Keep in mind that the parents and guardians are responsible for their children.

To take part in the event, it is best to acquire information via Facebook page Mountain Club Subra, telephone 0038269-684-084, or Instagram profile "mountainhut_zavratlom".

18 December 2018 - The paving of the part of the promenade in Herceg Novi from the restaurant "Galeb" to the restaurant "Mimoza" is almost finished. There are still a hundred more segmental paver boards along the edge, and before that, another one will be installed afterward, said Boro Lučić, director of the Agency for Construction and Development of Herceg Novi.

"We finished the lighting. Procurement is in progress, and we have already set up decorative lighting, benches and waste bins. By the end of next week, a complete promenade will be completed. We have completed all construction work, and the rest is 150 of these boards to be procured. That is what made us happy, so we ordered it, and it should come in the next 2-3 days," said Lučić.

The contract on the installation of mobilier and electrical installations, worth 15.000 EUR was agreed between Municipality of Herceg Novi and the company Niveda DOO, whose workers have already been engaged in the pavement of this route.

Lučić said that the mobilier for the promenade would be delivered during the next week. As installation does not need more than a couple of days, the whole reconstruction of the promenade will be arranged until New Year. Herceg Novi Municipality is obliged to pay an advance payment of 20% of the agreed price to the contractor and the rest after the completion of the works.

Unless there are any unforeseen circumstances, the contractor is obliged to complete the work within 20 calendar days from the day the advance payment is made. The warranty period for works carried out is two years.

This 365 meters long part of the "Pet Danica" promenade started at the end of November. However, the reconstruction began in October 2015. Due to many administrative obstacles and projections, the works were interrupted several times, and the value of the entire project from the originally planned 360 thousand EUR reached almost 400 EUR.

The contractor was also changed, so the contract was terminated with the first, Bar Đokić group, while Niveda DOO from Herceg Novi was selected as the new performer.

Source: Radio Jadran

December 16, 2018 - The proposal for the preparation of the winter tourist season 2018/2019 in Herceg Novi is based on the activities that are foreseen primarily in the promotional and marketing activities, public infrastructure and other segments of the offer. It is based on data obtained from the holders of these activities and submitted to the Government for discussion.

"The goal is to follow up and timely respond to all possible difficulties and problems in the implementation of the winter tourist season," the document says.

TO Herceg Novi

The Local Tourist Organization will continue promoting and organizing events that are recognized as events of particular importance for the promotion of the city's tourist offer. The preparation of the winter tourist season is directed through support in the financing of the organization of events in coordination with JUK Herceg Fest, the competent authorities of the Municipality and the local communities.

Basically, the focus is on the organization of the New Year's Eve (31.12 and 13.01), the preparation and the celebration of the 50th Feast of Mimosa and the 24th HAPS.

The New Year's program is accompanied by very well-organized marketing. The central promotional activity was the press conference in Belgrade in mid-October, accompanied by numerous announcements for digital and print media.

As stated, the promotional activities are focused on preparing the existing and redesigned propaganda and other informative material, creating a new website of TO HN, android and iOS application and the participation at the fairs in the season 2018/19. The promotional campaign is based on the hosting of study groups, comprised of journalists, bloggers/travel influencers, and tour operators.

After completing the first phase of the tourist signalization setting, the public call for the second phase is also planned. It will encompass part of Herceg Novi Riviera and the hinterland.

At the beginning of September, the Herceg Novi Card test project was successfully launched, which includes a unified services package that tourists buy at a single price. In this way, the 5 and 10 euros card provide the guests' visits to the main attractions, with discounts at the restaurants that have joined the project. Cooperation with the local economy and tourist guides to activate the offer of city tours.

TO HN signed a cooperation agreement with the Tourism Organization of St. Petersburg in late November. Some initiatives have been planned. The winter season will also be used to embellish the city center, through landscape projects and setting up decorative elements.

City Museum and Gallery

According to this Plan, JU "City Museum Mirko Komnenović and Gallery Josip Bepo Benković" will undertake a series of activities to create the best possible conditions for their artistic and archeological collections to be presented to the visitors in a better way. Traditionally, the 52nd Herceg Novi Winter Salon will be organized in early February. In addition to the realized, it is planned the organization of several exhibitions for Women's Day in March and an international exhibition of 3 Hungarian artists in May, in cooperation with Hunguest Sun Resort.

Exhibitions of photographs, archaeological exhibitions, a series of solo exhibitions, presentations of a permanent exhibition from the gallery and museum collections and organization of group visits are ongoing activities that this institution will perform during the upcoming winter tourist season, the document says.

JUK Herceg Festival

"JUK "Herceg Fest" has always, and especially in the last few years, realized dynamic international contacts in the field of culture, with institutions and artists, realizing some interesting program actions and projects. JUK Herceg Fest, with the financial support of the Tourism Organization and Herceg Novi Municipality during the winter tourist season, will organize the jubilee 50th "Mimosa Feast" and 24th HAPS," reads the document submitted to the Government.

Agency for Development and Protection of Orjen

The organization of various events through which the natural and cultural attractions of this area are represented is carried out by the Agency for Development and Protection of Orjen. This is an essential segment for encouraging tourists to visit Herceg Novi hinterland. The Agency organizes its business in cooperation with the Municipality of Herceg Novi, the Tourist Organization as well as many civil society organizations from our city but also Dubrovnik.

It is planned to place three points within the park with toll ramps and the offer of the Park - hiking tours, photo tours with transport to the viewpoint, organized camps and arrangements with other protected areas in the surroundings (National Park Sutjeska and Nature Park Piva), one-day and multi-day. Within the offer there will be group visits, organized arrivals for schools, kindergartens as well as arrivals through agencies from other cities and from the region.

Adventure park, hotels, communal order

Until further notice, the management of the Adventure Park is carried out by the Agency for construction of Herceg Novi. Infrastructural preparations also relate to the ongoing maintenance and cleaning of public areas and maintenance of public lighting and road infrastructure, water supply and sewage networks and other activities.

Hotel companies plan to carry out a number of activities according to their possibilities for preparation for the winter tourist season 2018/2019. years.

At the end of this Plan for a better winter offer in Herceg Novi, it is stated that the dynamics of the preparation of the season will be monitored at regular meetings with the liable ones.

Text by Radio Jadran, on December 14th, 2018, read more at CdM

13 December 2018 - In Gallery "Josip Bepo Benković" in Herceg Novi on December 13th at 7 PM, 20th Anniversary of the Herceg Novi Art Scene was opened. At the exhibition, in both exhibit space, 60 works of 54 authors can be found, which include paintings, graphics, drawings, sculptures, and installations.

For the third year in the art scene, a large number of exhibitors and authors who are engaged in artistic or professional arts are involved in the art of Herceg Novi. The aim is that the Gallery becomes a place for the gathering of lovers of fine arts.

"With its concept, the art scene wants to motivate a great number of fans of fine arts-creators, to be lead by top-notch and accomplished authors, and themselves to be part of the city's artistic being. In addition to the 20th Anniversary of the Herceg Novi Art Scene, a catalog was prepared, written by the art historian Jasmina Žitnik," as announced at the opening of this event.

The Herceg Novi Art Scene will last until the beginning of February 2019 as an introduction to the 52nd Herceg Novi Winter Salon.

The art scene in Herceg Novi got full swing when it gathered not only academic artists but all people who create and live in Herceg Novi. In recent years, the exhibition has seen an upgrade, while many professional artists and those who have an artistic expression as the hobby have helped set it all up.

This number of participants is indeed an indicator of the performance of the Herceg Novi artistic scene.