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MONTENEGRO
Climbing the Global Ladder
M O N T E N E G R O
MONTENEGRO ince 3 June, 2006 Montenegro has sought to stamp its independent identity on the world, and as word of its beauty and industriousness continues to spread, the country is well on its way to making its own history. That fateful day more than 10 years ago signified Montenegro’s official parting from Serbia and thus its formal independence. ‘Crna Gora’ (in
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Montenegro is a country very much in its infancy, but is leveraging an abundance of natural appeal to catch up with the rest of the continent’s touristic prevalence Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Ryan Gray
Montenegrin) - translated as ‘black mountain’ - could now forge its own path in the world. Inevitably and unashamedly influenced by neighbours that it had been enveloped among for so many years, there hasn’t been a need for any drastic veers away from established cultures and values. But from an economic perspective, it has meant that decision-making and successes can now be celebrated as solely theirs.
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Engulfed by Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Servia, Kosovo and Albania, you would be forgiven for thinking that this region is still much of a muchness when it comes to touristic appeal and business credentials. And in large part, you’d be right. But this is certainly not a negative connotation. Rather, it sheds light on the general appeal that this Balkan region now enjoys, as swathes of holiday makers and business professionals - especially from Central Europe - branch out to the East. Upon their arrival, each visitor is met by some of the continent’s most stunning and diverse natural splendours. From overwhelming
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mountain tops, to mysterious gorges, with pristine coasts and forests in between, Montenegro may indeed share much of its physical make-up,
history and culture with its neighbours, but boasts an abundance of attractive qualities beyond that.
FACTS & FIGURES Capital: Languages: Area: Population (2017): GDP (2015): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Internet TLD:
Podgorica Montenegrin 13,812 square kilometres 642,550 $11.381 billion Euro (€) UTC+1 +382 .me
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Spice up your event.
A new destination. Come and play.
THE CHEDI LUÅ TICA BAY MONTENEGRO TIVAT 85323 RADOVICI T +382 (77) 200 100 F +382 (77) 200 105 info@chedilusticabay.com www.chedilusticabay.com
M O N T E N E G R O
The Business End AS PART of the country’s evolution over the past 12 years especially, there have understandably been a few ‘tickboxes’ to complete as it seeks to make a mark on the world and its various influencing organisations. In June, 2017 one such box was ticked as the country became a member of NATO, while Montenegro has also been in negotiations with the EU for the past six years with a view to becoming a fully-fledged member by 2025. From an economic standpoint, these developments will aid the country’s appeal on the global landscape, and from a trade and FDI perspective. In turn, it is then hoped that its own
internal business streams will diversify. At present, the economy is largely service-based, en route to becoming a market economy. Annual GDP figures are rising exponentially but this isn’t surprising given its nascence. And despite it not yet being an EU member, it has already adopted the euro. In typically unhelpful fashion, the economic crash in 2008 didn’t do much to aid its initial growth, but after a number of years of recovery, there is now reason for optimism. And with the country traditionally reliant on FDIs anyway, there is a hope that once its own domestic channels have improved, a positive overall outlook can be formed.
Cathedral of St. Tripun, Kotor
Herceg Novi Town
Fisherman at Petrovav
Budva Town
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KOTOR Montenegro Cen t u r ie s Young
Stari grad 315/ Old Town 315 85 330 Kotor, Montenegro tel/fax +382 32 322 886 +382 32 325 947 tokotor@t-com.me www.kotor.travel www.tokotor.me
M O N T E N E G R O
Outlook Recommends “Bursting at the seams with majestic mountains, breathtaking beaches and larger-than-life locals, minuscule Montenegro proves once and for all that good things do indeed come in small packages.” - Lonely Planet
HOSPITALITY
NATURE
The Chedi Luštica Bay Situated in the stunning Luštica Bay, this five-star hotel is the epitome of how far Montenegro has come in recent years as it establishes itself as a tourism hub. Set on the front of the marina, the views looking out are every bit as refined as the luxury you TOURISM BOARDS find when looking in. Described as a “refuge” that’s very much how The Chedi feels as its comforting interior, Kotor Tourism Board its practical facilities and its beachfront pool offer an ideal setting within As one of the country’s most popular walking distance of the town’s equally regions, Kotor is a prime example of attractive dining and entertainment how the Montenegrin Government is offering. striving to capitalise on the country’s touristic appeal. Channelling that vision through the Kotor Tourism Board, Hotel Eleven the organisation has the privilege of directing visitors to the best hospitality, dining, entertainment and HISTORY activity options; with a host of travel awards and accreditations emphasising Cathedral of Saint its expertise.
Tryphon Our Lady of the Rocks (Škrpjela) Savina Monastery 8
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National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro
Jaz Beach Zla Kolata Lake Biograd Black Lake Velika Plaža Tara River Canyon
NATIONAL PARKS
Durmitor National Park Biogradska Gora Lovćen National Park Lake Skadar National Park Prokletije National Park
SPORT & LEISURE Žabljak ski resort
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Perfection in Petrovac
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T: +382 33 680 390 E: reservation@hoteleleven.me W: www.hoteleleven.me
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Hotel Kangaroo Budva has spacious well-furnished rooms suited for all kinds of travellers, only 202 m from the beach and a short walk from Budva’s historic quarter.
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+382 33 458 653 | reservations@kangaroo.co.me
| www.hotelkangaroo.me
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M O N T E N E G R O
Out & About ONCE IN the country, whether it’s for business or general sightseeing, Montenegro has been relatively fortunate in terms of not having to build a completely fabricated tourism infrastructure. This derives from the fact that the majority of its attractiveness comes from the country’s natural make-up. Obviously within the cities and in Podgorica especially, levels of cuisine and entertainment can be leveraged, but its likely that most visitors will put on their hiking boots and go exploring during their downtimes. It is the diversity of its landscape that appeals most. Dissecting the Balkan Peninsula and the Adriatic Sea, the mountains, lakes, gorges, forests, wildlife and general biodiversity that
formulates the country is unparalleled for such a comparatively small area. As such, by 2009, Yahoo Travel had already listed Montenegro among its Top 10 Hot Spots; as the second fastest growing tourism market in the world at the time. Joined since then by Croatia, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Serbia in the region as highly soughtafter destinations, the Government of Montenegro is well aware of the potential that its landscape holds if leveraged correctly. And in that recognition, numerous initiatives have been implemented to make tourism a major contributor to the economy; optimising the resources available, such as Jaz Beach, Buljarica, Velika Plaža and Ada Bojana. Merging with these physical
ventures is an equally appealing culture embedded into the general day-to-day life of Montenegrins. Shaped by its diverse and complex history, the resultant museums, restaurants, streets and even people represent a friendliness, humility and innocent newness that makes your stay a pleasing one.
Canyon Nevidio, Savnik
Biking Durmitor, Susica kanjon
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Canyoning Skurda
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Transport Links
Boka Boy Kotor
Budva town
LIKE MUCH of Montenegro’s non-natural, built-up elements, its transport infrastructure is still a work in progress. While you can reach everywhere relatively seamlessly via an extensive road network, the actual quality of these roads fall short of the motorways you might be used to in Western and Central Europe. That being said, the coverage of these roads makes up for it.
Mountains Durmitor, walking on the skirts
Internally, all natural attractions can be reached more simply than you might imagine. While internationally, the roads then form a ‘backpacker’s ideal trail to other European routes. Similarly effective on this scale are the country’s rail routes, which emanate from Belgrade in Serbia. Serving both commuters and trade channels, the trains, planes and boats that enter the country are becoming more and more
frequented, and in turn, more and more investment is being pumped into their development. In 2008, 1.1 million passengers passed through Podgorica Airport and Tivat Airport, but with this number steadily increasing ever since, Montenegro is responding in kind; building its transport network in the same way as it’s building its tourism infrastructure.
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M O N T E N E G R O
Landmark Attractions
Budva
“Budva is the metropolis of Montenegrin tourism thanks to the great number of beaches and hotels that make this the most desirable tourist destination. Apart from its natural beauty, its bay islands and beaches, Budva is rich with historic monuments. From best events to best hotels, from best restaurants to best night clubs… everything can be found in Budva, and everyone can enjoy a great holiday.” – Visit Montenegro
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Bay of Kotor
“With its mountainous backdrop, beautiful blue waters and medieval and Ventian-era settlements, this butterfly-shaped bay is the jewel in Montegro’s crown,” – Jane Foster, Telegraph Travel
Bobotov Kuk
Lake Skadar
“In many ways, Lake Skadar is the essence of Montenegro. While it’s the coast that gets the majority of the attention, that only makes up a small part of Montenegro. When you step away from the sun-drenched beaches and coastal villages, you’ll see a country that’s based on a simple way of life… This is everything that the Lake Skadar region represents. And it’s here you’ll be able to get a taste of the real Montenegro.” – Montenegro Pulse
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“Bobotov Kuk is still one of Montenegro’s highest mountains and due to its beautiful location in the rugged mountain scape of Durmitor National Park, it is definitely worth a visit. There are numerous hikes in Durmitor National Park but the one up Bobotov Kuk is the ultimate one. The summit of Bobotov Kuk is one of the highest in Montenegro and you are supposed to have a breathtaking view from up there. Your eyes wander from Bosnia and Herzegovina all the way to Albania.” – Travel Pixelz
BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676
ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 672
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