Camp Ilijin Vir, a small family-operated campground in Montenegro, has been named a finalist in the European Responsible Tourism Awards 2026, a recognition that highlights the growing role of sustainable camping tourism in the country.
The finalists for the awards, organized by ICRT Global with support from easyJet holidays, were announced on May 29, 2026. Camp Ilijin Vir was selected as one of 15 finalist organizations from across Europe and is the only representative from Montenegro.
Winners will be announced on June 23, 2026, when finalists will receive one of three distinctions: “One to watch,” a silver award, or a gold award.
The Responsible Tourism Awards recognize tourism organizations and initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to responsible tourism practices, innovation, positive community impact, sustainable development, and the ability to transfer successful practices to other destinations.
This year’s finalists represent countries including Italy, Montenegro, the Czech Republic, Türkiye, Finland, Croatia, Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Located along the Zeta River, Camp Ilijin Vir was recognized for demonstrating how a small tourism business can integrate environmental stewardship, community engagement, and responsible operations into its tourism offering. The campground’s sustainability efforts were implemented through its “Green Transformation of Camp Ilijin Vir” project.
As part of the initiative, the campground introduced a range of environmental and digital improvements, including water-heating systems powered by renewable energy sources, motion sensors for automatic lighting control, rainwater collection systems, selective waste-sorting infrastructure, and educational programs for guests and staff.
The project also includes an interactive information board that provides visitors with information about the natural features of the Zeta River Valley, local wildlife and plant species, and responsible outdoor recreation practices.
According to the Camping Association of Montenegro, the campground’s selection as a finalist demonstrates that smaller camping businesses can gain international recognition through investments in quality, sustainability, and authentic guest experiences.
“This is a great success for Camp ‘Ilijin Vir,’ but also for Montenegro as a destination that has enormous potential for the development of sustainable camping tourism. It is particularly important that a small family campground has been recognized, demonstrating that sustainability is not reserved only for large hotels and major investments. On the contrary, examples such as this show how practical and carefully considered measures can improve the quality of the tourism offering, protect nature, and create additional value for the local community,” said Veselin Bajčeta, Executive Director of the Camping Association of Montenegro.
Camp Ilijin Vir previously completed its green transformation project with financial support from the European Union, in partnership with the Camping Association of Montenegro and in cooperation with the Agency for the Protection of Komovi, Bjelasica, and Prokletije.
The project was designed as a pilot model that could be replicated by other campgrounds in Montenegro, particularly those located in environmentally sensitive or protected areas.
For campground, glamping, RV park, and outdoor hospitality operators, the recognition highlights how relatively small-scale sustainability investments can contribute to both operational improvements and international visibility.
Initiatives such as renewable energy systems, water conservation measures, waste management programs, and visitor education are increasingly becoming part of destination and business competitiveness as travelers place greater emphasis on responsible tourism practices.
The European award also provides additional exposure for Montenegro’s camping sector and its efforts to position itself within the growing responsible tourism market. Gold award recipients will automatically advance to compete for the Global Responsible Tourism Award alongside winners from other regions around the world.
The Camping Association of Montenegro congratulated Camp Ilijin Vir on reaching the final stage of the competition and encouraged other campgrounds in the country to continue investing in sustainability, service quality, and responsible relationships with nature and local communities.