August 10, 2020 - The National Tourist Organization of Montenegro has organized a study visit by German journalist and writer Matthias Koeffler, who is preparing a tourist guide about Montenegro in German.
During the two-week visit, the journalist visited some of the most attractive tourist sites in Podgorica, Cetinje, Budva, Bar, Ulcinj, and the Bay of Kotor. He also visited the north of Montenegro, Žabljak and national parks, to present through his guide what Montenegro has to offer in terms of active nature holidays, which are always of specific interest to the German tourist market. In addition to natural wonders, Kofler will present Montenegro's cultural sights with a particular emphasis on museums.
The publishing group Reise Know-How, for which Kofler is preparing a tourist guide about Montenegro, is the leading independent publisher of tourist books in Germany. Since 1981, Reise Know-How has published travel guides for over a hundred world tourist destinations, including Bali, Majorca, Thailand, USA, and others.
The study visit of the German journalist was carried out with the support of local tourist organizations from Bar, Budva, Cetinje, Ulcinj, Kotor, Tivat, Zabljak, and Podgorica and Public Enterprize "National Parks of Montenegro".
Matthias Koeffler and his wife Marija, a professional photographer, stayed in Tivat last week. The host, TO Tivat, organized a tour of the Solila Nature Reserve, the Buća Luković Summer House, Porto Montenegro nautical resort, and the Great City Park. Pleased with what they saw, the guests pointed out that Tivat has excellent potential for combining natural and cultural heritage.
"The main cultural point in Tivat is certainly the medieval summer house in the city center, and Tivat can be proud of its natural heritage. It is the combination of cultural sights and natural beauties that is an attraction, "Koeffler said in an interview with Radio Tivat.
Matthias and Maria Koeffler on Solila, Photo by Zora Krstović, Radio Tivat
After visiting the nautical resort "Porto Montenegro," Koeffler said that it is evident that care was taken to follow the Mediterranean style during the construction, which is why the resort looks beautiful. Although beautiful, it is not particularly interesting in itself. However, when we look at the history of that locality where there are two intertwining stories - the story of the former Arsenal shipyard and today's marina - Porto can be seen as an attraction.
"By visiting Solila, we concluded that Tivat has significant natural potential, from which a lot can be made. Solila is a nature reserve, which should be promoted for tourism," said Koeffler.
The guests from Germany were particularly impressed in Tivat by the Great City Park, whose history dates back to its founding in 1892. As the most extensive horticultural garden on the eastern Adriatic coast, with a large number of exotic species brought by sailors from travels around the world, the Great City Park, according to German experts, merits being found in all promotional materials about Tivat.
The author of the guide and his wife were truly fascinated by what they saw and experienced in Montenegro.
"The tourist guide, a promotional publication in which all Montenegrin cities will be presented, is essential for gaining tourist interest and presenting specific destinations," they pointed out.
Impressed by Montenegro as a country of beautiful nature, the Koeffler couple pointed out that German tourists emphasize sustainable tourism, which fits into the strategy of the Tourist Organization of Tivat, which has launched the Green Destinations program.
"This is a strong attraction for German tourists because there is a link between bathing and active tourism, hiking, mountaineering, and cycling," Koeffler explained.
Matthias Koeffler in Buća-Luković, Photo by Zora Krstović, Radio Tivat
The combination of nature, culture, and history is unique, which attracts the attention of tourists, so it is expected that the tourist guide will draw particular attention to the German market and bring more German guests to Montenegro.
"The target group of the tourist guide is individual guests who choose the destination themselves, and the focus is on natural and cultural goods. They are interested in culture, art, as well as national parks and active tourism. I bring together information in the guide for them to put together a route of their choice. It is crucial to put culture in focus and connect it with history so that guests get to know and understand Montenegro better. "
Especially exciting and impressive, said Koeffler, is the train journey from Bar and Kolasin. It will be particularly interesting for German tourists because they are real romantics, Koeffler pointed out, noting that similar examples should be promoted more.
The German couple were also delighted by Montenegrin cuisine, and they especially liked the Priganice.
A tourist guide about Montenegro in German will be available in bookstores, publishing houses, tourist offices, and fairs in all German-speaking countries. In the 300-page manual, Koeffler will present attractions from all cities, and the publication will be published in the spring of 2021.
Source: Radio Tivat, Share Montenegro
