Pilot Mountain-Biking Initiative
Pilot Mountain-Biking Initiative
Trend data shows that mountain biking is expanding globally and especially in Europe. Given Montenegro’s rugged terrain, scenic vistas and proximity to the European Union – it is an ideal destination. However, the current infrastructure and services available to mountain bike tourists are very limited. There are no specific biking trails in Montenegro, and existing mountain tracks are of poor quality and are often not well marked or maintained. There is also a lack of information on the expectations of mountain bike tourists.
To better understand the potential for mountain biking tourism in Montenegro, the Center for Sustainable Tourism Initiatives (CSTI) together with the National Tourism Organization (NTO) and members of the Allgemeine Deutsche Fahrrad-Club (ADFC), a German Cycling Association, conducted a 14 day pilot bike tour culminating in a conference of stakeholders in Kolasin, on September 13-15, 2007.
The activity was supported under the Community Revitalization through Democratic Action – Economy program implemented by CHF International. Service Providers Learn to Respond to the Demands of Mountain-Bikers Beginning in February of 2007, CSTI and the NTO began researching potential roads and trails around the country which meet basic criteria for mountain biking tourism.
According to international best practices these trails should be within easy reach of main roads, have limited automobile traffic, be at a moderate level of difficulty and length, encompass spectacular views and have the necessary food and accommodation options available nearby. Once tentative routes were selected CSTI and the NTO began to identify key tourism stakeholders interested in participating in a pilot mountain biking initiative.
CSTI then worked closely with these organizations and businesses in refining the biking routes, developing products and adapting services to meet the needs of the ADFC cyclists. For example, following the trail assessment, CSTI identified the Zajovic family, from the Ceranica Gora katun interested in hosting the ADFC cyclists.
CSTI then worked with them over the summer to help them to prepare adequate accommodation, food and other services for the tour. Bozo and Jadranka Zajovic are now interested in opportunities to host future guests and CSTI plans to continue assisting them in improving their services and sending them additional customers, “We would be delighted to share our home and knowledge of this beautiful mountain with more guests interested in learning about the bounties of Montenegrin nature.”
In total, CSTI worked with more than 32 tourism service providers in preparing for and executing the tour leading to an improved knowledge of cycling and a greater ability to serve tourists in this sector. Among the other key stakeholders involved were 4 national parks, and 3 local tourism organizations, 2 transport companies, 2 biking associations, 6 hotels, 4 katuns/mountain huts, 8 food and drink providers in addition to individual mountaineers from Ceranica Gora, Durmitor, Bjelasica and Komovi.
Tour results in Commitment to Mountain Biking Development in Montenegro
Over 14 days, the cyclists covered more than 700 kilometers experiencing four seasons as they pedaled through Montenegro’s diverse terrain. From a 35 C day on the Rumija Range overlooking Skadar Lake, to snow in the Durmitor Ring and heavy rains on the road from Biogradska Gora to Stavna, CSTI provided a memorable experience for both the German cyclists and their Montenegrin hosts.
The tour culminated in a three-day conference in Kolasin bringing together key stakeholders including representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, international donors, tourism NGOs, cycling and mountaineering associations and entrepreneurs with the ADFC cyclists and an international mountain biking expert.
The topic of discussion was the development of Montenegro as a mountain biking destination over the next 3-5 years. The conference sought to identify the current strengths and weaknesses of mountain biking infrastructure and services and to identify solutions, including encouraging more entrepreneurs to design products targeted at this market.
The conclusions shared by all participants is that the foundation of mountain biking tourism is high quality trails and signs, followed by adequate safety services and tourism products tailored to meet the specific needs of this niche group. Following the conference, the Ministry of Tourism formed a working group to carry out tasks associated with the realization of this initiative. CSTI, along with other public, private and NGO participants, was invited to take part in a working group to carry out the various facets of this initiative.
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