On July 30, 2025, the final conference of the project “Joint actions for the development of rural tourism” was held in Šavnik. The project was implemented in partnership between the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije, the Zlatar Tourist Organization, and the Municipality of Šavnik, within the Serbia–Montenegro Cross-Border Cooperation Program 2014-2020, co-financed by the European Union. The conference focused on the results and achievements during the two-year implementation period, as well as the importance of diversifying the tourism offer in the targeted regions.
During the conference, key results were presented: the development of two thematic trails – the Katun Road “Giant Peaks” in Montenegro and a network of five Zlatar trails in Serbia that connect rural households and landscapes, natural and cultural attractions, while promoting the rich heritage of the cross-border region. Through the project, infrastructure along the trails was improved, signaling was installed, and promotional videos and printed materials were prepared. Special attention was paid to strengthening the capacities of rural households to become active tourism service providers, as well as improving promotional channels, including bilingual brochures, video spots, and enhanced web portals that will ensure visibility even after the project’s completion.
In the panel discussion titled “Rural Tourism – Current Situation, Experiences, and Directions of Development,” participants emphasized the importance of cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange, and a joint approach to developing rural tourism offers. Participants highlighted that project activities contributed to better connectivity of the regions, greater competitiveness, and better positioning in a market that promotes authentic and sustainable destinations. The conference was also an opportunity to confirm the partners’ readiness to continue cooperation and further develop the region’s tourism offer.
For the targeted regions, the mountain areas of Montenegro (Durmitor, Sinjajevina, Piva) and the rural areas of the Nova Varoš municipality, the project holds special significance. It provided the foundation for diversifying the tourism offer, allowing cultural heritage—reflected in the practice of seasonal movement to katuns—and natural heritage—based on rich medicinal plant species—to be linked into a market-recognizable product. This opens new income sources for rural communities, encourages young people to stay, and contributes to economic empowerment within the framework of sustainable development.
The completion of the project marks the beginning of a new phase – project partners are committed to maintaining and further developing the project results with the support of local authorities and tourist organizations, through joint promotion and the creation of new content. In this way, the cross-border region becomes more visible and competitive as part of a unique cross-border tourism offer, strengthening regional cooperation, the local economy, and the valorization of natural and cultural resources.
