The Success of Promoting Eco Tours in Montenegro

Alexandra A., Owner of Montenegro Eco Adventures, helps others experience the True Montenegro in a sustainable way.

Inspired, we thought we would ask Alexandra just exactly how she does it and what successes and bumps came along the way.

What is your initiative about? Who does it help?

We are promoting ecotourism in Montenegro, more particularly in the Northern part of the country. We are trying to support local families to generate additional income through hosting travelers as well as working with local mountain guides to prevent them leaving the countryside for the bigger cities.

What inspired you to create this initiative?

Seeing the potential Montenegro has to offer in terms of nature wealth and warmth of its people, especially in the countryside, we were inspired to develop an organization that would promote homestays in remote areas where there are no to little economic activities. This way, we could offer travelers great authentic experiences and communities with an additional source of income.

Is there a unique story of how it came to be?

I remember the day my partner called me, he went hiking by himself and was at the top of a mountain in Montenegro and told me he just had an epiphany: we were going to start an ecotourism company here in Montenegro, it felt like the evident thing for us to do, combining our passions for nature protection and travels. Less than 24 hours later, MEA was founded.

Can you share an inspiring story when you felt your project was most fulfilling?

I think visiting the families in the village and hearing them saying that MEA coming into their life is like a gift from heaven. Together, with the really positive feedbacks from enthusiastic travelers, I think those are the most fulfilling moments we had as a team.

What do you hope your initiative will accomplish in the next 2-5 years?

We hope that many more families in remote villages will see that there is potential in ecotourism and that they are willing to take the step in that direction. Many families in remote areas still have difficulties to believe in what unique experiences they can bring to travelers.

Do you have any tips for aspiring do-gooders who want to give back or start their own social project?

Just go for it!

It is the best way to learn by doing, making mistakes and improving, step by step. Seeing the results. And it is so rewarding. Not easy – but definitely something to be proud of!

Why do you attend Travel Massive events?

I attended the very first event in Montenegro and I am really glad the chapter was created here, because there was nothing close to it, especially for the expat community working in the travel industry in Montenegro. I am looking forward to networking with all of you!

Travel Start-Up is a monthly series that profiles unique online travel start-ups in the Travel Massive community around the world. You can connect with Alexandra and Montenegro Eco Adventures on Travel Massive.