Green Transformation of Camp Ilijin Vir

PROJECT ID

SME Name:

Camp Ilijin Vir

Country:

Montenegro

Subsector:

Nature / rural tourism

*Thematic Axis and Specific Topic:

  • Axis: Circular and resource-efficient tourism
  • Topic: Resource-efficient operations

*These are Cross-Re-Tour-specific thematic axes inspired by the Transition Pathway for Tourism. The thematic axis were chosen based on what category best reflects the main contributions of the project.

PROJECT SUMMARY & NEEDS

Project summary

The project focused on practical improvements in water management, energy efficiency, waste management, guest awareness, staff capacity and sustainability certification. The main implemented measures included rainwater harvesting, water-saving practices, energy-efficient water heating, lighting sensors, improved selective waste disposal, organic waste processing and sustainability communication with guests and staff.

Exploitation Area(s):

  • Water
  • Energy
  • Food
  • Furniture & Equipment
  • Plastic
  • Staff Nudging
  • Client Nudging

SME needs adressed:

  • Improve resource efficiency
  • Adapt to changing customer expectations

OUTPUTS & OUTCOMES

Solution implemented

The main implemented measures included rainwater harvesting, water-saving practices, energy-efficient water heating, lighting sensors, improved selective waste disposal, organic waste processing and sustainability communication with guests and staff.
This project is extremely important for the whole camping sector in Montenegro. Improvements made here are replicable and represent a model for other camps. This has been recognised even internationally, and Ilijin Vir is a finalist in European Responsible Tourism Awards competition.

Cross-Domain Innovation element

The project adapted resource-efficiency technologies and management practices commonly used in environmental engineering, smart buildings and circular-economy systems. Rainwater harvesting and water-saving solutions were transferred from sustainable water management practices, while motion-activated lighting originated from smart building management. Composting and selective waste management were adapted from circular-economy and environmental protection approaches. Digital visitor information delivered through QR codes and sustainability communication tools transferred digital engagement methods into the camping tourism sector, supporting behavioural change and environmental awareness among guests.

Key ouputs:

  • development of Sustainability Action Plan
  • Good Travel Scan assessment performed and Good Travel Seal Level 1 certification obtained
  • 1 rainwater harvesting system installed
  • 1 solar water-heating system installed
  • 1 composting unit established
  • motion-activated LED lighting installed throughout key camp facilities
  • Selective waste collection system improved
  • Multiple QR-based information tools and educational boards installed
  • 1 Eco Certificate for sustainable tourism in protected areas obtained
  • Shortlisted for the 2026 ICRT Europe Responsible Tourism Awards (Silver Award)

Key outcomes (Qualitative)

  • improved water, energy and waste management practices
  • increased environmental awareness among guests and staff
  • stronger sustainability management and monitoring processes
  • improved reputation and credibility in the responsible tourism market
  • enhanced visitor understanding of the protected Zeta River Nature Park
  • increased national and international visibility through certifications, awards and media coverage
  • established as a model of sustainable camping tourism in Montenegro

Lesson(s) learned:

The project showed that small tourism businesses can achieve significant sustainability improvements through simple, practical and affordable measures when these are guided by a structured sustainability action plan. The combination of water-saving solutions, renewable energy, waste management improvements and visitor education produced stronger results than individual interventions alone. External assessment and certification helped prioritise actions and validate achievements. Other tourism SMEs should start with realistic measures adapted to their capacities, monitor progress regularly and actively communicate sustainability efforts to guests, as awareness and engagement are important drivers of long-term success.

CONTACTS

Website / Social Media

Camp & Resort Ilijin Vir | ACSI