The Mayor of Herceg Novi and local cultural institutions favor the establishment of the eco-museum and community tourism model of the “Co.Co.Tour” Project

Representatives of the Local Democracy Agency met with the Mayor of Herceg Novi, Stevan Katic to discuss the progress the “CoCoTour” project. The meeting focused on the following key topics: implementation of project activities and their timeline, financial dynamics of the project and the modalities of involving local institutions in the concept of the community tourism and eco-museum. Representatives of institutions relevant to “CoCoTour” project participated in the meeting: Gordana Krcunović on behalf of roof cultural institution Herceg Fest and Jovan Subotić and Simonida Kordić from the Municipal Office for International Cooperation.

The “CoCoTour” project envisages the reconstruction of Nobel Laureate Ivo Andrić's house, which will be a starting point for the establishment of eco-museum and community tourism.  The “Co.Co.Tour” partners in Montenegro have carefully analyzed the interests of the local community, mapping sites that represent authentic points of interest in light of historical, cultural and natural heritage. Apart from the locations, special attention is paid to the intangible cultural wealth of Herceg Novi, its legends, specialties and the current, but inadequately promoted offer and “pearls”.

After visiting the Municipality of Herceg Novi, the Agency's team held meetings with stakeholders and various touristic actors that will promote and help the valorization of specific tourism products. Interactive application of the eco-museum is currently developed implying creation of touristic routes within this concept rich in storytelling and multimedia content, while nurturing the principles of accessibility.

This was followed by additional research on potential points of interest for eco-museum and community tourism which represent an innovation in this part of the Mediterranean. In this sense, the “Co.Co.Tour” project places Herceg Novi in ​​the offer with 4 other eco-museums and port museums: Messolonghi and Corfu in Greece, Himara in Albania and Tricase in Italy, these last two are part of the “Co.Co.Tour” project.

The "Co.Co.Tour" project aims at securing a smart, inclusive and sustainable growth of the coastal communities in the target areas through the development of a cross border eco-museum model and a common strategy focused on community tourism.

The project is co – financed by the European Union under the Instrument for Pre –Accession Assistance (IPA III), Interreg IPA Cross Border Cooperation Italy – Albania – Montenegro.