Lifestyle
Portonovi resort, which has seen an investment of about EUR 470 million so far, is visited daily by a large number of tourists from Montenegro as well as foreigners, said marketing and communications manager Adrijana Husic, announcing a new expansion of the offer.
"Portonovi opened its doors to visitors on August 1st and we are really looking forward to the interest, both on the first day and these 15 days that the resort is being operational," Husic told to Mina-business.
She said that the resort is visited daily by a large number of visitors, both from Montenegro and the region, but also from foreigners who are on holiday in Montenegro.
Husic, referring to the realized investment so far, stated that the construction of the project Portonovi started in 2012.
"Since then, about EUR 470 million has been invested, and when all the phases are completed, the total investment will amount to about EUR 1 billion," Husic said.
She recalled that a lot of people were working on the project Portonovi itself, in terms of construction, which is continuing at certain stages.
"Right now, in the resort, when it comes to providing services, there are several hundred employees, and this is one of the contributions that Portonovi makes to the development and improvement of the Montenegrin economy, as new jobs are created every day," Husic said.
Speaking about the current offer, she said the beach bar Portonovi, restaurants that are currently open, as well as the Pizana Gallery are attracting the most attention so far.
"As we announced, this is just the beginning. In the next 15 days, new openings await us and in addition to the first cognac bar, there will be the first Belgian pub of its kind in Montenegro. We also have the Italian ice-cream, and restaurant offerings will also expand," Husic announced.
Portonovi
According to her, Portonovi's Training Studio will be open soon.
"What we are particularly proud of is the first kindergarten or center where children will be able to stay during the day, which will be open soon, and will operate under the Montessori program," Husic said.
Portonovi, she said, will continue to operate in the coming period and reminded that the resort would be open 365 days a year.
"In only a few months, next year, we are expecting a grand opening, together with the opening of the first One and Only hotel in Europe, which will have 113 rooms and ten branded villas," Husic said.
She stated that this is an addition to the accommodation capacities, which are of great importance for the development of the tourist offer of Montenegro.
"Currently, Portonovi resort has 214 housing units for sale, 50 of which are in the rental program. Interested guests can also stay in the resort in one of these 50 units,” explained Husic.
She said that with the opening of the resort, D-Marin Portonovi marina began to operate, with a total of 238 berths available for boat owners.
"What is specific to our marina is that it is also a border crossing, and we expect to get a petrol station soon," Husic said.
The marina, she said, is located at the entrance to the Gulf of Boka Bay, which is a great benefit for users.
"The marina is part of the D-Marin large family, with over ten marinas located also in the Adriatic Sea and the Mediterranean, which brings various benefits and discounts for mooring owners," concluded Husic.
Text by Boka News, on August 18th, 2019, read more at Boka News
The market day, organized in Kolasin by the local Tourism Organization (TO) and the Friends of the City Association, brought together several dozen exhibitors of herbs, handicrafts, juices, jams, honey, and other products.
A large number of locals and tourists have shown once again that similar manifestations are a real success when it comes to the summer tourist offer of the city.
Traditionally, visitors were able to taste free of charge several types of “kacamak” and “priganice”, which were once again prepared by the best Kolasin homemakers.
The stands were, as usual, creatively designed but, according to the exhibitors, high quality is what distinguishes their products.
Stanija Cana Braunovic collects medicinal herbs in many Montenegrin mountains, but mostly in Sinjavina. In addition to recommending the use of several dozen types of teas, she shared with the visitors' tips on how to collect herbs.
"I have been at Sinjavina since April. In March, I was already picking up the coltsfoot and then the primrose arrived, which I was picking up in the vicinity of Zabljak. Violet is from Borova glava on Sinjavina, as well as verbena and hypericum. I also find many useful plants in Stitarica. It is important how we treat plant wealth. Plants should be carefully harvested and habitats not destroyed," Stana said.
Although this season was not the best for beekeepers, this could not be concluded according to the stand Milija Madzgalj from Mojkovac. In addition to honey, this beekeeper also offered candied fruits and propolis products to the visitors of Kolasin's Market day.
"I've been involved in beekeeping for two and a half decades. I sell at fairs, but buyers often come to my house as well. In addition, I also grow raspberries and strawberries. It is important to be consistent with quality, and when so, then there is no lack of customers," he said.
On this market day, the original “Divna's gingerbread cookies” and souvenirs were also presented, and the stand with herb soap, brought from Pljevlja by Dragica Roncevic, was also interesting. She has been living off the business for 20 years, and produces several types of creams, balms and ointments, also based on herbs.
The Ultra trail mountain race was also underway in Kolasin, and concerts of the band Rudolf and tamburasi were enjoyed.
Text by Dragana Scepanovic, on August 17th, 2019, read more at Vijesti
That fun time is not guaranteed only on the beaches of Ibiza, Mykonos and other elite islands and that Montenegro can compete with world party destinations, was proved by the spectacular “White Wine Party” organized by Plantaze at Q2 beach bar in Sutomore.
Superb wines, a fantastic beach setting, great performers, a multitude of positive vibes, smiles and creative content justified the announcement of this event as the best summer party on the coast and in the general opinion of those who attended something never seen before on this part of our Riviera.
The spectacular 16-meter-long seaside stage, with glamorous light effects, made Sutomore coast look like an elite resort of the world jet set that night, where you come solely to have a good time.
The rich music program, in charge of regionals and local performers spiced up with professional dancers and players with fire, was a real refreshment on a hot Saturday night.
Party in Sutomore
Throughout the set of the unique and energetic duo Sax's N'Groove, whose performances are enjoyed by audiences all over Europe and which in a short time became synonymous for a good party, with the sounds of modern musical directions accompanied by saxophones, the whole coast danced.
Many famous people from the Montenegrin and regional jet sets enjoyed the top white wines awarded at the world's largest competitions, as well as the cocktails specially created by Plantaze for this summer season.
Party in Sutomore
Numerous visitors, as well as business partners of the company Plantaze, including guests from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, did not hide their enthusiasm for the complete organization and good fun, which they themselves will remember as one of the best they have been to.
Party in Sutomore
The party of the summer lasted until late into the night and the combination of the best Montenegrin brands proved to be a guarantee of great fun and a good time. The night at Q2 was illuminated by the white clothing choices of guests and the splendor of the award-winning Plantaze wines. As a regional leader in the wine industry, Plantaze follows the world trends, so White Party is certainly one of the concepts of entertainment that will continue to be organized in the upcoming seasons.
Text by Promo, on August 16th, 2019, read more at Vijesti
The Forest Administration intends to spend EUR 280,000 on afforestation in five Montenegrin cities.
Just over 460.000 pieces of black and white pine and spruce seedlings will be afforested for these funds.
The largest number will be afforested in the territory of Pljevlja - more than 330.000 pieces, while there will be 36.000 in Berane, 31.800 in Mojkovac, 30.000 in Bijelo Polje, and 26.400 in Nikšić.
This job also requires preparatory work, which involves the mechanical and manual removal of unburned wood and shrubs and collecting them in piles at a distance of 20 meters.
“The Health and Forest Restoration Measures Program prescribes measures and activities for the afforestation of burned forest areas for the year 2019 fall planting. Since afforestation activities need to be completed by the end of 2019, shortening the public procurement procedure for the submission of bids would save valuable time and be able to timely contract operations on afforestation of burned areas,” the tender documentation of the Management Board posted on the Public procurement portal states.
Those who apply for the tender must, among other things, submit the health certificates of the planting material, i.e., that it is of the prescribed quality - A class.
In October last year, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, i.e., the Forest Directorate, announced a tender for the afforestation of burned forest areas in the value of 200.00 euros.
This tender was for the territories of the municipalities of Kotor, Pljevlja and Zabljak.
The tender was won by the only joint bid submitted by the company from Niksic “Monteno Maks - nursery Vir” and “Taxus Forest Project” from Pljevlja.
The contract was signed in early November last year.
Text by Milos Rudovic, on August 17th, 2019, read more at Vijesti
18 August 2019 - The International Workshop for Wind Instruments continued at the Tivat Music School and will last until 23 August.
This 17th International Workshop is attended by 30 students from Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro, as said from the NGO Ars Praesentia Boka Kotorska, which organizes workshops for wind instruments in cooperation with the Music School for 17 years.
Workshops are conducted for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn. Professors Marina Nenadovic - flute, Bojan Pesic - oboe, Veljko Klenkovski clarinet, Nenad Jankovic - bassoon and Nenad Vasic - horn work with students.
A saxophone workshop was held in the first part of the international workshop from 5 to 10 August, which ended with a concert at the Lustica Bay Complex.
The crown of this work will be the concert "Musical Conversations - Peca and the Wolf" - a symphonic fairy tale by the Russian composer Prokofiev, which will be performed as part of the Purgatorije Festival.
The story of the boy Peca, his game and imagination, the animals, wolf, duck, cat and bird, the concern and anger of Peca’s grandfather, the "courage" of the hunters, through the story of the narrator Dragan Laković will be presented by the members of the brass quintet of the Belgrade Philharmonic Orchestra: Marina Nenadovic - flute, Bojan Pesic - oboe, Veljko Klenkovski - clarinet, Nenad Jankovic - bassoon, Nenad Vasic - horn and student of the 3rd grade of secondary school "Luka Sorkocevic" from Dubrovnik - Aleksandar Lazinica, on percussion. In addition to the members of the Philharmonic Orchestra pupil of the 3rd grade of Secondary Music School "Luka Sorkocevic" from Dubrovnik - Aleksandar Lazinica also participates in percussion.
The animals are played by students of the Tivat Music School, who worked with teacher Angela Homen. Radomir Stamenkovic is responsible for the light effect, and the painter Zoran Kruta for scenography and masks.
The Symphony Fairy Tale "Peca and the Wolf" will premiere in Montenegro on August 21 at the scene of the Atrium Buca in Tivat, at 8 pm.
The producers are the Culture Centre Tivat, Tivat Music School and the NGO Ars praesentia Boka Kotorska.
18 August 2019 - This year’s summer season in Žabljak started with low temperatures, which greatly affected tourists arrivals, said Vanja Krgović Šarović, director of the Tourist Organization Žabljak Tourism Organization, as Cafe del Montenegro reported.
"Many bookings were cancelled at the beginning of the season, but the situation got better in July, while we had a record-breaking number of tourists last week. If we take into account the hotels and private accommodation, the occupancy rate in Žabljak now is around 85 per cent, and we are optimistic about September as well and hope to make up for missed sunny days at the beginning of summer," said Krgović Šarović.
She also added that in the Tourist Organization Žabljak they are especially glad to say that shadow economy has decreased and that they recorded an increase in the collection of a city tax, which is best confirmed by the fact that 41 per cent more money poured into the state budget compared to last year.
Data from the Tourism Organization of Žabljak showed this town had 2,470 visitors in June last year, while this year in June Žabljak welcomed 3,515 visitors. As for July 2018, it had around 5,000 visitors, and in July this year, the number of people taking holidays in Žabljak was 7,400. In the first half of August 2018, Žabljak received 3,214 tourists and in the same period this year, it hosted 4,260 visitors.
Whatever one might think about these figures, the fact is that one can see a significant decline in the size of the shadow economy, i.e., Žabljak has an increase in the number of tourists visiting this town compared to last year.
Krgović Šarović also stressed there were more international visits to Žabljak this year, mostly from the Western Balkans countries.
"The majority of visitors were from Germany and France. Of course, we do have domestic visitors, but they rarely check-in. In September we expect the majority of visitors from the Western Balkans countries," concluded Krgović Šarović.
Read more news about lifestyle in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.
17 August 2019 - The Taste Domestic Products Cluster (Montenegrin: klaster Probaj domaće) is implementing the project Taste domestic products from Montenegro in popular tourist centres - in Budva, Bar, Petrovac, Tivat, Virpazar and Rijeka Crnojevića, reports RTCG.
The project will run throughout the whole summer and will be implemented in Petrovac from August 17 to August 20.
"The project is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism of Montenegro, as part of the Program of Incentive Measures in the Field of Tourism for this and next year," the statement said.
The project Taste domestic products from Montenegro, as they explained, was conceived as a promotional, marketing, media and fair campaign that will allow the members of Taste Domestic Products Cluster and other agricultural producers, as well as ethno village owners, to expand the market of their products and services to tourists who visit Montenegro during the summer.
"The project will also enable them to establish direct contact and arrange the placement of their products with representatives of the Montenegrin tourism industry (HORECA – Hotel, Restaurant, Café), as well as to increase the competitiveness of traditional products on the domestic market," the statement added.
In addition to meetings of producers and tourists, direct contacts will be organized between producers and representatives of the tourism industry and caterers, to include domestic products in their offer.
The Taste Domestic Products Cluster cluster was created as a result of a great number of fairs of traditional Montenegrin products such as wine, prosciutto, olives, cheese, and honey, as well as processed fruits and vegetables cooked according to the traditional recipes. At these gatherings, the producers from Montenegro prepared different products of distinct aroma and taste that reminded all visitors what the Montenegrin cuisine has to offer.
The aim of the cluster, as well as this specific project, is to improve the promotion of domestic products both inside and outside Montenegro, as well as to help local producers to implement their projects and ideas more easily and to position themselves in the market.
The founder of the Taste Domestic Products Cluster, Velimir Đoković emphasised that dealing with marketing and promotion, they strive to connect manufacturers better and introduce them to the local public as well as to tourists coming to Montenegro. “Guests are not satisfied just with the enjoyment of our beautiful beaches; they want to get to know the country and the specifics of some regions. Therefore, this way of presenting Montenegro affects the overall economy, from the consumption of domestic food to the offer of new knowledge, which guarantees the return of the guests as well as the direct promotion of the destination through the experience they take from Montenegro," said Đoković.
- August 2019 – Marina Stoponja, a sculptor from Zagreb, will present her work in an exhibition entitled "The Spirit of Life" at St. Paul's Church in the Old Town of Kotor. The exhibition is organized by the OJU Kotor Museums, and is scheduled to open on Tuesday 20th August at 8 pm, as announced from this institution.
Marina Stoponja was born in Zagreb in 1959. She graduated in 1999 from the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb, where she is currently pursuing her doctoral studies at the Department of Sculpture. She has been a member of the Croatian Society of Fine Artists since 1999, and of the Croatian Association of Independent Artists since 2001. In the last few years, she has been developing her artistic career in the United Arab Emirates. She has had 20 solo exhibitions and participated in 50 group exhibitions juried at home and abroad. She has received several awards and recognitions, including the RAK Fine Art Festival (2007), Ras Al Khaimah - UAE, International Emerging Artist Award (2016), Dubai - UAE, 2. Premio Contemporaneo (2001), Forli - Italy, Special Rector awards (1997) Zagreb.
“In her sculptures, the artist from Zagreb works on topics that describe life in its physical, artistic and sociological aspects. Through her works, she interprets nature and the world around her through a three-dimensional form, and often deals with topics of human relations. The artist most often creates in white marble, sometimes in bronze, wood, and aluminum. Marina Stoponja is one of the few sculptors from Croatia who creates sculptures in stone and marble in large formats and dimensions. Her works are also self-portraits interpreted by philosophical and biographical descriptions, characterized by a distinctive style of precise, almost perfect technical processing of material ” writes Rachel Thong about Marina Stoponja.
The music part of the programme will feature young flutist Stefan Pericic from Tivat.
17 August 2019 - Juan Amador, the chef-owner of 3 Michelin-star Amador Restaurant, will host a gala dinner with the Regent Porto Montenegro Hotel culinary team in Tivat on August 24th. It is the first time that Amador comes to Montenegro. This exceptional gastronomic spectacle begins at 8:00 pm.
The five exceptional courses will be carefully paired with premium wines, selected by a sommelier to accompany the work of this renowned chef.
“We are honoured to host Juan Amador, who is often described as one of the world's top chefs. This gastronomic spectacle will crown the month marking the fifth anniversary of the hotel and it is our pleasure to give our guests and visitors the opportunity to enjoy world-class gastronomy for the first time in Montenegro,” said Željko Knezović, Regent's Food and Beverage Manager.
Juan Amador has worked at numerous restaurants throughout Germany. For him, as has been said, cooking is pure passion, and like no other, he shapes the world of flavors and pioneers the highest culinary arts. "The incomparable craft that results is from his Spanish temperament and his German precision makes him inimitable. For Juan, the gathering for dinner means the true soul of food, where not only friends and food come together, but it transforms into an unforgettable experience." ("Six Senses")
He opened his first restaurant in 2005, quickly gaining three Michelin stars. He opened a restaurant in Mannheim afterward and then in Vienna, where he owns the first and only restaurant (Amador) in Austria, which carries a maximum of 3 Michelin stars. Michelin stars are the biggest and the most respected recognition in the culinary world that restaurants with prestigious offerings and services receive and Michelin's Guide is considered the "Gastronomic Bible".
The successes of Juan Amador have been crowned by the membership of his restaurants at Relais & Chateux - an association that brings together the finest hotels and restaurants.
16 August 2019 - According to the latest data, there were 59.529 tourists on 9 August, a 30% increase in comparison to the same period last year. The majority of tourists stayed in private accommodation, said Director of the Tourist Organization Ulcinj Fatmir Đeka, who is very satisfied with the indicators suggesting a bumper year for Ulcinj.
"Until 1 August, more than a million overnights have been recorded. Obviously, this year we are going to have around 2 million overnights. That means this will be a record year in tourism in Ulcinj," pointed out Đeka.
As far as the structure of guests is concerned, tourists usually come from the countries in the region. Đeka also said that the number of registered tourists is considerably higher this year. That is the result of good organization activities of competent services.
"Members of the Inspection Administration and inspectors of the Police Department have intensified their control activities. This is just the beginning. Next year control activities will become earlier. We want that to become part of the culture, just like in the West," stressed out Đeka.
Higher revenues generated from collected taxes particularly interests him.
"In August, tax collection will double. It is not about collecting as much as we can, the point is to organize guest registration in the best possible way to obtain real, accurate data about the number of tourists in Ulcinj," said Đeka.
Ulcinj has enormous potential for the tourist economy. However, the Director of the Tourist Organization Ulcinj reiterates that everybody should act following the law in every segment. Another positive aspect is the number of hotels in the municipality.
"Charisma company has had a considerable impact on tourism in Ulcinj. Ulcinj counts a total of 59 hotels," pointed out Đeka as CdM reports.
As far as public utility aspects are concerned he stressed that many problems have already been solved. The water supply system and traffic regulations are at a satisfactory level.
"Guests are satisfied and have not made any remarks so far. There is still noise, near Pristan and at the mouth of Bojana. Devices for putting a limitation on noise have been set up and it has produced positive results," stated Đeka.
Money collected from tourist and local taxes will be invested for the worthy cause, says Director of Tourist Organization Ulcinj.
"We are getting ready for trade fairs in September. We are going together with other local tourist organizations and National Tourist Organization so that the complete offer of Montenegro can be found in one place," stated Director of Tourist Organization Ulcinj.
This year Ulcinj made a new, significant step forward in the improvement of promotion and visibility.
"We made virtual 3D high-resolution tour which is going to be presented in the forthcoming days. This 3D tour enables guests to see every place in the town. It is something completely new," added Đeka.
He pointed out that they wanted to present Ulcinj as a town with a unique offer, adding that there is a lake, a river and the sea, which is rare.
"Tourists can combine the beach vacation with countryside tourism and then they can go to the coast for a couple of days and then they can afford to enjoy beauty of the lake," said Đeka.
In August, Ulcinj will see two gastronomic events to mark the summer season. Domestic products trade fair, Fair Fest, will be held from 16 August to 18 August in Pristan. Members of the local Women’s Association, producers of domestic products, will be presenting their products. The ceremonial opening starts on Friday, at 8 PM.
Venice Palace in the Old town will host Okra days festival where tourists can enjoy delicious okra dishes.
Read more news about lifestyle in Montenegro at TMN's dedicated page.
17 August 2019 - On Sunday, August 18, starting at 8 pm, Lepetani, a small settlement in Tivat Municipality, will host the first Fish and Wine Festival.
The festival is organized by the local community of Lepetani, sponsored by the Tivat Municipality and the Tivat Tourist Organisation. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy free fried and grilled fish and all tastings are paired with exclusive wines selected for the occasion. The manifestation will also feature live music by the local musician Bojan Delić and his band.
The organisers of the manifestation expect that the Fish and Wine Festival will gather a large number of visitors to the Lepetani promenade, who will enjoy music and local specialties until late in the evening.
Preparations for the event are currently on-going, and the organisers are announcing a wonderful evening from which guests will only carry positive impressions.
This area has a rich tradition, and the Municipality of Tivat will continue to support such events, with the aim of getting the tourists familiarised with the specifics of Montenegrin coastal cities.
The manifestation starts at 8 pm in front of the Cultural Centre of Tivat. The Lepetani local community invites all tourists and locals to join this gastronomic party and be part of an unforgettable event in the beautiful setting on the Montenegrin coast.
Get ready to get a taste of the seaside in Tivat!
Remax Property of the Week
Editorial
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07 Mar 2018, 08:08 AMWelcome to Total Montenegro News!
Interview of the week
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Ranka Vukasovic Botica on Montenegro as a Maritime Country
