Getting around Montenegro is convenient due to its compact size and well-connected transportation options. Buses provide a cost-effective means of travel, connecting major towns and tourist destinations. Ferries and boat rides connect coastal towns and islands like Kotor and Perast. Additionally, Montenegro’s scenic railways provide a unique way to experience the country’s beauty.
Montenegro
Montenegro, a hidden gem in the Balkans, is an ideal destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and cultural richness. Although it is one of the smallest countries in Europe, it is the seventh in the world with the largest number of UNESCO-protected areas per square meter. Whether hiking in Durmitor National Park, lounging on the Budva Riviera, or exploring Kotor’s ancient heritage, Montenegro promises an unforgettable experience for travelers.
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GOOD PLACES TO VISIT
Explore destinations that were certified for their sustainability efforts
GOOD TRAVEL BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and activities that are committed to sustainability. Their efforts are summarised in a SCORECARD (click on the picture). For the Good Travel Seal, the higher the number of stars or the level (level 3 is the highest), the more aspects of sustainability are checked by an independent auditor.
GOOD PRACTICE STORIES
Get inspired with stories from places and people that are acting for a fair and responsible tourism
Apodi
The proposal of the Pedagogical Tourism project is to promote environmental awareness among students through pedagogical practices in tourism, providing a direct interaction with the theme of tourism in schools, as well as working on Environmental Education in a continuous and permanent manner, as stipulated by the PNEA – National Policy for Environmental Education (law 9795/1999). Additionally, it aims to stimulate Environmental Education as a cross-cutting theme through a comprehensive set of actions, as it cannot be addressed in isolation. Sensitization provides the locals with knowledge and a sense of belonging to the tourist attractions in the area.
Bom Jardim da Serra
When tourism began to be developed in Bom Jardim da Serra, two accommodation projects were pioneers in structuring this sector: the Santa Rita farm and the Serra do Rio do Rastro Ecoresort. Structured in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the hotels in the mountains began to gain prominence and contribute to the development of a new local economic activity, further boosting the region. In that cycle, other economic segments feared that new ventures would displace labor, especially in fruit growing. The local community was not fully convinced of the benefits of tourism for the city, however, over time, there was a gradual change in perception. The great challenge of the projects was aimed at consolidating the city as a destination sought after by tourists, requiring great efforts from entrepreneurs for proper management, integration for the search for financing alternatives and other adaptations to market fluctuations, especially in the periods of seasonality.
Bombinhas
The Sea School is a program of the Municipal Department of Education of Bombinhas, aimed at public school students, during after-school hours. Since 2017, the ecological and tourist aspects of Bombinhas have been explored as part of the pedagogical proposal of the Sea School. Children and teenagers, from the fifth year of elementary school on, participate in a broad, creative, and engaged training, which includes the main local socioeconomic aspects, including artisanal fishing, mariculture, and tourism. This is stitched with ancestral knowledge through the presence of masters in various arts and crafts, such as the making of fish nets and baskets, and gastronomy. Swimming classes, environmental education, and alternative income generation complete the teaching-learning process focused on sustainability.
Itá
The road to sustainability is long and arduous, requiring planning, engagement, and collective work from the destinations. The county of Itá has been seeking to follow this path, and an important step was taken towards becoming a more sustainable destination. Their story showcases the development and implementation of their Green Seal Program: creating a collective, comprehensive, and free certification program, which identified practices developed by local businesses and entities, giving them visibility.
Navegantes
With the population growth and urbanization, the city of Navegantes began to face a problem seen in many big cities: the reduction green areas. The problem was noticed especially on the shore, as the reduction of vegetation caused erosion in various parts of its beach. Seeing the potential risks in the future if the situation persisted, Navegantes decided to act. The city began a long process of recovering the vegetation along its shoreline, and started the program “Restinga Preservada, Nossa Orla Protegida” (Restinga Preserved, Our Coast Protected), to continue the work of environmental education and preservation of the environment, allowing the central urban region to coexist with the coast in a sustainable way.
São Miguel do Gostoso
TRIIBO Agroforestry, located in São Miguel do Gostoso, Brazil, champions regenerative agriculture and healthy food production. Founded in 2018 by John Broad and Jamile, it offers training, environmental education, and agroecological fairs. Collaborating with local entities and the DEL Tourism Program, TRIIBO fosters sustainable practices, enriching soil, biodiversity, and organic produce. This holistic approach not only preserves the environment but also enhances community well-being through a unique agritourism experience. They incorporated the community to assist in the regeneration of the land and production of organic foods via: volunteers, offering educational courses, and, teaching children about sustainable farming. Additionally, tourism was incorporated on the farm, offering education/gastronomy experiences.
Tibau do Sul
Extractivists from the district of Cabeceiras lived in a situation of financial need and engaged in fishing, agriculture and oyster extraction in their natural habitat. However, this last activity was developed without due environmental concern on the part of the fishermen, focusing only on exploration. The solution to resolve the problem was found in APROOSTRAS – Association of Oyster Producers of Rio Grande do Norte, resulting in a sustainable cultivation of the product, conservation of the environment, and creation of the oyster route as an alternative production associated with tourism
Urubici
Urubici is a municipality in Serra Catarinense that stands out for the advance of tourism in recent years. The city has approximately 5000 beds, in more than 1000 accommodation facilities, of which 40 are family-run accommodation. Surrounded by fascinating nature, 90% of the local attractions are aimed at experiencing nature, through contemplative, scenographic, ecotourism and adventure tourism. Tourism arrives with strength not only as a provider of demand for these attractions and means of accommodation, but also as a promoter of development for the city. With the advent of the pandemic, nature tourism in the Serra region emerged very quickly and this demand, although positive, caused the movement of tourists and development to be disorderly and required the creation of new guidelines for the development of tourist activity in a sustainable way. Organized in compliance with legislation and adoption of sustainable practices to contribute to a developed and sustainable city.
Sustainability
Sustainability in Montenegro is increasingly gaining importance as the country seeks to preserve its pristine landscapes and protect its natural resources. Efforts are being made to promote responsible tourism practices, emphasizing eco-friendly accommodations and conservation initiatives.
The country’s commitment to sustainability extends to the preservation of its national parks, such as Durmitor and Biogradska Gora, ensuring the protection of unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Travel tips from our editors
Getting around
Tourism & People
This Balkan gem welcomes visitors with open arms to explore its stunning Adriatic coastline, rugged mountains, and picturesque lakes. Montenegro’s cultural tapestry reflects a mix of influences from neighboring countries, seen in its traditions, festivals, and cuisine.
The warm hospitality of the Montenegrin people adds a personal touch to your visit, making you feel welcomed and eager to explore further.
Nature & Wildlife
Montenegro offers a diverse range of ecosystems, from the Tara River Canyon (the deepest in Europe) to the Bay of Kotor, one of the most beautiful in the world. These diverse landscapes provide habitats for a variety of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, lynxes, and numerous bird species.
Sustainability Recognitions
Brazil has 9 destinations featured in the Top 100 Sustainable Destinations 2021.
Other sustainability certifications can be seen here (English) and here (Portuguese).
Fernanda Rodak | Page Editor
“Brazil is a worldwide known hotspot for biodiversity as well as home to a multitude of cultural expressions. The natural and cultural heritage and immense variety of tourism experiences in the country are valuable assets for its competitiveness. Yet, as we envision a post Covid-19 era, sustainability in tourism becomes crucial to build resilience and guarantee the long-lasting health of Brazil’s ecosystems and well-being of the hosting communities. This would also ensure an active contribution of the country’s tourism sector to the Sustainable Development Goals.”
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