Over the past three years, the Public Works Administration has implemented dozens of projects referring to the improvement of the local traffic and utility infrastructure worth over €50 million, head of this institution, Mr Rešad Nuhodžić, told in an interview for CdM.

The largest number of these projects has been implemented in the north of the country, in line with the Government’s strategy of the country’s uniformly development.

“One of the biggest projects is certainly the reconstruction of the tailing in Mojkovac and its transformation into a modern sports and recreational zone,” said Mr Nuhodžić.

According to him, at this location, covering an area of about 19 hectares, the construction of a footbridge over the Podgorica – Bijelo Polje main road is underway, with a total value of about €1.8 million. The construction of the footbridge will be completed by the end of the year.

He recalls that the construction of traffic and utility connections within the business zone has started recently in Mojkovac, which will provide an additional incentive for the development of entrepreneurship, and therefore create conditions for new jobs.

“About 825,000 euro will be allocated for this investment,” Mr Nuhodžić added.

Among many projects that the Public Works Administration is implementing in Rožaje, he particularly wanted to mention a new city market, which will provide quality working conditions for all sellers.

“We are about to finish the construction of a market in Gusinje as well, the project funded by the Govt of Montenegro, worth around €620,000.”

As for Berane, the second phase of the construction of a livestock market at an area of around 3,350 sqm, worth €360,000, started several days ago.

The construction of access roads for the future ski resorts Žarski, Cmiljača, Kolašin, and Hajla is underway, as well as for Đalovića cave tourist complex, which will contribute to the development of economy and the increase in the quality of life of citizens living in these areas.

Besides all the above-mentioned projects, Mr Nuhodžić added, there are many other projects as well and each one of them is extremely significant for the local community regardless of its value.

He also noted that the Government and the Public Works Administration would continue with the investment and the implementation of projects aiming to further develop the local infrastructure.

Text by CDM on November 2, 2019, read more here.

Although the main, summer tourist season has officially drawn to a close, Porto Montenegro’s Naval Heritage Collection continues to bring in visitors.

During the six working days of the last week in October, around 100 people visited the collection, most of whom visited both the museum exhibition and its main attraction, the P-821 “Heroj” submarine, located in front of the museum itself.

P-821 “Heroj” Submarine - Photo Boka News

Visitor numbers were up almost 40% on the same week in October last year, with the vast majority - over 80% - is from abroad, and the remainder coming from Montenegro and countries of the former Yugoslavia.

Between 1st January and 27th October this year, the Naval Heritage Collection of Porto Montenegro in Tivat has seen 10,071 visitors, with ticket sales and souvenirs bringing in a total of 37,174 euros.

The Public Company for the Management of Marine Property of Montenegro has begun work on landscaping and paving the existing footpath behind Jaz beach in Budva.

The footpath will be 380 metres long, and between five and six metres wide, and will run from the Posejdon Hotel beach to the Kunjić house.

“The walkway will be paved with terracotta-colour prefabricated concrete blocks, with drainage and curb edges. As part of the landscaping, the existing coastal wall along the beach will be rebuilt, with seating and waste bins installed, bollards to prevent vehicle access as well as horticultural landscaping along the footpath.

Currently, earthworks and removal of the concrete surface are taking place on the walkway, alongside parallel work on installing water and telecoms connections sub-surface. This work is being carried out by ‘Vodovod i kanalizacija Budva and M:tel’,” reports JP Marine Property.

They add that towards the end of the works, lampposts and street lighting would be reinstalled, with two-power lyre lighting and led bulbs.

The contractor for the project is Incom of Podgorica, with a completion date of February 2020. The Public Company has earmarked 150,000 euros for the work.

Upon completion of the public procurement process, a contract will be signed in the coming days on a design for an extension of the walkway to the mouth of the river at the western end of the beach.

Tivat has recorded a 24% increase in the number of tourists, compared with last year. With the same increase in the number of overnight stays, Tivat had more than a million overnights in the first nine months of this year. Tourists were mostly from Russia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, Great Britain, China, France, the USA, Ukraine, Croatia and Hungary, said director of Tourist Organization Tivat, Ms Gabrijela Glavočić, at the conference marking the end of the summer season.

Between 1 May and 1 September, a total of €293.000 of local taxes have been collected, 21% more compared with 2018.

President of the Municipality of Tivat, Mr Siniša Kusovac, pointed out that competent municipal services and enterprises had significantly contributed to the successful summer season in Tivat.

“This year Tivat got the highest rank ever in the survey that encompasses a wide range of elements and aspects of tourism season. Interestingly, Tivat is still a favorite when it comes to relaxation and rest. Its cleanliness is the third most appreciated factor that makes tourists come back. Seawater quality has been K1 throughout the whole season. The credit goes to our municipal services,” said Mr Kusovac.

In pre-season and during the season, TO Tivat operated following the existing strategic objectives of the development of tourism and it significantly contributed to maintaining the status of a high-quality destination that Tivat enjoys.

“Promotional materials have been translated to German, Russian, English and French. Apart from many brochures, we also made a calendar of events – “TIVTOVANJE 2019 (“TIVTING 2019″)”. It was distributed to more than 5.000 addresses in the region”, said Ms Glavočić.

TO promoted the authenticity of the destination through trade fairs and presentations in the country and abroad. TO of Tivat emphasized its richness of local characteristics and customs, contributing to numerous projects relevant to the municipality.

“TO Tivat used the beginning of the year to create new strategies for taking part in tourism trade fairs, to promote the entire region. The idea was to promote and present Boka and its three towns: Tivat, Kotor and Herceg Novi. It was an impressive presentation because it showcased the specificity of a region – cultural heritage, tradition, folklore, cuisine and other attractions”, said Ms Glavočić.

According to Ms Glavočić, this year again, Tivat carried out many important promotional actions. Texts about Tivat were distributed all across the region.

“Two great projects were carried out in pre-season – promotion of Hello travel Boka magazine and the first Pictorial glossary about Tivat. “Tivting” definitely was a boom this year”, added Ms Glavočić.

Thanks to the activities above, Tivat got the highest rank so far in the regular survey.

Text by Cdm on November 1, 2019. Read more at Cdm here.

To read more about travel in Montenegro, follow TMN's dedicated page. 

A mini-break begins today for primary and secondary school students in Montenegro.

Namely, the first classification period ended on October 31, according to the school calendar for 2019/2020 and is followed by a short, four-day break.

The non-working days are Friday 1^st November and Monday 4^th November.

The second classification period begins on Tuesday 5^th November. It ends on Monday, December 30th.

Following the winter break, the third classification period will begin on January 27^th next year and will last until March 31^st.

The school year ends on June 12^th, that is, for the final grade students on May 20^th, 2020.

Text by CdM, on October 31st, 2019, read more at CdM

Starting in July 2020, citizens will be able to enjoy the area of Bjelasica as they ride the new Cmiljaca cable car.

The government has released a new video on how the works on Bjelasica are progressing.

The total value of the project is EUR 23 million.

The designed cable car capacity is 2,600 skiers per hour and its length is almost 1.4 kilometers.

In addition to the ski center at Cmiljaca, within the complex of winter centers in Bjelasica, there is also a tourist center at Zarski katun in the municipality of Mojkovac.

The future ski resort on Cmiljaca and the complex of tourist centers in Bjelasica as a whole from the 2020/2021 season will be a new impetus to our economy and will bring new jobs and opportunities for young people in Bijelo Polje, the Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said earlier.

Text by S.Dj., on October 31st, 2019, read more at CdM

The Municipality of Herceg Novi invites all interested parties to participate in the Strategic Development Plan of the Municipality Herceg Novi from 2020 to 2027, bearing in mind that only a holistic approach and joint action of all actors at the local level enables the development and adoption of a quality strategic plan; the implementation of which should best meet the future challenges of the city’s development.

A survey was published on the Municipality's website to collect data on specific issues that will be used in the Strategic Development Plan of the Municipality Herceg Novi in the period until 2027.

You can fill out the survey here.

As the most transparent local government in Montenegro, the Municipality of Herceg Novi will involve citizens in the preparation of this strategic document, both through a survey and through planned public debates. The participation of the local population will be a valuable help in the realistic insight at the current situation, identifying all resources and potentials, determining the achievable direction of the city's development, as well as in anticipating the possible problems facing the local community.

The Strategic Development Plan of the Municipality Herceg Novi from 2020 to 20207 will focus on contemporary sustainable development concepts that require an innovative approach to economic development while preserving natural resources, without neglecting the core values from the traditional and historical context of our city and Boka Bay. Great attention will be paid to the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of this Strategy, and subsequent updating and correction of strategic documents over the next seven-year period, if necessary.

Text by Boka News, on October 31st, 2019, read more at Boka News

01 November 2019 - Tivat Tourism Organisation, in cooperation with partners - Tivat Municipality, Tivat Caterers and Hotel Association, Porto Montenegro, Luštica Bay and Brand New Tivat, announced the “ Tivat Winter Fairy Tale 2020 ” – winter entertainment program which aims to enchant all locals and guests of this gorgeous coastal town in Montenegro.

Tivat's Winter Fairy Tale 2020 begins on November 25th with the opening of an ice rink and a concert by regional star Nataša Bekvalac and the Magla Band.

In addition to the ice rink, which the citizens and guests of Tivat will be able to enjoy next month, Riva Pine will evoke the holiday spirit until the end of the New Year's program on January 3^rd with decorated wooden food carts. The Winter Fairy Tale program will include numerous Christmas fairs, charity bazaars, various themed content, music concerts, daily house events, a full day of fun for the kids with the Magic Forest, a children's play on the ice and a traditional Leontine concert with guests, as well as many other activities by the children of Tivat to all children in Tivat.

The main New Year's program is reserved for December 31, 2019, and New Year's Eve with the Lexington Band and Milligram concert, while on January 1, 2020, Marija Šerifović and Saša Kovačević will perform.

Guests in Tivat will also be entertained by Van Gogh - December 28, Vlatko Stefanovski and the Bitolj Chamber Orchestra - NY Rock Symphony - December 29, Željko Bebek - December 30, Ana Stanić & Pop Symphony - January 2 and many others surprise guests.

“The Winter Fairy Tale in Tivat 2020 opens its doors to all lovers of winter magic, festive atmosphere, good fun with fun to remember. Experience your fairy tale on the Riviera Pine and experience the magic of coastal winter idyll in Tivat,” says the invitation by the Tivat Tourism Organisation.

01 November 2019 - Science | Business recently posted an interview with Minister Damjanović on the establishment of a major regional research infrastructure that will "heal the wounds of war" in a way that will revive the scientific and technological potential of this area and this will undoubtedly lead to the economic development of the Southeast Europe region.

A €200 million investment in an international research facility in the Balkans could heal the wounds left by years of ethnic conflicts, help to stop the brain drain and lead to the region regaining its former scientific glory, according to Montenegro’s science minister Sanja Damjanović.

For the past three years, she has promoted the vision of a world-leading research institute, built to the same collaborative model as CERN. Now the project has entered its design phase and is edging towards reality. 

The 1991 - 2001 wars in the former Yugoslavia diminished the economies and science capacity of all countries in the area. Damjanović is now looking to the political will of neighbouring countries and of the EU, “To bring back the tradition in technology that we had in the past.”

Seven countries in the Balkans and Kosovo have teamed up to establish the Southeast European International Institute for Sustainable Technologies (SEEIIST), which will apply advances in particle physics to medical technologies, in particular to develop hadron therapy, a novel radiotherapy technique using proton or ion beams to deliver precision treatment of tumours, sparing healthy tissue.

The countries involved in SEEIIST hope it will help the region overcome economic difficulties and bring them closer to EU membership.

Establishing a large-scale competitive research infrastructure is “the only way” to revive the scientific and technological potential of the region, Damjanović said. “Due to this recent historical situation in our region, all the scientific, economic activities very much slowed down,” she told Florin Zubașcu for Science|Business.

Before entering politics, Damjanović completed a Ph.D. in physics at Heidelberg University and worked as a researcher at CERN. She says the experience of studying and working in international settings. Then, becoming a science minister of such a small country made her reflect on what can be done to revive science and technology in the region. “I was immediately infected with the idea [of an international research institute],” Damjanović said.

She is pushing for SEEIIST to be on the EU’s next roadmap for research infrastructures, to be drawn up by the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI) in 2021. If that goes well, the construction of the facility could start in 2023 and finish in 2028. But she said, “Time is not so much in favour of us because the [ESFRI] deadline is May 2020.”

01 November 2019 - The local government of Herceg Novi has recently drawn up an Investment Map for the city, which includes several significant projects crucial to the development of the city.

Guided by the desire to overcome all the negative effects of privatization, and to change the previous orientation of economic activities in the narrow zone of the urban part of the municipality, to promote the development of its rural part, especially Luštica, the local government representatives have drawn up a map of investments. The Investment Map includes 15 projects, of which as many as 11 relate directly or indirectly to tourism development, reports Radio Jadran.

Some projects included in the Map will be built from the city’s own resources, such as a public garage and a square in front of the municipal building - worth 3 million EUR. Future investors will be offered to invest in 14 more projects, according to a presentation of the Map organized by the municipality's management.

The Investment Map of Herceg Novi includes the following projects: Bus Station Complex with Shopping Centre in Igalo, Business Centre in Igalo, Tourist Settlement Njivice Viewpoint, "Sport inn" hotel with football pitch in Igalo, Porto Bono Tourist Complex in Luštica, business and apartment type facility in Meljine, mixed-use facility in Igalo, Hotel Play-Igalo, Sports town in Sutorina, Cable car Njivički put-Ilinica, Sanitary landfill Duboki do, City bypass and Zelenika-Rose ferry, nautical tourism at the Škver and the revitalization of the narrow-gauge railway line through Herceg Novi.

The Mayor of Herceg Novi, Stevan Katić, said that the Map was prepared on the basis of valid planning documentation and the spatial plan. He highlighted that one of the most significant projects for Herceg Novi is the construction of the Igalo Bus Station.

Katić also reminded that the current priority is the completion of water and road infrastructure in Luštica, for which project documentation is being drafted, and towards the end of this year and early next year, the realization of infrastructure investments in the peninsula, worth 10 million EUR, will start.

Director of the Agency for Construction and Development of Herceg Novi Boro Lučić emphasized that all 15 investment sites were developed following the spatial plan and added that he expects that future investors will be interested in these projects.