Training for providers of tourist services was held in Berane, in the hotel “Il Sole” in the period from May 17 to 19, 2023, in the organization of the NGO Center for the Study and Protection of Birds, Podgorica, NGO North Land, Berane and Regional Tourist Organization Sandžak, Novi Pazar. This three-day event, which brought together more than 20 participants, is one of the activities carried out within the Hoo Hoo project: Creation of Owl and Other Wildlife Experiences, financed by the European Union, within the Cross-border Cooperation Program Serbia – Montenegro 2014-2020.
The training participants were providers of tourist services from the cross-border area between Serbia and Montenegro, which includes 8 municipalities: Pljevlja, Bijelo Polje, Berane, Petnjica, Rožaje, Tutin, Sjenica and Prijepolje. The training was led by Jelena Krivčević, an expert with many years of experience in the field of rural tourism in Montenegro. The topics of the training were directed towards a stronger affirmation of nature-based tourism, as well as the acquiring of knowledge and skills that connect natural heritage with cultural heritage, gathering tourist offer as a whole package.
Rural tourism is increasing popularity each year, and more and more attention is being paid to sustainable practices and ways of promoting such destinations. The cross-border region of Serbia and Montenegro is full of potential for the development of nature-based tourism, and the education of local tourism providers is one of the first steps in order to improve the offer.
