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Montenegro’s Mountains Compete for Tourists
Tourism, one of Montenegro’s fastest growing industries, is a primary contributor to the country’s economic growth. Renowned for its beauty, Montenegro’s coast is the most popular destination for tourists while the country’s large northern region—encompassing a picturesque mountain range and national parks—remains virtually undiscovered. In fact, only 10 percent of annual visitors travel to the north, which claims just one percent of the tourist overnight stays.
With a growing number of travelers seeking nature-based experiences, such as a mountain trek, as part of their holidays, USAID—in cooperation with the Montenegrin Government and the Austria-Montenegro Cooperation—recognized the potential for the development of this niche market.
Together, these partners turned to Biogradska Gora, a region featuring natural beauty and vibrant ethnic culture. Biogradska Gora National Park lies on the western slope of Bjelasica Mountain and is blanketed by pristine old-growth forests, high mountain peaks, and nine glacial lakes.
Responding to the lack of affordable yet comfortable accommodations and travel related-amenities, the Austria-Montenegro Cooperation built an elevated pathway around Biogradska Lake, a tourist information center, a gift shop, and twelve lakeside log cabins. For its part, USAID financed the reconstruction of an adjacent washroom facility to serve the cabins. Clean, well-designed washroom facilities now complement the newly improved warm and comfortable lodging facilities to make the lake a desirable overnight tourism destination. To ensure that visitors are well served, the Center for Sustainable Tourism Initiatives, a USAID partner, will train park staff in hospitality and management skills. The destination is slated for promotion by Montenegro Adventures, a tour agency.
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| Montenegro’s Biogradska Gora offers visitors countless scenic vistas. |
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