Institute Igalo is situated on the most western point of the Montenegrin coast, at the entrance to one of the most beautiful bays in the world, the Bay of Kotor, in Igalo which belongs to the municipality of Herceg Novi.

Herceg Novi is a city that nurtures health tourism. The existence of Dr Simo Milosevic Institute, or the Igalo Spa and mild Mediterranean climate make a significant factor for many people around the world to spend a part of the year in Igalo. Some of the patients are people with disabilities, as well as children with special needs. Their Spa kingdom is on the ninth floor, with a beautiful view of the bay, but summer brings them their greatest joy on the beach. Not much difference for the grownups, everybody enjoys beaches, if they can reach them.

A custom physical environment is especially important for patients with disabilities, as well as for people who have walking difficulties.

The amount of disability is not determined by levels of pathologies, impairments, or functional limitations, but instead is a function of the kind of services provided to people with disabling conditions and the extent to which the physical, built environment is accommodating or not accommodating to the particular condition. Having in mind that disability is not inherent in an individual but is, rather, a relational concept—a function of the interaction of the person with the social and physical environments, any improvement in them improves this person.

An important accessibility segment is accessible beaches. One of the few beaches adapted for disabled people along the Montenegrin coast is the beach in front of the First phase of Dr Simo Milosevic Institute (Old Spa) in Igalo.

During the tourist season, assistants are available on the beach, who help wheelchair users to make the best of their stay there. There are also toilets adapted for persons with disabilities. The beach was modified in 2007.

One of the users, NGO “Ray of Sun” (Zrak sunca) president Ljilja Krstić speaks for TMN about the importance of accessible beaches: “Ever since my daughter started using a wheelchair, it was difficult providing her a good bathing place and we all know how valuable swimming and bathing is for everybody, especially for children with disabilities. She is in her twenties now and thanks to this beach, she can spend many nice hours enjoying the sea with her friends. A customized beach is certainly important because we finally have a place where our children can bathe and enjoy the sun, sea and life.  Accessible sidewalks, intersections, facilities and outlets, institutions, homes are important segments of a continuous chain of motion, which lead to the creation of the universal design.  It is certainly important to note that all questions about the needs and rights of persons with disabilities must be a priority in the making of important documents, strategies and laws. We are aware that our struggle for equal participation of persons with disability in all social streams is a long process, but it is important that we started it and that we persist in it."

At the beginning of 2018, Meljine Local Community in Herceg Novi municipality, assisted by PE Sea Property – JP Morsko dobro Budva, also adapted one of the beaches for the disabled. Adaptation of physical environment following European standards is important for all and developed democratic societies need to enable a "continuous chain of motion" for disabled people.

The Herceg Novi Municipality signed project financing agreements with the representatives of about forty Herceg Novi NGOs. With 75,000 euros, the local government supported 47 non-governmental projects this year.  The projects are related to cultural heritage, local community development, youth and the elderly, support for people with disabilities, education, sports and environmental protection.

Local self-government thus continues the practice of supporting the work and development of non-governmental organizations, recognizing their importance, driving force and orientation towards the progress of the local community to which they belong, said Secretary for Social Affairs and Sports Darko Klasic and Member of the Commission for Allocation of Funds to NGOs Tamara Vujovic.

Herceg Novi is one of the municipalities that allocates the most funds from the Budget to help NGOs, and to implement ideas that the commissioners themselves have judged to be excellent, purposeful and progressive, sometimes lack knowledge of how and where to apply.

For this reason, two projects were supported this year aimed at training other NGOs on how to apply for and receive funding, not only at open competitions of ministries, but also at EU funds and initiatives, as well as embassies of other countries in Montenegro.

“It is time to pool knowledge and lend a hand to each other for a better quality of life for our citizens, everyone in their field, that united with the voice of the citizens being heard, we as a community can move faster towards the European Union, where NGOs are an indispensable partner to all”, said Vujovic.

The total budget allocated to this purpose has been allocated in accordance with the Decision on Criteria, Method and Procedure of Allocation of Funds to Non-Governmental Organizations, namely to projects of non-governmental organizations that have previously proved to be good associates of local government in various fields, and that have applied for the Contest this year and filed proper documentation.

The contracts were signed on the basis of the Decision on Allocation of Funds for Project Financing for 2019, which was made in accordance with the Decision on Criteria and following a public competition for allocation of funds from the budget of the Municipality of Herceg Novi in 2019.

13 August 2019 - As part of the second call for proposals through the Adriatic-Ionian Transnational Program, the Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi has been granted 122.840 EUR for the implementation of the project WONDER - Child-friendly destinations.

The principal objective of the Project is to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of destinations from the Adriatic-Ionian Region thanks to a child-friendly approach, aimed at improving the liveability of cities and the touristic offer (governance, environment and services) through the development of new participatory methods. The Project WONDER will tackle: the collaboration between tourism and other related sectors, the development of participative models through greater involvement of children, the private sector and civil society, the support towards sustainable tourism and raising awareness campaigns.

WONDER supports new touristic offers addressed to children and families through the creation of a transnational network of child-friendly destinations, aimed at the sustainability of the tourism sector based on new and innovative participatory methods.

The leading partner of the project is the Municipality of Fano - Italy, and the partners in the project, except the Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi are: Municipality of Cervia - Italy; Velenje Municipality and Novo Mesto Development Centre - Slovenia; Municipality of Western Achaia and Municipality of Preveza - Greece; Observatory for Children and Youth Rights - Albania; City of Novigrad and the Development Agency of the City of Dubrovnik - Croatia.

The project will last for 24 months and will be funded under the second priority of the program (2.1) "Sustainable Region". On the second call of the Adriatic-Ionian Transnational Program, within the priorities of 2.1, for which TOHN applied, support was requested for 125 projects, from which 13 was approved for funding.

Read more about the reasons you should visit the coastline of Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

12 August 2019 - The Kumbor Hotel located in the Kumbor settlement near Herceg Novi recently welcomed its first group of 250 guests from Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Poland.

The owner of the hotel, Čedo Popović, said that the Kumbor Hotel was built to the highest standards and with the best materials. "The construction of the hotel is not yet fully complete, but the total investment will amount to around 30 million EUR. In terms of content, this hotel could have five stars, "Popović said in an interview for Infobiro.

He also stated that the hotel has signed contracts with tourist organisations so more guests should arrive at the hotel soon, and that and that he expects the hotel to be operational until October or November, until the end of the tourist season.

"This is the first year of operation, but we reckon that because of its location, the hotel can still operate and have guests even after the end of the tourist season," Popović added.

He said labour shortages were a key problem. "I wish that we could find quality employees whose salary would be satisfying for everyone. Still, this is not the case and we have to manage with our former employees that we transfer from the other company," Popović said.

The Kumbor Hotel is a four-star luxurious hotel located right by the sea, in the beautiful town of Kumbor which is known as a charming, peaceful seaside settlement. The hotel has 230 rooms and suites overlooking the sea, a private beach, private parking, SPA centre, outdoor pool, indoor pool, conference room and a-la-carte restaurant. The congress hall can accommodate up to 300 people in a theatre setting.

The interior of the hotel is clean, peaceful, airy and full of light. The designers aimed at modern minimalism with natural materials (wood, stone and cotton), and they made an effort that the colours of the interior reflect the hotel’s surroundings (blue, green - pastel colours). In this way, they enabled Kumbor’s guests to be welcomed with visual and functional comfort upon their entry.

Hotel Kumbor is located less than 5 km from the old town of Herceg Novi; UNESCO World Heritage as the town of Kotor is only 30-minute drive away. Three international airports are just 30-60 minutes away by car.

Read more about places to visit while travelling through Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

August 12, 2019 - A journey to the edge of the Adriatic for this week's RE/MAX property of the week in Herceg Novi.

People may talk about nature and the incredible view, but at the end of the day, nothing quite beats having that view AND being close to the sea. There is something about those relaxing waves that no other location can match. 

And if your property happens to be located in a well-equipped modern building in a desirable location, then so much the better. 

If the lessons of Porto Montenegro and Tivat are anything to go by, real estate in Herceg Novi is set for an upward spiral once the Portonovi factor sets in. 

And this week's RE/MAX Property of the Week on fashionable promenade Pet Danica is better located than most, and just 30 steps to the sea. 

According to the official RE/MAX listing:

LUX apartment of 78 sqm for sale in an exclusive location, located in Herceg Novi on the promenade Pet Danica, only thirty steps to the sea. This two-bedroom apartment is situated on the second floor of luxurious building.

A wonderful spacious ambience, a view of the sea shore, which in this part is a blend of open sea with a bokokotorska bay as well as buildings located in these incredibly beautiful areas provide you with an ideal place to stay. 

Excellent architectural combination of comfort, useful and beautiful, as well as the complete furnishing of the apartment to the smallest details of high quality will provide you with quality time with family and friends. 

Two bedrooms, bathroom, hallway, living room with dining area and kitchen and terrace make the composition of this apartment. By purchasing this apartment, the price includes a garage place, which belongs to the apartment and located in the basement of the building.

Not only the immediate vicinity of the sea, but also of the city center, as well as the Old Town of Herceg Novi, shops and restaurants make this apartment represents an excellent rental investment.

This apartment could be an excellent investment because this location is in high demand for long term rentals and monthly rent goes from 600 - 1,000 EUR for similar properties.

For more information on price, more photos and to book a viewing, visit the original RE/MAX listing.  

12 August 2019 - According to the latest report by the European Travel Commission, Montenegro is the 'Star of the Mediterranean' in the first quarter of this year. Cafe del Montenegro reported that Croatian Jutarnji list states that according to the European statistical data, in the first three months of 2019, Montenegro recorded increase by 29% in overnight stays and increase by 49% in tourists.

Experts are warning that Montenegro has serious comparative advantages. Interlocutors of Jutarnji list point out that Montenegro is strong thanks to investment packages.

“Licenses for investors are provided in only several months, as well as a waiver from duties. Besides, fuel for boaters is cheap,” writes Jutarnji.

State Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism Damir Davidović said in a statement for Croatian media that in the past 15 years Montenegro has been recording continuous turnover growth.

“In 2019, we opened 27 new hotels, 24 of which are four or five-star hotels. Three projects worth 3 billion euros are currently underway – Luštica Bay, the resort town with a marina near Kotor, Marina Porto Montenegro, and Portonovi project,” pointed out Davidović.

He also said that Montenegro had 43.000 overnight stays in collective accommodation facilities. Investors are offered favorable tax conditions. The VAT on hotel accommodation is 7%.

Davidović stated that Aman group was operating in Montenegro. Aman group is managing hotels on Sveti Stefan and the same investors are planning construction of another five-star hotel, as well as the highest-category hotel in Žabljak.

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

11 August 2019 - The following article represents the personal perspective of author Gunther Fehlinger on the 10 central strategic considerations for European Herceg Novi and the views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Total Montenegro News.

This article is the 3rd in series to contribute to better tourism and economic development by Austrian and European best practices in transport and tourism planning and pricing. For more information about the economic part, read Strategy for European Boka 2020 and for transport and mobility issues, read Smart Mobility Strategy RecommendationsRecommendations from 2018, still fully to be implemented. The 3^rd is Smart Mobility 2.0 for Montenegro – the personal perspective July 2019 – with 12 concrete recommendations for European Montenegro. The Austrian author lives every summer since 2006 in Morinj, Montenegro and is an economic consultant for European transition economies.

1. The Herceg Novi Riveria 2020 – Complete Sea side Pedestrian Walk Verige 65 -IberoStar Nivice

Herceg Novi has one central feature – a central Unique selling proposition – the pedestrian sea side walk from today Melinje to Igalo. It makes night life unique and create the Mediterranean Italian Giro – the night walk in the hot summer nights tourists love and it is the envy of all Coastal towns to have such a long one and it is the central feature of Herceg Novi Riveria. But Herceg Novi is not only that but goes from the Verige to the Prevlaka and it is time to extend the Pedestrian Walk way from the Verige 65 coffee to the Iberostar in Nivice and so create a 23 km long pedestrian walk along the sea side unique along the Eastern cost of the Adriatic Sea and a key feature of the branding of Herceg Novi Rivera. Nobody should need to walk along the Magistrale – walk along the sea! Herceg Novi needs a own branding and the Riveria – the Herceg Novi Riveria is better than being just one of the cities in Kotor Bay! Herceg Novi is more than that an is more than just old town Herceg Novi. Now with Porto Novi and Lazure Marina the assets are there and now build and complete the 5 Star Šetalitse – the main asset from the Verige to the Iberostar in Nijvice. It is possible to do it all along including Kamenari and Bjiela and it will be a major asset for all coastal Herceg Novi. True it in some area there will be the need to make some concession to the Ferry but it is fully possible to build the most amazing coastal promenade along the Adriatic with one great Marina after the after and connect all coastal villages with such a pedestrian zone which can be open for small e-buses as well during the day. It is a new coastal artery connecting Kamenari with Njivice. I will discuss some feature like the Sutorina Ferry port, the future Bilja Marina, the Kamenari Marina in the next items but central is to ensure the Herceg Novi strategic plan makes sure the whole of the Coast is a walk way and this is used as the Central USP Unique Selling Proposition of Herceg Novi – the Riveria of the past is the Riveria of the future and the case for this is the unique Coastal 23 km walk way. The basis was done by the Austrian small-scale railway from Zelenika to Vienna. If that was possible more than a century ago sure a full Rivera Walk is possible for Herceg Novi for all Herceg Novi Rivera Coast! And no take no exception and just do it. And fully connect it from Verige to Prevalaka and include all area in-between. Organise a Coastal Half marathon along. Make sure e-shuttle drive the distance and make this the prime asset for Herceg Novi and market Herceg Novi to the Global Tourism Industry as the city with the longest Coastal Promenade in the World! Or maybe in Europe or only the Adriatic but use this asset as the prime asset!

2. Time for second Ferry line –Sutorina River Ferry Port to Tivat Airport Ferry Port

Much of the traffic is transit to Albania and Kosovo and Budva and Bar or Greece and beyond. If they anyhow do not want to visit Herceg Novi Rivera nor Kotor nor Tivat it is essential to ferry them off before they enter Herceg Novi – at the new Ferry port where the Sutorina River meets the Adriatic Sea and build a access road and the Ferry port there and agree with Tivat to build a Ferry Port after Tivat City at the river going into the Sea close to the Airport so avoid Tivat city traffic and that road from the Airport to Budva can and will be anyhow extended to 4 lanes. It required some expropriation and change from the Marina Port Sutorina to a Ferry Port in Herceg Novi but it is essential to get this done before more is build making it more expensive because there is no other way to handle the traffic. Best is to extend the Ferry concession to include this line Herceg Novi to Tivat in the existing Concession and if the concession taker does not like it well auction it off and let competition decide which Ferry transit takes. As the existing ferry concession is powerful politically let them have it for now and let DG Competition work this out later. But for sure the transit needs to be on the more expensive longer but more reasonable ferry for Herceg Novi before Herceg Novi City to Tivat after Tivat City.

3. A Perast city toll access system for Old Town Herceg Novi

Perast is booming since traffic access is limited and the same will be true for Herceg Novi Old Town. So basically, leave the one-way traffic from Igalo as it is and the MUP (Ministry of Interior) access road is only an exit road for Igalo. At the location where MUP is today build a big parking centre with 5 floors – wont block anybody’s view and there have a shuttle bus system up the Old Town city road with a schlagbaum system only for residents, registered rental parties who need access to their flats but no transit or cars looking for parking anymore. And after the old town well there is the double pass way from which can be a second ring road best as well on a one way basis like in Igalo. Meaning from Meljine roundabout to the Kani Kula exit a one-way ring system but starting from entering in Meljine to leaving at the Kani Kula. And the MUP crossing turn into a roundabout same like in Meljine. Basically, nobody who has no flat rented or as resident needs to drive in Old Town and turn that road into a bus shuttle semi Pedestrian road.

4. A new Joint Government, MUP, Police and Municipality Service Centre in Suturing

Where to put the MUP then when this will be a parking centre and how to access the Municipality easy when this is restricted traffic zone and how to finance such changes? Simple by building a new joint Governmental service centre along the Motorway in the Sutorina district close to the shopping centre and sport centre to re-locate all existing public service function from Old Town Herceg Novi to the new Center along the Motorway with decent big modern parking and office facilities and located all Government and Municipal functions now in Old Town into that new Admin Centre. This reduces traffic and parking pressure for Old Town and makes live cheaper and easier for employees and customers in one new admin centre and allows to sell the land of today’s municipalities building to one reasonable investor able to attract a new international branding Hotel like Sheraton or Hilton similar to Regency or Chedi – such a hotel is urgent for Herceg Novi and why to have a municipality in Centre a prime location of Herceg Novi with a sea view. Allow them to build 10 floors and include all the area as well the parking up of Post Office and this will pay for the new Admin building at Sutorina.

5. One Cruise ship per Day for Herceg Novi!

There is big debate for this and please not more than one ship per day but please exact one cruise ship per day for each Dalmatian city which is anyhow rather empty during the day when most people are on beach! And it brings the port and the tourism industry valuable revenues during off time during day and by 5 they are gone back to the ship. How to auction this off is simple in time of block chain and having one per day depends on price of access. Cruiser pay more during season and less in winter and spring but one ship per day is essential to show Amazing Old Town Herceg Novi to the world and make it a great place to have a restaurant, coffee of souvenir shop and no it is not too much but about right for be more successful.

6. The future of the Bijela Shipyard – a expensive illusion?

Please on the danger to annoy the reader. The Government of Montenegro gave this concession for Damen and Porto Montenegro.

While this is good news please such 20 Million committed investment won’t turn Bijela again into a shipyard. Please this is a project driven the the the Government socialist illusion of great YU industrial capacity which never had an economic basis not in YU not now nor in any possible future. While some service facility might be useful and reasonable the future of Bijela is to be a similar but lower priced Marina like Porto Montenegro and having given it to Porto Montenegro juts helped them to corner the market. They will for sure only invest what is commercially reasonable that means the minimum to keep the Government of their back and do a secondary Marina Port there for Porto Montenegro. Nothing bad with that. But kindly ask them from start to build a Coastal Promenade and allow them to do a second Porto Montenegro and you have much better success in employment and FDI as this will bring 200 Million to Montenegro and allow them the same like in Porto Montenegro in terms of flats and Marina Village and Bijela has the southern sun exposure and end Bijela status as victim of YU industrial megalomania and today semi slum and give it a bright future! There will never be thousands of industrial workers working on building bad quality ships for bloc free countries with no other choice or quality criteria but there will be thousands of jobs in sustainable service industry and all Bijela and with it the Eastern Herceg Novi Rivera will be booming. So, change the concession criteria and allow the Concession takers a commercially more realistic scenario and less industrial nonsense but more concrete tourism future with flats, restaurants, marina and a kind of White Harbour – Porto Bijela – White Harbour in Black Mountains. Bijela has deserved better than just a sad bad side and step sister of Tivat. And be sure this project as now signed will never be what the Government fantasies wishes for. The only case working for Yachts is parking and these super-yachts do not need to be repaired every year and if then for sure not in Bijela but back in Hamburg where they are produced. None of these ships will be ever repaired in Bijela.

Bijela is still the poorest city of Herceg Novi and why not allow Bijela to have its Porto Novi like Kumbor? With that the sea side Promenade from Njivice to Verige will turn reality. So, start listening you your investor and do not dream the dream of past glory never ever that successful nor glorious. YU industrialisation was a pipe dream funded by blackmailing Western taxpayers afraid of YU turning fully towards the east and poor block free nation consumer and your own people have to buy 3^rd category industrial goods and machinery and all at crazy costs for the environment which now European taxpayers have to invest billions to somehow rescue all over Eastern Europe and former Yugoslavia. And once you have a working business case with Marina and flats please why not keep on building parking spots for Yachts and flats for rich people if it works? And if it works in Tivat why please shall it not work in Bijela?

7. Porto Kamenari – just between Bocara and Kamerari Ferry Port.

Time to build the Porto Kamenari between Boćari and the Ferry terminal and turn that 2 old stone houses into the center of that now Stone Porto and take the old Port Master House down from where it blocks the road and ferry off loading and re-locate it to this Stone Porto and all sides are happier, The land owners, the people of Kamenari, the police and Ferry Operator and the tourist and transit passengers.

8. The Adriatic Highway or the Adriatic Speedway?

I have written so much about it hard to believe nobody is listing. In Simple terms, please in the own 2020 the Government Infrastructure and spatial plan you have it all right. There needs to be an Adriatic Ionian Highway INLAND – from Trebijne to Nikšić to south of Podgorica to Shkoder and a real highway European standard and one north which for purely internal electoral reasons you build first while nobody will use it for a long term in any meaningful quantity justifying the most expensive project ever in Montenegro history. But Ok it is done and all infrastructure is helpful so hopefully it will help to connect Republic of Kosovo to Bar and then at least it is fine. But now because the Government is out of financial funding limits you want to cancel the real highway connecting EU Croatia with EU Greece and your coast with all the real 510 Million EU consumers interested and capable paying for good accommodation? And you want to join EU or Serbia? Really? Get this straight! And no, a new coastal upper Highway in the hills above the Bay of Kotor for a billion is not a good idea if there is no highway for transit and Diaspora! So what needs to be done is to build the Adriatic Highway inland and build the upper highway above the main coastal village as I have outlined in Smart Mobility for Montenegro with specific Upper Coastal Village bypasses but not a transit truck lane with 3 lane speedway with a view destroying the only asset you really have in Montenegro of European significance – your coast. So build upper village roads at the main coastal town Herceg Novi & Zelenika, Bijela, Risan, not in Kotor nor Morinj, but in Tivat, Budva and Bar but not as transit trucks speedway but to develop the upper hills for touristic settlement along the new roads and build more accommodation with views and access by these roads and yes to share the burden of traffic equally between coast and upper road but none of them as transit roads. Everybody who want to go to Pogorica, Kosovo, Greece or Albania has to use the Inland Adriatic Highway and not the pay toll coastal roads. Why pay toll because you the role model for all these coastal roads is the Herceg Novi Border to Trebinje 3 Euro road concession on which basis all such new roads have to build and financed. Or do you have the 3,4 billion EUR to build all and with EU and EIB funds you won’t be allowed to destroy the environment of the coast not build mega bridged in UNESCO protected bay. Try the Chinese but without tolling that won’t happen either.

9. No to the Verige Bridge

Have you even been in Istanbul close to the Bosporus bridge? Have you been at Brenner and followed the European transit debate? Do you really want a bridge over the Bay of Kotor? No. Nobody in his or her full mind wants that. Nor will a tunnel ever be feasible economically here in the European coastal periphery. There is no economic case for such investment and the additional traffic it might generate will only harm tourism not help it. What else than the Bay of Kotor you have that make you special? The is a lot of great coast in Europe in Croatia, Albania and Greece with much better beaches than Montenegro, much better services and infrastructures and the same sun shining for the tourist and better activities prepared when it is raining. It is the Bay of Kotor that a European brand and not Budva nor Herceg Novi nor Bar nor Ulcinj – those are great town only know to the Balkans and will stay like that. Only Kotor as a brand has a European reach – still in shadow of Dubrovnik as a global first-rate brand but well that helps Kotor as reference and so develop that brand better and no do not spoil it with a bridge. Anyhow nobody will fund it anyhow and you won’t ever have the funds as all goes into the Northern Highway but so sure it is bad idea in principle and practise so leave it.

10. Fancy ceding Luštica to Tivat Municipality? Better establish the BokaKotorskaAgency

As you have major success with Porto Novi in the Herceg Novi northern side of the Bay of Kotor but little to no with the Herceg Novi part of Luštica and it seem really neglected while the Tivat part of Luštica is booming and some might consider it time to change of municipal borders in Montenegro.

Why not Chedi Luštica to Tivat and receive part of Kotor like Morinj and Risan and the Crkvice Hills and Tivat to receive the Lastva Coast which Kotor was all neglects and all really justified but all will not happen as this is very contentious. So how to work better in the European style together between the 3 Municipalities that share the task to administer and develop this great Bay of Kotor, Luštica Peninsula and Orjen-Zirkiva and the Kotor Mountains and all the coat towards Budva. Obviously there so much which needs to be done together and clearly there is so little common ground and cooperation between Tivat, Kotor and Herceg Novi and no changing the border is not the solution but the European way is to create a BokaKotorPublicService&Planning, Investment&Markting Agency owned by all 3 and tasked to coordinate the Herceg Novi aspects of public planning, service, investment and Marketing and Touristic Development and the the Government of Montenegro to be clearly in this as well and do the planning and implementation together, united and serious much better in European manner. Call it BokaKotorskaAgency with 4 partners and a clear list of tasks. Clearly infrastructure planning, waste water and waste management, investment promotion, tourism and traffic planning, spatial planning, regional cohesion and rural re-vitalization of the hills and mountains, international marketing effort work much better. This is key as the only real international brand of significance will be Kotor Bay. And inside such a marketing effort under the main global brand Kotor Bay can then the 3 sub brands Herceg Novi Riveria, MaritimeTivat and StonePalastPerast be developed. But not more and not alone. In global marketing terms it is Kotor and Kotor only and in real better public service you need to work better united between all 3 Municipalities and the central Government. Please that mean no political merger nor the end of competing between the municipalities for investment and tourists and central the Government and EU funding but the right mix , right level and reasonable mix between competition and cooperation between municipalities in one common region is key for better service, more investment and better results for investors citizens, consumers, domestic and tourists and it is more rewarding for municipal leaders, employees and local politicians when everything works much better and less need for head ache and mutual blame gaming and infighting. Success breed success and a mutual upwards moving double spiral or helix towards ever higher levels is possible and visible already in all Boka but such a BokaKotorAgency shared and cared by all 3 Municipalities and the the Government is much better than discussing new border and neglecting the out regions of each municipalities or a big debate on changed municipal borders. Ask the EU to co-fund it and offer EUD Podgo a seat on the board. The EU is very much about joint regional development and this is what is needed in the Bay of Kotor.

This article is the 3rd in series to contribute to better tourism and economic development by Austrian and European best practices in transport and tourism planning and pricing. For more information about the economic part, read Strategy for European Boka 2020 and for transport and mobility issues, read Smart Mobility Strategy RecommendationsRecommendations from 2018, still fully to be implemented. The 3^rd is Smart Mobility 2.0 for Montenegro – the personal perspective July 2019 – with 12 concrete recommendations for European Montenegro. The Austrian author lives every summer since 2006 in Morinj, Montenegro and is an economic consultant for European transition economies.

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

10 August 2019 - Minister of the Interior Mevludin Nuhodžic and Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Ambassador Aivo Orav, recently visited the border crossing at Bar and Command and Operational Centre of the Regional Centre of Border Police "South", which has been recently equipped with modern EU-donated electronic surveillance technology worth 3.4 million EUR.

“The EU is Montenegro's biggest partner when it comes to support of integrated border management. Today's donation is a part of a larger EU sector budget support to Montenegro, worth in total EUR 20 million. In parallel to our joint efforts with the Ministry of the Interior and the Border Police to strengthen the capacity in border management through the provision of equipment, we also organise numerous training activities and provide support through TAIEX," Ambassador Orav said reported the Ministry of Interior of Montenegro.

He also added that the donation came as a result of endorsing the European Commission's recommendations and thanked the Ministry of the Interior for accepting all European Commission's recommendations.

08 August 2019 - As an integral part of Portonovi Resort – one of the most prestigious resorts in this part of Europe, D-Marin Portonovi Marina began its operations.

Situated in one of the most beautiful spots in Boka Bay, Portonovi is comprised of 26 hectares of exclusivity with over 1,8 kilometres of beachfront access, delivering 214 residences with a variety of tenure in its first phase. Portonovi will provide the very best in service and understated luxury and world class amenities that include Europe’s first One & Only and Espace Chenot Health Wellness Spa which are to open in 2020 as well as the deep-water D-Marin Portonovi Marina already welcoming its first guests.

D-Marin Portonovi Marina, opening just before the grand premiere of Portonovi this summer, is a deep-water marina which will host yachts up to 120 metres and offer 238 berths, a choice of entry points and a sheltered position at the entrance to the bay. This state-of-the-art marina will offer its clients all the necessary maintenance and safety requirements, along with as a recently opened customs entry, as well as the soon-to-be-open fuel station. The marina promenade will also provide versatile experiences for all guests and visitors.

D-Marin Portonovi marina will offer superyachts and boating enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the network of D-Marin ports in Croatia, Greece and Turkey through its so-called Happy Berth Days, which offers privileged access of 7-day free stay in other D-Marin marinas and additional 40% discount after the free days expire.

The addition of Portonovi to the Mediterranean coast will continue to position Montenegro amongst the most attractive yachting destinations world-wide, guaranteeing a first-class tourist and lifestyle offering.

D-Marin is a Doğuş Group company that was established to set a new benchmark in operations of the marinas. By managing 10 unique marinas in Ionian, Aegean & Adriatic Seas, D-Marin creates one of the largest international chain of marinas in the Eastern Mediterranean that promotes recreational yachting and develops sustainable businesses that encourage local employment and growth within the economy.

Read more informations on how to get to Montenegro and what to visit at TMN's dedicated page.

8 August 2019 - The exhibition of caricatures of artist Goran Šćekić will be held in the garden of the Mirko Komnenovic City Museum in Herceg Novi on August 11 at 9 pm, as announced from the Museum Press.

Goran Šćekić is a Berane-born author, who lives and works in Podgorica. He began caricature artwork in 1992 when he published his first work in Pobjeda, the only daily newspaper in Montenegro at the time.

Since then, he has been noticed by editors of many media outlets in Montenegro and Serbia, so that his works appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines. Thanks to the internet, he has also become known in the diaspora.

In 2001 and 2007, he received journalist awards from the Association of Journalists of Montenegro. In 2016, he received the prestigious Berane Liberation Day Award.

In 1999 he discontinued cooperation with all other media and started a collaboration with the independent daily "DAN" (Day). He has posted over 10,000 caricatures so far.

He is also a comic artist, and he has published over 400 works in this field of work. He has gained a reputation in Montenegro by bringing caricature and comics to the level of respect, as it stands in his biography byThe City Museum.

Scekic is a professional in the field of uncrewed aerial vehicles.

He also writes screenplays for music videos and TV commercials and owns production for film and video.

He has done a few short feature films and videos. This year he made a short feature film about Roma in Berane Municipality.

He is the organizer and director of international manifestations of aviation modelers that have been running at Berane Airport for five years.

In 2005 he published his first volume cartoon book and in 2014, he published the second.

He has had sixteen solo and a dozen of collective exhibitions throughout Europe so far. Scekic's show in Herceg Novi will be opened by Danijela Đurović, the vice president of the municipality.