On December 10th, kick-off conference of project GIFTSnet - Network for Green and Inclusive Fortified Tourism Solutions was held in Ulcinj. The conference, attended by around fifty participants, presented the project's activities and objectives. It aims to enhance sustainable and inclusive cultural tourism development in the program area through eco-friendly and sustainable investments on seven cultural tourism sites in Šibenik, Karlovac, Banja Luka, Trebinje, Bar, and Ulcinj. Project also focuses on developing socially inclusive tourism offers on these locations and building the capacities of cross-border stakeholders for sustainable cultural tourism development.
Municipality of Ulcinj hosted the conference as one of the project partners, with the presence of representatives of lead partner, Public cultural Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik, as well as other partners: Municipality of Bar, City of Karlovac, City of Banja Luka, and Public institution Main Museum of Herzegovina in Trebinje.
The conference highlighted planned investments on seven sites, development of socially inclusive tourism offers, and the establishment of cross-border network of cultural tourism stakeholders. Additionally, the date for the fourth edition of the Night of Fortresses was announced. Dedicated to inclusivity and sustainability, the event, titled “Night of Fortresses Goes Green”, will take place on Friday, May 9, 2025, across nine European countries.
The gathering was addressed by the Deputy Mayor of Ulcinj, Petar Delić, and GIFTSnet project manager, Kata Žganjer.
“This project is a result of dedicated work, innovative ideas, and strong collaboration among all partners. Only five out of a total of 56 nominated projects were funded under Specific Objective 4.6: Tourism and Culture within first call of Interreg IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Croatia - Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro. Fortress of Culture Šibenik has successfully implemented two projects under the same program, and the success of GIFTSnet fills us with pride and motivation to successfully implement this significant project throughout next 30 months,” said Kata Žganjer.
The investment in Šibenik focuses on renovating a tunnel on St. John’s Fortress and integrating it into the fortress's tourist offer. Valued at approximately €340,000, the 70-meter-long tunnel, with an average height of about two meters, was built during World War II as a shelter and ends in a bunker that once protected the city’s port. The investment includes construction and electrical works, entrance and access improvements, and procurement of equipment for a multimedia installation, which will serve as the tunnel’s main feature. Instead of information panels, the installation aims to provide visitors with a sensory experience of being in an underground space.
Fortress of Culture Šibenik also plans to use project funds to introduce a smart recycling system on the fortresses. Due to the large number of visitors and activities, waste production on these sites has increased. This issue, partially addressed through other projects, will be upgraded with the purchase and installation of smart recycling containers on the fortresses and a smart bio-composter at the St. John’s Fortress campus. Additionally, project includes plantation of autochthon and drought resilient plant species on the plateau of St. John’s Fortress.
As part of the conference program, participants visited the archaeological site Shas, where Municipality of Ulcinj will undertake an investment that includes constructing a fence around the northern part of Shas and installation of wooden walkways, benches, trash bins, and other appropriate outdoor eco-friendly wooden furniture that will make the site more accessible and safer for visitors.
The GIFTSnet project started on September 15, 2024, with duration until March 14, 2027. Project is led by Public cultural Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik, with partners City of Banja Luka, Municipality of Bar, City of Karlovac, Public institution Main Museum of Herzegovina in Trebinje, and Municipality of Ulcinj. Total project budget is €2,244,442.80, 85% of which is co-financed within Interreg IPA Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 programme.
This publication was produced with the assistance of the European Union. The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of the Public Institution Fortress of Culture Šibenik and in no way reflects the views of the European Union.
