Montenegro Eco-Stellar Vision

PROJECT ID

SME Name:

FitCamp Montenegro

Country:

Montenegro

Subsector:

Nature / rural tourism

*Thematic Axis and Specific Topic:

  • Axis: Green transition and climate-conscious practices
  • Topic: Green business model innovation

*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 addressed the need to improve sustainability, resource efficiency and the attractiveness of tourism products in Central Montenegro. The partners implemented innovative solutions including rainwater harvesting and smart irrigation, water purification systems, recycled and 3D-printed visitor infrastructure, sustainability certifications and digital stargazing experiences. These investments improved water management, reduced environmental impacts and created unique visitor experiences centred on astro-tourism. The project demonstrates how combining green technologies, circular-economy practices and digital innovation can strengthen the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of rural tourism businesses.

Exploitation Area(s):

  • Water
  • Furniture
  • Client Nudging

SME needs adressed:

  • Improve resource efficiency
  • Comply with standards / certification

OUTPUTS & OUTCOMES

Solution implemented

The project introduced a combination of sustainable water management, circular-economy and digital tourism solutions. A 500 m³ rainwater accumulation pond with solar-powered smart irrigation was installed at GEA Retreat, a water purification and chlorination system was integrated into existing rainwater infrastructure at Vučje Tourist Centre, while Honey & Wine Jablan introduced certified organic and biodynamic production and enhanced its visitor experience through a smartphone-integrated telescope. Recycled and 3D-printed furniture was installed across three stargazing parks to support sustainable astro-tourism.

Cross-Domain Innovation element

The project adapted technologies and practices from several non-tourism sectors. Rainwater accumulation and smart irrigation solutions were adapted from agricultural water management and climate adaptation practices. Water chlorination technology was transferred from utility and water treatment sectors to tourism operations. Recycled-plastic 3D-printed furniture adapted circular-economy and advanced manufacturing approaches, while smartphone-integrated telescope technology transferred digital astronomy tools into visitor experience design. Together, these solutions created an innovative combination of environmental management, digital technology and sustainable tourism development.

Key ouputs:

  • 3 upgraded stargazing parks
  • 3 Visit Dark Skies and Cloud-Gazing licences
  • joint Stargazing Montenegro website
  • 1 smartphone-integrated telescope
  • 500 m³ rainwater accumulation pond with smart irrigation infrastructure
  • water purification and chlorination system
  • EU Organic Certification
  • Demeter Biodynamic Certification
  • Good Travel Seal certification activities
  • international promotion activities, media coverage, networking events and strengthened cooperation among three tourism SMEs.

Key outcomes (Quantitative)

Key outcomes (Qualitative)

  • improved water resilience and resource efficiency.
  • enhanced visitor experience through innovative astro-tourism products.
  • increased international visibility of participating SMEs and Montenegro as an astro-tourism destination.
  • strengthened cooperation among three rural tourism businesses.
  • improved sustainability credentials and market positioning
  • increased attractiveness for environmentally conscious travellers.
  • greater recognition through international media coverage and professional networks.
  • enhanced visitor experience through innovative astro-tourism products.

Lesson(s) learned:

The project demonstrated that combining sustainability, digital innovation and authentic visitor experiences creates stronger and more resilient tourism products than implementing isolated measures. The most successful approach was integrating environmental investments, such as water management and recycled infrastructure, with market-oriented innovations like astro-tourism experiences and sustainability certifications. Collaboration among several SMEs also proved highly valuable, enabling knowledge exchange, joint promotion and shared visibility. Other tourism businesses should focus on solutions that simultaneously improve environmental performance and visitor experience, while building partnerships that increase long-term impact and sustainability.

CONTACTS

Website / Social Media

https://campingmenina.com/sl/