Rural Tourism along the Via Dinarica Trail 2019–2020

Project Information

Full project titleRural Tourism along the Via Dinarica Trail
DonorEU – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)
Project Value€54,725.00
Donor Contribution€49,225.00
Implementation PeriodOctober 2019 – November 2020

Project Overview

This project aims to position the Via Dinarica as a premier regional adventure and cultural corridor. The focus is on improving the quality of rural tourism and increasing the visibility of service providers along this route, specifically targeting the economic empowerment of rural populations in Montenegro.

Main Objectives:

  • Enhancing the rural tourism offer and its visibility along the Via Dinarica corridor.
  • Raising service standards for at least 50 rural households.
  • Connecting travelers with authentic local culture preserved within rural communities.

Key Results

1. Quality Improvement and Standardization
Through direct engagement with 50 households, capacity-building activities were implemented to harmonize service quality. The project applied EuroGites (European Federation of Rural Tourism) standards and enhanced interiors using traditional handicrafts and decorations to authentically reflect local heritage.

2. Enhanced Visibility and Promotion
To bridge the information gap, the project implemented several key marketing and navigational measures:

  • Installation of standardized signage indicating locations for traditional meals, accommodation, and camping.
  • Updates to the association’s web portal, featuring professional photography and detailed descriptions for each household.
  • Creation and distribution of promotional flyers in tourist information centers to guide visitors to available services.

Community Impact

By involving the local population in tourism activities, the project provides vital income opportunities for economically marginalized rural areas. Travelers benefit from an enriched experience, while residents gain a sustainable platform to showcase their traditions and products.

Conservation of Cultural Landscapes of Albania and Montenegro 2018–2020
FAO–EBRD: Sustainable Value Chains in Food Production 2018–2020