Two decades of Splendid - from a pioneering project to a symbol of Montenegrin tourism

With a grand celebration attended by over a thousand guests, Splendid Conference & Spa Resort marked two decades of successful operation. From the first five-star resort in Montenegro to the present day, Splendid has confirmed its status as a brand that has changed the course of the Montenegrin tourism industry.

During its twenty years of operation, the resort has hosted almost 600 guests, recorded two and a half million overnight stays and opened its doors to visitors from 160 countries around the world. However, the greatest value of that time is not only in the numbers, but in the knowledge, experience and dedication of the people who have built an authentic Montenegrin brand, says Montenegro Stars Hotel Group founder and co-owner Žarko Radulović.

"We didn't achieve everything we wanted, but we mostly succeeded and maintained that enthusiasm, that driving energy that definitely exists here. We managed to show ourselves and others how to do it right. And now, after 20 years, with this knowledge and experience, we are only now ready for the next ventures that would be even better. But it is important that we have caught up with the modern tourism industry, especially the hotel industry, and that we follow the trends," Radulović emphasized.

Homage to Montenegro

The anniversary was not only a reminder of the successful business journey, begun in the year of the restoration of state independence, but also a celebration of the values ​​on which Splendid was built - Montenegrin authenticity, tradition of hospitality, culture and constant striving for quality improvement. In the spirit of these values, the festive program was conceived as a kind of homage to Montenegro - its musical and cultural heritage, with the participation of Montenegrin artists and performers.

The ceremony was attended by numerous representatives of the business community and public life. The leaders of the relevant Ministry or the National Tourism Organization did not respond to the invitation.

"I don't think about what the state can give me, but what I can do to make things better for myself and the state. That's the only right way. With this celebration, we wanted to show that Montenegro can do it, just like Splendid can. We showed that an event with a Montenegrin theme, our performers and our culture can be on the level of major international events," said Radulović.

New investments

Speaking about the company's further development, Radulović emphasized the importance of new investments and continuous improvement of existing capacities.

"Development, only development. There is no stopping, we are moving forward. Both new hotels and upgrading existing hotels. So only new investments and new investments, smaller, larger and medium, but constant investment," said Radulović.

Today, two decades later, management experience and knowledge are being transferred to new projects in Rafailovići, Plav and Kolašin. What once needed to be learned from developed tourist destinations is now being developed in Montenegro, confirming that the state is no longer importing hotel know-how, but creating it.

In line with the values ​​it has cherished since its founding, Montenegro Stars Hotel Group decided to mark the anniversary with a gesture of solidarity - instead of the traditional fireworks display, the funds intended for that purpose were donated to the "Mladost" Children's Home in Bijela.