Rural tourism in Montenegro is increasingly seen as a major development opportunity, but the sector still struggles with a key distinction: between authentic farmsteads that combine agriculture and tourism, and those engaging in tourism simply because they are located in rural areas. According to the Association of Rural Households – Village Tourism, this difference is crucial for sustainability, local economies, and preserving traditional lifestyles.
True agrotourism farms, where food is produced on-site and offered directly to guests, remain largely overlooked by systemic support programs. Although IPARD funds and government measures are often mentioned as tools to boost rural tourism, the most authentic and needed actors are frequently excluded from these funding streams.
Two distinct paths are emerging within rural tourism:
- Agricultural farms where tourism complements active food production (agrotourism).
- Properties in rural areas without agricultural production, used mainly for tourism purposes.
Within agrotourism, there are also two groups: village farms and high-mountain pastoral farms (katuns).
The Association highlights that the representative group for Montenegro’s rural tourism is authentic agrotourism farms, which produce high-quality local food and contribute to reducing the country’s food imports. For small producers, direct sales to visitors are often the most viable option due to limited and seasonal production.
They believe agrotourism should be a strategic development focus, especially in northern Montenegro, as it benefits both agriculture and tourism, keeps income local, and helps slow negative demographic trends.
However, access to funding is a challenge. IPARD beneficiaries tend to be businesses such as ethno-villages and larger complexes, not typical small agricultural producers. This leaves authentic rural households without the resources needed for improvements.
Currently, support measures from the Ministry of Tourism provide some help but are insufficient. The ministry’s budget for rural tourism support was around €50,000 annually but is increasing to €100,000 this year. Still, many households lack the initial investment capital, especially those in off-grid mountain areas, and thus remain excluded.
The Association recommends that the Ministry of Agriculture allocate funds within the agricultural budget to help prepare these producers for future IPARD programs, as current IPARD measures remain a long-term goal for many.
