Donor: EU – IPA CBC MNE-KOS

Project Value: €456,106.76

Donor Contribution: €387,690.74

Implementation Period: 01.02.2023 – 01.02.2025

Project Overview The Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije (RDA BKP) is implementing the project “Transforming Our Villages into Tourism Destinations.” The project is realized through the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Montenegro – Kosovo, with the financial support of the EU. The Municipality of Peja is the lead applicant, while RRA WEST and RDA BKP are co-applicants from the Kosovo and Montenegro sides, respectively.

Objectives The general objective of the project is to enhance the volume, quality, and visibility of tourism through the valorization of cultural and natural heritage and values. The specific objective is to support rural tourism by developing the tourism offer at the village level, specifically focusing on products and services that improve the visitor experience, increase spending on rural services, and subsequently boost the income of the rural population.

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Project Results

Result 1:

Increased Capacity for Rural Tourism Montenegro has made significant strides in rural tourism by engaging and motivating households to join the sector. RDA BKP, as a pioneer of these activities, will transfer its knowledge and experience to the Local Action Group (LAG) for Agrotourism in Kosovo and other stakeholders. Both countries will benefit from EuroGites materials (as Montenegro is a member of this network), ensuring high-quality service standards. Existing publications and guides prepared by RDA BKP will be adapted for the Kosovo sector, significantly improving the capacity of households to provide professional tourism services. Capacity building will also include a comprehensive set of training sessions for providers on both sides of the border.

Result 2:

Developed Tourism Offer in Villages This is the most vital cluster of activities, encompassing concrete field interventions. Fifteen villages on each side of the border will be selected for support in enhancing their tourism offer through resource mapping and the development of thematic trails.

• Infrastructure: The project will address the lack of signage—a common guest complaint—by providing professional directional signaling.

• Content: To fill the “activity gap” for visitors, the project will support the creation of playgrounds and rental services (e.g., bicycles).

• Authenticity: Selected households will receive support for minor interventions, such as landscaping courtyards or creating product tasting areas. All activities will strictly adhere to local traditions and customs to preserve the authentic rural ambiance.

Result 3:

Promoted Rural Tourism Offer Sustainability depends on effective presentation. To ensure the new offer reaches the market, the project includes:

• Information: Installation of info boards along thematic trails and the creation of brochures and video materials.

• Digital Visibility: All information will be available on the websites of the Peja Tourism Organization and the Rural Tourism Association of Montenegro.

• Events: The team will work with four villages to develop promotional events, such as outdoor activities (fishing, mountain biking) or traditional cultural festivals (harvest celebrations, departures to katuns, wool dyeing). The goal is for these events to become traditional, self-sustaining parts of the local community’s offer.