Gastronomy, as the essence of culture and a major element of intangible heritage worldwide, is a growing driver for tourists. Gastronomy tourism helps to brand and market destinations and assists in maintaining and preserving local tradition and diversity, while harnessing and rewarding authenticity. It also enhances local economic development, sustainable practices and food experiences.
This project aimed at including local gastronomy into the overall tourism offer of the cross-border area, covering the municipalities of Berane, Andrijevica, Plav, Gusinje, Petnjica and Rožaje in Montenegro and the municipality of Puke in Albania.
It helped include traditional local recipes in the offer of the local tourism industry and create thematic, gastronomy routes. Also, local gastronomy offers were promoted and marketed. In particular, local restaurants and hotels offering such dishes have been branded, so that guests are aware of which places provide local, traditional food.
In short, this project provided a platform for all stakeholders to cooperate in the area of local cuisine, traditional dishes and typical products. This further strengthened the local tourism offer, contributed to preserving the cultural heritage and enhanced economic development in both Montenegro and Albania.
