It is a big challenge to create the image of a destination and that requires constant work and synergy of all representatives of the tourism industry.
We spoke with Danica Banjević, Director of the Tivat Tourist Board, one of the most active tourist boards on the Montenegrin coast, about the importance of social networks for the development of tourism, the challenges tourist boards face in promoting the natural attractions of their respective regions, and various types of vacations.
How big of a challenge is it to create the image of such a diverse and all-around tourist destination like Tivat?
It is a big challenge to create the image of a destination and that requires constant work and synergy of all representatives of the tourism industry. I think that we make a good team and that Tivat is one of the favourite leisure destinations, regardless of whether we are talking about elite tourism or tourists whose main goal is to have an active vacation and enjoy the rural areas. It is a well-known fact that, in addition to having luxurious marinas and hotels, Tivat is the perfect place to escape from the urban hustle and bustle and find peace on one of our secluded beaches.
The diverse accommodation offer, from budget to luxury hotels, hostels, and camping sites to different categories of private accommodation, means that every guest can find something suitable. During the day, tourists can enjoy sailing, rowing or swimming, as well as bird watching, hiking or cycling to olive groves around Luštica villages or on the Vrmac peninsula. At night, they can indulge in beautiful sunsets from the picturesque shores of Tivat, Porto Montenegro or Luštica Bay, while discovering local tastes and culture which is a perfect blend of traditional and modern.
Our guests are privileged because, in a short time, they can experience the spirit of the past, on the one hand, and the luxury of the present, on the other
What is a must-see in Tivat that you would recommend to first-time tourists in Tivat?
Tivat is an authentic town and it has an extremely diverse tourist offer in a relatively small area. It will definitely satisfy even the most curious of visitors. Our guests are privileged because, in a short time, they can experience the spirit of the past, on the one hand, and the luxury of the present, on the other. The tourists who plan to spend their vacation visiting sleepy villages on Luštica or conquering the hiking trails on Vrmac or exploring the natural beauty of Gornja Lastva, as well as those who will spend their time enjoying luxurious accommodation in Porto Montenegro, Luštica Bay and Nikki Beach Montenegro, will all have a great time.
If you love spending time in nature and bird watching, you should definitely visit Solilo, and if you crave a real adventure, Tivat offers various forms of recreation and active vacations. A must-visit is the Life on Luštica panoramic road, as well as driving around the Tivat Bay and visiting three beautiful islands that make up the Krtoli archipelago, Stradioti/St. Marco, Our Lady of Mercy, and Flower Island (Ostrvo cvijeća). I would also like to recommend to summer tourists to enjoy the abundant cultural life here and take part in unforgettable thematic evenings or watch concerts and theatre plays in Tivat.
How important is it to be present online and on social media for tourism development and how is your tourist board managing that?
Nowadays, the Internet has become the essence of life and business. Whether we want to admit it or not, we cannot and will not be able to do without the Internet. The pandemic contributed to the increasing use of the Internet for doing business and communicating. Websites and social media are very important for tourism promotion. The Tivat Tourist Board continuously works on improving its official website www.tivat.travel and its Facebook and Instagram pages. Our team is doing a great job on this.