Project Information
| Full project title | Support to Small Tourism Businesses in Rural Communities |
| Donor | Kingdom of Norway |
| Project Value | $43,410.00 |
| Donor Contribution | $43,410.00 |
| Implementation Period | 11.03.2020 – 11.01.2021 |
Project Overview
The project focuses on strengthening the capacities of small family businesses in the northern region of Montenegro by leveraging regional human resources, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Rural tourism is recognized as a vital economic opportunity for residents of less developed areas, with a specific emphasis on creating employment and income opportunities for women and youth.
Main Objectives:
- Improving the capacity of rural households to provide professional tourism services.
- Enhancing the market presence and visibility of small-scale rural service providers.
- Establishing “good practice” models to inspire other families within the community to launch similar ventures.
Key Activities
1. Technical Upgrades and Investment
The project implemented small-scale investments in the technical capacities of beneficiaries. This allowed family businesses to significantly improve their hosting conditions, with a special focus on the necessary restoration of traditional old houses to maintain authenticity while meeting modern comfort standards.
2. Promotion and Market Entry
A series of promotional activities were conducted to help small businesses present themselves effectively to the tourism market. These measures directly supported the development of 8 selected small businesses, making their offers visible and competitive to potential visitors.
Long-term Impact
By providing tangible benefits to direct beneficiaries, the project helps local communities recognize their own potential for entrepreneurship. These developed households act as catalysts for change, encouraging sustainable economic development across the rural north.
Partnership
The Municipality of Gusinje served as the Lead Partner, with the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije acting as the Co-applicant.
