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Tourists Gain Access to Montenegro’s Wild Beauty

The mountainous region in the north of the country is a perfect example of the wild beauty Montenegro proudly promotes in its global tourism campaign. Rich with natural attractions, including forests, rivers and lakes and dotted with numerous picturesque towns, the region has great economic potential as a tourist destination. Thanks to the support of the American people through USAID, the region's potential is being realized through innovative cross-sector projects, including the creation of the Stavna Eko Katun village in Andrijevica.

A woman from Andrijevica enjoys the scenery
A woman from Andrijevica enjoys the scenery

Andrijevica is a small, underdeveloped, rural municipality in Northern Montenegro with a population of 6,000 and a faltering economy. The town itself is located in a serene valley between Mount Komovi and Mount Bjelasica. This area is well known for its beauty and wilderness areas but a lack of tourist amenities has made it a "hardship" destination for overnight hikers and nature lovers. Due to the lack of adequate accommodations in Andrijevica, the tourists have gradually disappeared over the past fifteen years.

Fortunately, the Ministry of Tourism recognized the problem in Andrijevica. The Ministry's overall plan for the development of tourism in northern Montenegro includes the development of adequate overnight accommodations in order to increase the number of tourists to the region. However, the Municipality of Andrijevica lacks the necessary resources to complete the construction of accommodations on its own.

Through the "Community Revitalization through Democratic Action" (CRDA) program, the Stavna Eko Katun village project was developed and realized. It included the construction of ten wooden cabins, which can each comfortably accommodate 5 overnight guests. There is also an onsite reception room and restaurant with capacity to serve 50 diners. Visitors will have the unique opportunity of enjoying guided excursions that allow them to see and experience untouched nature. And, after building up healthy appetites, visitors can savor the healthy, ecologically friendly foods of the region.

The total value of the project was approximately $289,000. USAID, through CHF International/Montenegro, provided $156,000 and the Municipality of Andrijevica provided $43,000. Widespread private and public support provided the remainder of the funds.

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Fri, 02 May 2008 12:30:48 -0500
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