Within the framework of the cross-border route project “Green Eyes” – RESET, implemented by the Municipality of Nikšić and the Regional Tourism Organization “Sandžak” from Novi Pazar, two educational modules were organized as part of the Cross-Border Tourist Destination Development Program. The modules are aimed at strengthening the capacities of tourism stakeholders in the cross-border region. The project is co-financed by the European Union through the IPA II Cross-Border Cooperation Program Serbia – Montenegro 2014-2020.
The aim of these educational modules is to improve the quality of services and increase the competitiveness of the tourist offer in eight municipalities of the cross-border region (Nikšić, Šavnik, Žabljak, Pljevlja, Prijepolje, Nova Varoš, Sjenica and Novi Pazar). The program includes representatives of tourist organizations, tourist agencies, hotels, restaurants, private accommodation, as well as small enterprises and entrepreneurs.
The first module, entitled “Improving Tourist Destinations and Tourism through Innovation and Digital Transformation,” was held in Nikšić on April 18th and 19th, 2024. Participants had the opportunity to gain knowledge in the following areas: tourist destination management through situational analysis and strategic planning, development of innovative business models with a diverse year-round tourist offer, linking tourism with broader economic sectors to increase the resilience and sustainability of the destination, and defining new measures of success in tourism. Through teamwork, participants worked on developing innovative tourist products tailored to the unique characteristics of local attractions.
The second module, entitled “Creative Industries in Tourism,” was held in Novi Pazar on November 6th and 7th, 2024. The topics of the second module focused on the importance of creative industries in tourism, with a focus on: creativity and creative entrepreneurship in tourism, types of creative industries and business development through local potentials, cultural tourism and creative routes (cultural, thematic and gastronomic routes), gastronomy as a souvenir offer and its importance for the promotion of the destination, and practical workshops for creating cultural and gastronomic routes.
The RESET project contributes to the development and promotion of a cross-border tourist destination, connecting natural and cultural resources with modern trends in tourism. These educational modules will enable all participants to acquire new knowledge, improve their business and contribute to better recognition of the region on the tourist map of Europe.
