Montenegro expands eco-friendly tourism

The second project meeting of the partners — the City of Čapljina, the City of Makarska, and the Public Enterprise for Coastal Zone Management of Montenegro — focused on the progress, plans, and next steps related to cycle tourism and the "GREENPULSE" project.

The meeting, held in Čapljina, highlighted that cycle tourism is becoming one of the fastest-growing segments of sustainable tourism in Europe, CE Report quotes FENA.

Following the meeting, partners visited the pedestrian-cycling trail in Čapljina, which will soon be upgraded with modern amenities — from rest areas and bicycle parking to interactive tourist information, the City of Čapljina announced.

Cycling and walking trails not only support a healthy lifestyle and eco-friendly travel but also open new economic opportunities, strengthen local communities, and create an attractive offer for visitors.

This vision is at the core of the "GREENPULSE" project, financed through the Interreg VI-A IPA HR-BA-ME 2021–2027 programme. The project connects Makarska and Čapljina with the Montenegrin Coastal Zone Management Enterprise, aiming to create a sustainable tourist destination.

Planned activities include upgrading pedestrian-cycling routes on Osejava in Makarska, Gradina in Čapljina, and within the “Katič” Nature Park in Montenegro.

Marko Borovac, representing the City of Čapljina, emphasized that this is an opportunity for Čapljina to become recognized as a destination that combines nature, a healthy lifestyle, and innovative tourism services.

“GREENPULSE is a new opportunity for Čapljina to become a recognizable cycle tourism destination. Trail reconstruction, the purchase of e-bikes and vehicles for people with disabilities, and digital promotion create the foundation for a sustainable tourist offer that connects nature and the community,” said Borovac.

Participants also stressed that cycle tourism is not just a local initiative but a strategic direction for the development of the entire region.

“Makarska, as the project’s leading partner, sees cycle tourism as a key strategic direction. Improving the Osejava trail and equipping it with tourist facilities enhances the visitor experience and strengthens the city’s image as a destination of sustainable tourism,” said Mladen Buvinić, representative of the City of Makarska.

Dijana Došljak, Head of the Department for Protection and Sustainable Development at Montenegro’s Coastal Zone Management Enterprise, highlighted that the project introduces new technologies and approaches to tourism.

“For Montenegro, GREENPULSE brings innovations — from mapping local stakeholders and training service providers to developing a mobile application and acquiring modern equipment. Our goal is for the trails in the ‘Katič’ Nature Park to become an example of how natural resources can be used responsibly and sustainably,” Došljak said.

The total project budget amounts to €1,348,068.72. The “GREENPULSE” project demonstrates that cycle tourism is not only a form of recreation but an investment in the region’s future, in people’s health, environmental protection, and a competitive tourism offer.