01 July 2019 - The Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi is organizing a concert of the vocal and instrumental ensemble La rossa, which will take place on July 2, 2019, in front of the Hotel Delfin in Bijela.

The organizers invite all locals and tourists to spend a lovely evening with the charming sounds of the La rossa ensemble, whose members will start playing at 9:30 pm.

“We invite you to an exceptional vocal-instrumental music concert of the group La rossa that will take place in front of the Hotel Delfin in Bijela,” says the invitation by the Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi.

In addition to vocal soloists, the program will include various instruments, such as piano, guitar, cello and classic accordion.

The entry to the concert is free.

The music program will vary in genres, so the ensemble members hope that all guests will enjoy the dynamic song list that will be presented at the concert.

“We invite you to our city to enjoy this musical treat," said the invitation by the Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi.

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

01 July 2019 - LLC Ski Resorts of Montenegro in cooperation with the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism and the National Tourism Organization of Montenegro are organizing the " Promotion of the summer tourist season in the north " on July 6 at the Kolašin 1600 Ski Centre, reports the Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi.

The organizers have prepared a rich entertainment program as well as two prize games. The first prize game is called "The search for gifts". Anyone who wants to participate in this prize game is a potential winner of prizes like backpacks, shirts, hats, glasses, planners and other promotional material. The second prize game prepared is "Best Photography from Summer opening", and there is also a special lottery in which visitors can win valuable gifts!

The organizers will provide free rides with a cable car, as well as promotional prices for food and drinks. The entire program will be complemented by the concert of the music star Hari Mata Hari.

Tourist Organization of Herceg Novi provided free bus service for all Herceg Novi-based individuals who are interested in visiting the "Promotion of the summer tourist season in the north". Applications for free transport are possible by calling the TO Herceg Novi telephone number on the number 0038231 350 820.

The program:

07: 00h - Departure by bus from Dubrava

10: 30h-12: 00h - registration of participants in the prize game - lottery (filling out the survey)

10: 00h - DJ plays music – cable car rides

11: 00h - 11: 05h - Flash mode dance

11: 05h - 11:30 – Official announcement

11: 00h -16: 30 Organized children's program: games without borders, scouting activities ...

12: 00h - 12: 05h -Flash mode dance

11: 00h - 13: 00h – Search for gifts

12:30 - 12:45 - Proclamation of winners of lottery prizes

12: 55h - 13: 00h Flash mode dance

13: 00h - 15: 30h - Hari Mata Hari Concert

15: 30h - 18: 00h - DJ Mr Jools

18: 00h - departure for Herceg Novi by bus

Read more about tourist season in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.

20 June 2019 - The Baroque building of the Bujović palace opened its doors to the young artist, architect Luka Pajović, who presented himself to the Perast audience with the first solo exhibition: In The Image of La Serenissima: Reflections on the architectural history of Perast (1687-1797).

Apart from the key artifacts from the archives of the Perast town, drawings of the previously unmapped Perast churches and bell towers, the exhibition is based on an eponymous research project, conducted between October 2018 and June 2019 under the auspices of the Royal Institute of British Architects.

The director of the Museums of Kotor, Dušan Medin, presented the biography of architect Pajović and talked about the importance of this project, which pointed to the significance of Perast and its historical and cultural importance in Bay of Kotor and the former Venice Republic.

Professor Ilija Lalošević also spoke about the historical importance and strategic position of Perast, and recalled the importance of Serenissima for the development of the town. The catalog and exhibition are documented in the last 100 years of the rule of Serenissima in Perast.

"Luka's architect's language can particularly talk to the visitors, while the ideal interpolation and reconstruction was done well, which means that the author responded to a high-level task," said professor Lalošević on the occasion of the opening of the exhibition, as reported Radio Jadran.

Author Luka Pajović spoke about his impressions of Perast and the knowledge of the moment of construction that is characteristic of this Baroque city. He thanked everyone who provided him with assistance in this project after eight months of research and preparation.

"I would like to thank the RIBA for their inestimable financial and moral support, and for their decision to assist my work on this endlessly inspiring subject with one of their annual research awards. Thanks are also due to the Municipality of Podgorica and “Sveti Petar Cetinjski” Foundation, who provided additional financial aid to the project at its key stages," pointed out Pajović, adding that he owes debt to don Srećko Majić and Mrs Danka Lalošević, without whose generosity and patience throughout the process of surveying the churches of Perast this exhibition certainly would not take the form it does.

The exhibition will be opened until mid-July and the Museums of the City of Perast warmly recommended for audience of all age and professions.

Luka Pajović was born in Podgorica in 1995, where he received his elementary schooling and completed the first two years of secondary school, before continuing his studies at St. Peter’s School in York (UK). He completed his undergraduate studies of Architecture at the University of Cambridge Department of Architecture as a full scholar of Trinity College, having come top of his class two years in a row. Following his B. Arch. I studies, he spent a year working for the award-winning, London-based Tim Ronalds Architects, before returning to Montenegro to undertake a year-long independent research project, currently underway.

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

MORZ - Amphitheater of Herceg Novi Theater - Program

19 June 2019 - The Tourism Council concluded that the tourist indicators in the first quarter of this year significantly exceeded the data from the record 2018, which, alongside the fact that the activities on the preparation of this year's peak season are implemented or being implemented in accordance with the plan, indicates that 2019 will be a very successful tourist year, reported the Government of Montenegro.

In the first three months of 2019, 166,628 tourists visited Montenegro, which is 38.15% more than in the same period of 2018, while 645,630 tourist nights were registered, 22.4% more than in the same period of the previous year. Tourist traffic data recorded by local tourism organisations show an increase of an average of 15.33% in the first 23 weeks of this year (from January to 14 June inclusive) compared to the same period of 2018.

"These data are even more important if you are aware that in the last year, in which Montenegrin tourism broke all records, the number of tourists increased by 10.24 percent compared to 2017, and the number of overnight stays by 8.17%," stated in the Report on the implementation of the activities envisaged by the Plan for the preparation of the 2019 summer tourist season, which the Council discussed. 

The increase in the number of tourists and the number of nights is followed by the growth of revenues - in 2018, by 8.59% more than in 2017, and in the first quarter of this year, revenues increased by 7.9% compared to the record year 2018 when Montenegro exceeded one billion EUR in tourism revenues for the first. 

Significant increase in the number of tourists in collective accommodation was recorded from the market of Germany (the number of arrivals for the first four months was five times higher than in the same period last year); doubled tourist traffic was recorded from the markets of Austria, the United Kingdom (32.25%), France (an increase of 11.23%) and Poland (an increase of 10.24%). 

The Council noted that such good tourist trends are primarily the result of improving the quality of accommodation capacities and the development of new tourist facilities and offers. About 70 four-star and five-star hotels were opened during the mandate of this Government, while about 30 projects related to product development were supported in last year alone. Air transport accessibility has been improved and a number of activities have been implemented to promote the tourist offer by the National Tourism Organisation and the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism. 

Council President Duško Marković emphasised that the impressive growth of tourism as a leading economy, by its scope and financial effects, has again positioned Montenegro as a top tourist destination.

Despite the significant improvements that are evident from year to year, the Council pointed to constraints that exist when it comes to occasional traffic jams, the permeability of borders, execution of construction works during the season, improvement of utility services. It was noted that the constraints need to be addressed through additional coordination of the state authorities responsible for these issues and institutions at the local level. Furthermore, the Council stressed the need for additional engagement when it comes to employing foreigners and defining systemic solutions related to the education and training of lacking staff in the tourism sector. In order to effectively monitor the development of the tourist season and undertake measures to overcome the challenges, especially during the upcoming peak tourist season, the Council established a Coordinating Body for the season monitoring headed by Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism Pavle Radulović.

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

12 June 2019 - Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Montenegro Songul Ozan said that Herceg Novi is an attractive destination, stressing that Turkey is interested in finding a model and helping the reconstruction project for the Kanli Kula Fortress and rehabilitation of this landslide-degraded area.

Н.Е. Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Montenegro, Songul Ozan, recently paid a working visit to Herceg Novi, where she met with the Mayor of the Municipality, Stevan Katić and his associates, reports the local government.

The management of the Municipality of Herceg Novi welcomed Ambassador Ozan, who pointed out that this coastal city is one of the most beautiful in Montenegro, and that the country is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

The Ambassador gained insight into current events in Herceg Novi, cultural events throughout the year, as well as into the cooperation between Herceg Novi and city Jedrene, whose orchestra participated in the 50th Mimosa Festival. This cooperation resulted in the guest appearance of City Music Herceg Novi and majorettes at the 9th International Festival of Wind Orchestras in Jedrene in early March. Both sides agreed that this is a good example of cooperation between the two cities and states, which should continue in the future.

Katić also reminded the Ambassador of plans that are not in the municipality's jurisdiction, but their realization is crucial, such as the construction of the bypass and the rehabilitation of the slopes at Kanli Kula, one of the most beautiful summer stages in this part of the Adriatic. He also pointed to the current socio-economic status of our citizens, caused by unsuccessful privatization processes, both in Herceg Novi and throughout Montenegro.

As the focus of the city government work, President Katić emphasized the arrangement of infrastructure and the revitalization of cultural objects.

Ambassador Ozan pointed out that Herceg Novi is an attractive destination for Turkish tourists, and that Montenegro and Turkey are connected with history and culture. She expressed the interest of the representatives of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey, in cooperation with the city and the state, to find a model to help the Kanli Kula Fortress and to implement a landslide rehabilitation project that threatens this fortress.

The Ambassador expressed her hope that Herceg Novi will further increase the number of Turkish investors and she invited the municipality's leadership to consider the candidacy of projects at the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).

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

11 June 2019 - The first results of the analysis of seawater quality for 100 public swimming areas, conducted by the Institute of Biology for the needs of Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management of Montenegro from May 23rd to May 26th, showed that on 89% of the beaches the quality of seawater was K1 class, while on 11% of the swimming areas the water was K2 class.

These results confirm that the seawater at Montenegrin beaches is of excellent quality, i.e., that the beaches have good sanitary conditions and that the water is safe for swimming and recreation.

Out of 16 swimming areas in Ulcinj Municipality, 13 had water with excellent quality, while 3 beaches had water with class K2, or satisfactory quality.

In Bar, the quality of seawater was K1 class on all 12 swimming areas, while in the municipality of Budva the analysis was done in 27 locations, one of which was recorded quality K2, while in other locations the sea water had K1 class quality.

The quality of seawater K1 was determined at 6 swimming areas in Tivat, while 3 of Tivat’s beaches had the quality class K2.

In Kotor, out of a total of 15 bathing areas, the quality K1 was determined at 12 locations, while for the remaining 3 the quality of the water was K2 class.

When it comes to water quality on the Herceg Novi coast, the analyses showed the sea water quality K1 class at a total of 20 swimming areas, while one beach had water with quality rating class K2.

The results of testing the sanitary quality of seawater, as well as the data on sea temperature, air temperature and salinity for each individual bathing site, can be found on the special application on the website www.morskodobro.com.

Since 1996, the Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management of Montenegro has been implementing annual programs for monitoring the sanitary quality of seawater at public beaches during the summer season in accordance with the provisions of the Water Act. Since 2010, this Program has been implemented by the Decree on classification and categorization of waters, as well as following other national and international regulations in the field of environmental protection.

In order to monitor the sanitary safety of seawater in public swimming areas and its overall quality, and in accordance with national and international regulations, the following parameters are examined: basic microbiological parameters - escherichia coli, intestinal enterococci, as well as additional chemical parameters: air temperature, water temperature (when taking a sample), salinity, pH value, the colour saturation with oxygen (% O2), ammonia (mg / l), floating waste materials (descriptive) and colour and transparency (descriptive).

Read more about Montenegro's coast at TMN's dedicated page.

10 June 2019 - The first noise pollution sound limiter in Montenegro was installed in Herceg Novi, more precisely in the Pub Got. Sound limiting devices are new in the Montenegrin market, but judging from the experience of other tourist countries, they are important element in regulating and respecting regulations regarding sound pollution is necessary, as reported by Radio Jadran.

Head of the Public Utility Police and Inspection Supervision Marija Andrić pointed out that these activities aim at improving the quality of life in the city. Same as in the previous years, the Public Utility Police will constantly monitor the process, and at the same time measure the noise level arising from the catering facilities in the evening hours. In order to enforce the laws of noise protection, the municipal inspector and the Public Utility police officer are obliged to continuously monitor and control the execution of the measures and actions they have ordered, and they will continuously monitor the fulfillment of the conditions of technical correctness and functionality of the installed noise pollution sound limiter.

She also noted that the Law on Tourism and Catering brought novelties aimed at preventing the exceeding of the allowed noise level. Thus, every catering facility in which the music programme is being performed, with the use of electro-acoustic and acoustic devices, will be obliged to install a volume limiter on the device from which the music is being broadcasted.

Andrić noted that in order to obtain a Music Programme Approval, with the request as an attachment, it is necessary to submit a Certificate of Installed Limiters.

As the expert for noise measurement in the environment of the Institute "Sigurnost" Boško Perović explained, as of May 1 this year, the Rulebook on noise limit values ​​in the environment and on the sound limiters is in force.

"By regulating this, conditions for solving noise problems have been created, which are particularly pronounced in coastal municipalities. Now, we can solve these problems and challenge and deal with them as much as possible. There are also positive by-laws that regulate the permissible noise level, this time both inside and outside," Perović said, adding that the external sound, or sound outside the building, should not exceed 65 decibels, in accordance with the Law on Noise Protection. According to the rules on protection at work, the limit for the inside of coffee bars is 75 decibels.

It clarifies that by installing the sound level limiter, functionality is ensured - if the level of sound is exceeded, the device will return the sound level to the level at which the device is calibrated.

"This means there will be no abolition of music and electricity. I consider this the best solution, the catering facility will be able to continue working normally, that is, under the conditions that the limiter allows," concluded Perović.

The sound limitation is performed on the basis of the measurement of an accredited noise measurement institution, which makes a report on the fulfillment of conditions for setting the limiter. The authorized service provider-importer of the limiter mounts the device on the basis of field measurements, and the Public Utility and Inspection Service put its official stamp on the limiter, which must not be physically damaged at any time during its work.

Herceg Novi is the first city in Montenegro to start this practice, and in the coming days will also do some catering facilities in Nikšić and Bar.

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

10 June 2019 - The Director of the Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management of Montenegro, Predrag Jelušić, presented a total of 29 Blue Flags to various swimming areas (beaches) and one to Marina Bar, which is the only marina in Montenegro that has this prestigious ecological feature, reports National Tourism Organization of Montenegro.

The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.

The Blue Flag program has been implemented in Montenegro since 2003 when NGO "EKOM" became an associate member of the Foundation for Environmental Education and thus acquired the right to be the National Operator for Montenegro. PE for Coastal Zone Management immediately recognized the importance of the Blue Flag and from the very beginning became the general sponsor and supporter of the Program, which is one of the most important activities related to the responsible management of the coast and beaches.

The Blue Flag is awarded for the current season based on the results from the previous season, which are assessed by the National Commission consisting of the representatives of the relevant Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism, the Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management, the Red Cross of Montenegro, the Port Management, and the environmental NGOs. At the beginning of each year, they review the statements and reports of beach tenants and analyse the fulfilment of 32 criteria in the area of ​​safety and services on beaches, quality of seawater and environmental activities, regardless of the number of years spent in the Program.

Based on the proposal of the National Commission, each year the international jury awards certain swimming areas (beaches) with the Blue Flag. The jury gathers and makes the decisions in Copenhagen each year at the end of May. Members of the international jury are representatives of renowned institutions such as the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the International Rescue Organization (IRC), the UN Environment Program, The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and others.

Blue Flag Awarding is based on meeting the criteria in four basic areas: ecological education and information, water quality, ecological management and safety and service. For beaches, from 2017, it is necessary to comply with 33 criteria, out of which 28 are imperative and 5 are recommended. Some of the necessary criteria are: ecological and educational activities, highlighted map of the beach with marked different contents, compliance with requirements and standards regarding frequency of sampling of sea water, fulfilling requirements and standards in terms of microbiological, physical and chemical parameters of sea water, sanitary facilities with controlled drainage, emergency response plans etc.

Read more about exploring Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.