Kick starting responsible tourism

Imagine a beautiful country with Mediterranean sunshine, clear blue seas, towering mountain peaks, stunning vistas and fairytale, historic walled towns, with rugged wilderness and incredible wildlife. A country with a tradition of warm hospitality and friendship to visitors, where organic cuisine is the norm and spring water is on tap!

That’s Montenegro, the world’s first internationally recognised ecological state,  boasting the second deepest canyon, the Mediterranean’s only fjord, some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, four national parks and two UNESCO world heritage sites.

Jack Delf, Director of Montenegro Holidays, a supporter of WTM’s World Responsible Tourism Day, was faced with an uphill struggle to kick start outdoor activity holidays that were both responsible and sustainable.

But in 2007, the company came up with an innovative idea which has fired the imagination.
For the second year, the Adventure Race Montenegro 2008 will be open to runners from across the country and throughout Europe.

The two-day race, supported by the United Nations Development Project (UNDP) will encourage the development of ‘outdoor’ tourism in Northern Montenegro, an area of outstanding natural beauty designated by UNESCO. Attracting a total of 150 runners each day, the race has attracted support from the Government National Tourist Organisation as well as local media.

UNDP were so impressed with the 2007 event that they offered to help with funding this year and are approaching NGOs & Aid Agencies to enter teams.

The race has taken on particular importance because a zinc tailing mine has closed recently in the area, leaving unemployment many other social problems.

“Race Committees are running support events to showcase their culture and will incorporate some local sports into adventure race format”, said Delf.

“Environmental groups will conduct environmental impact assessment of race and in return will exhibit at race events and on the website.”

There is also a further vital aspect to the activity. The company is expecting military teams from all of the former Yugoslav republics to compete, fostering understanding and reconciliation
Montenegro Holidays would have liked the race to coincide with WTM’s actual World Responsible Tourism Day, but November sees the start of the autumn rains and early winter snow.

Instead, The Adventure Race will take place on 3rd and 4 October.