Mr. Cus, before we start talking about Žičara, it's worth mentioning that you have had a fairly successful career. Tell us a little more about that, as well as your decision to come to Montenegro and take on the responsible position of CEO of Žičara.
I was born and raised in Sweden, but I have always been proud of my Montenegrin origins. Throughout my life, I have felt a strong connection to this country, and I am especially amazed by the beauty and potential that Montenegro has. After years of working in one of the leading IT companies in Stockholm and leading the company as CEO, I realized that it was time for a change and decided to come to Montenegro.
Through working in Sweden and collaborating with different teams globally, I had the opportunity to participate in shaping products and developing business strategies that set high standards and responded to the needs of a dynamic business environment. I wanted to bring the experience I gained here and help make the vision of the Kotor–Lovćen cable car a reality.
I often say that I didn't come to Montenegro just to work. I came to build – standards, experiences and bridges between everything I learned in the world and what we can offer here. However, I can't do it alone – the support I have from a great team is crucial in achieving the goal of making Žičara an example of successful, sustainable and responsible business.
The cable car completed its first full season of operation this year. Can you share your impressions with us, as well as some concrete results you have recorded?
We are extremely proud of the results that exceeded all our expectations. If we talk about specific numbers, I will say that the Cable Car was visited by more than 290 thousand domestic and foreign guests.
Our popular bobsleigh track, the Alpine Coaster, also attracted a large number of visitors, earning it the status of one of the leading adrenaline attractions in the country. In everything we do, there is always an awareness of the importance of the project for the wider community. For a large part of the season, the Cable Car ride was free for children under 12. We supported numerous initiatives for organized arrivals of various groups from all over the country, and we also hosted some of the important events during the summer months.
We are particularly pleased that the citizens of Montenegro have recognized the value of the project, as can be seen in the number of visits they have made with family, friends, and guests from abroad, to whom they have proudly shown everything that the Cable Car has to offer. At the same time, positive comments from tourists from all over the world are of great importance to us. We have also recorded interest from visitors in the off-season – the weather conditions have allowed us to extend the work, to the delight of our numerous guests.
A gondola ride is a special experience, but you often emphasize that it's just the beginning. What do you mean by that?
Yes, you noticed correctly – a gondola ride is a special experience, but that is just the beginning of what we can offer. Our intention is that the Cable Car will eventually become a place where guests can experience different experiences that will complement their stay in Montenegro, and that is why we are planning a significant expansion of our offer. I mentioned the bobsleigh track, which is really attracting a lot of attention, but this year guests also had the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic offer of bars and restaurants, walking along the hiking trails, cycling, thematic medieval and historical attractions, as well as many other segments of our offer. So, the Cable Car has already become a destination that allows for the organization of a full-day excursion. I am pleased to confirm that next season we will be able to offer guests new and exciting attractions that will certainly live up to their expectations.
This year you have signed important cooperation protocols, with a special emphasis on environmental protection and compliance with ESG standards. Can you tell us more about that?
Sustainability is at the heart of our business and development. We have invested a lot of effort to ensure that the construction and operation of the Cable Car follows the highest environmental standards. The aforementioned standards are also in line with the core values of our partner, the company Leitner Ropeways, which was founded back in 1888. Our common goal is to build and develop infrastructure that is safe, innovative, environmentally friendly and at the same time contributes to the local economy and the positioning of Montenegro as a prestigious tourist destination in Europe.
In line with this vision, we have signed cooperation protocols with key partners such as Elektroprivreda Crne Gore and Air Montenegro. When signing the protocols, we emphasized that they are not just a formality, but a proof of our commitment to establishing strong and reliable relationships with key partners. For example, the agreement with Elektroprivreda will enable us to gradually transition to the dominant use of renewable energy sources, while with Air Montenegro we are working on more efficient promotion of Montenegro as a tourist destination.
How do you see the role of the Kotor - Lovćen Cable Car in the economic development of Montenegro, especially in the context of the continued construction of the cable car to Cetinje?
Montenegro has enormous potential for investment, and projects like the Kotor-Lovćen cable car are an example of how this potential can be used in a sustainable and successful way. So, the cable car is not just a tourist attraction – it is also a driver of economic development and support for the strengthening of the local economy by increasing the number of visitors, supporting local businesses and creating new jobs.
Along these lines, the announced continuation of the construction of the cable car to Cetinje will create additional value and opportunities for greater economic development.
The valuable cultural and historical heritage of our Royal Capital will become more accessible to tourists from all over the world, and we also get a chance to launch new investments and businesses. Therefore, we are pleased with the decision of the Senate of the Royal Capital to continue the construction of the cable car and we are convinced that it will contribute not only to the development of Cetinje, but also to the overall economic prosperity of Montenegro.
(Kotor – Lovćen cable car)
