The final conference of the project “Joint Actions for Rural Tourism Development” was held on July 30, 2025, in Šavnik. The project was implemented in partnership between the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije, the Tourism Organization of Zlatar, and the Municipality of Šavnik, within the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Serbia–Montenegro 2014–2020, co-financed by the European Union. The conference focused on presenting the results and achievements of the two-year implementation period, as well as on the importance of diversifying the tourism offer in the targeted regions.
The event showcased key project results: the development of two thematic trails – the Katun Trail “The Great Highlands” in Montenegro and a network of five Zlatar Trails in Serbia, which connect rural households, landscapes, and natural and cultural attractions, while promoting the rich heritage of the cross-border region. The project improved infrastructure along the trails, installed tourist signage, and produced promotional videos and printed materials. Special attention was devoted to strengthening the capacities of rural households to become active providers of tourism services, as well as to improving promotional tools, including bilingual brochures, video spots, and upgraded web portals, which will ensure continued visibility after the completion of the project.
In the panel discussion titled “Rural Tourism – Current Situation, Experiences and Directions for Development,” participants emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange, and a joint approach to developing rural tourism offers. They noted that project activities contributed to stronger regional connections, increased competitiveness, and better positioning of the area in markets promoting authentic and sustainable destinations. The conference also served as an opportunity to reaffirm the partners’ commitment to continued cooperation and further development of the region’s tourism offer.
For the targeted regions – the mountain areas of Montenegro (Durmitor, Sinjajevina, and Piva) and the rural areas of the Municipality of Nova Varoš, the project holds particular importance. It provided a foundation for diversifying the tourism offer by linking cultural heritage, reflected in the traditional practice of summer migration to katuns, with natural heritage based on the rich diversity of medicinal plants, creating a market-recognized product. This approach opens new sources of income for rural communities, encourages young people to remain in their home areas, and contributes to local economic empowerment within a framework of sustainable development.
The completion of the project marks the beginning of a new phase – the project partners remain committed to maintaining and further developing the project results, with the support of local authorities and tourism organizations, through joint promotion and the creation of new tourism content. In this way, the cross-border region becomes more visible and competitive as part of a unified rural tourism offer, strengthening regional cooperation, the local economy, and the valorization of natural and cultural resources.
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