During the recently held Tourism Think Tank, Jelena Krivčević (RDA BKP) and Klaus Ehrlich (Ruraltour) shared key insights on the future of rural tourism in Northern Montenegro. Special focus was placed on mountain katuns in the Bjelasica, Komovi, and Prokletije regions as the pillars of authentic development.
Katuns – The Heart of Montenegrin Identity
Katuns are not just a tourist attraction; they are the core of our tradition and culture. However, RDA BKP research indicates an alarming trend: out of 1,200 formerly active katuns, only about 400 remain today. Tourism offers a chance for reversal through careful and thoughtful progress that preserves original values.
Against “Disneyfication”: Rural tourism must not become an artificial installation or a theme park. It must remain real and authentic. Our advantage is that we don’t need to invent attractions—we simply need to stop destroying what we already have.
Mountain agriculture plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, preventing erosion and the natural reforestation of pastures. Therefore, tourism development should start from more accessible villages, gradually integrating katuns into a year-round model that includes activities such as backcountry skiing.
The goal is to create a sustainable development model that provides modern comfort for the people living and working in katuns while offering visitors an unforgettable “journey back in time” experience.
A Bridge Between Heritage and a Sustainable Future
Our vision is a Montenegro that leads in Europe precisely because it has preserved its original values. By connecting culture, ecology, and tourism, katuns become a concrete development opportunity for the local population and a lasting asset for the region.
