1st Visit of the International Tourism Consultant to Montenegro

Posted on December 02, 2011

Aimed at the establishment of the ethno-gastronomic route within the project ‘Valorization of the Ethno-Gastronomic Heritage of the Skadar/Shkoder Lake,’ CSTI welcomed the International Tourism Consultant from Spain, Mr. Nacho Errando, to acquire his expert advice on the subject. This visit took place from 23^rd to 27^th of November, 2011.

The consultant, an expert in ‘rural tourism’ and successful hotelier in rural Spain, is invited to participate in the project so as to realize the project activity of visiting potential participants in the ethno-gastronomic route and share his extensive knowledge and experiences related to thematic route development.

After thorough systematic research – namely the mapping of potential ethno-gastronomic actors, products, and services, CSTI created a database of all potential participants in the route. After this phase, based personal experiences with stakeholders, their willingness to participate, and useful recommendations by CSTI’s partners, we selected actors that would be most interesting for inclusion in the route. Field work, partially conducted through site visits with the International Consultant, followed.

The fall 2011 event was the first of two planned visits by the International Consultant to Montenegro. On this occasion we visited 26 potential participants, with a focus on households and individual producers. Visits to the potential restaurants and konobas will be a priority during the second stay of the International Consultant, planned for spring 2012.

During these five days we enjoyed the hospitality and attention of our Montenegrin hosts, who revealed a serious approach to our project and dedication to their guests. During the site-visits, our hosts also had a unique opportunity to exchange experiences with the consultant, who was disposed to answer their questions.

Following this successfully conducted project activity, CSTI will receive a detailed report from the International Consultant, indicating observations and recommendations for the further development of the  thematic route.