The Digital Cultural Routes project represents the first independent digital guide to the rich cultural heritage of Budva. It aims to connect cultural and tourism sectors through digital communication tools for a modern presentation of cultural heritage. The digital guide is hosted on a website that maps valuable cultural sites relevant to Budva’s cultural-tourism offering. All locations are interconnected in routes and are described on the website with brief educational texts accompanied by photos. Visitors can access the site at each location through QR codes displayed at points of interest, allowing them to access information about the cultural asset directly in front of them via their smartphones.

The first phase of the project began in 2022 under the ReLOaD program, implemented by the UNDP office in Montenegro with financial support from the European Union. This phase involved mapping cultural sites in the Old Town of Budva, creating a website with a digital map and bilingual descriptions of cultural-historical locations. Additionally, QR codes were installed at key points, providing visitors with quick and easy access to information. The project was selected as one of the most representative projects within the ReLOaD funding program and presented at several public events organized by the ReLOaD team.

Recognizing the project’s significance, the Municipality of Budva allocated funds in 2024 for the second phase, Digital Cultural Routes 2, through a public competition for non-governmental organization funding. This phase is implemented by the NGO Center for the Study and Protection of Cultural Heritage of Montenegro in cooperation with the NGO Society for Cultural Development “Bauo” from Petrovac on the Sea. This phase extends the project to include the areas of Petrovac and Saint Stephen, recognized as important cultural-historical centers within Budva Municipality. It also involves a revision of the first phase. This phase of the digital guide will map an additional 21 significant examples of cultural heritage, and the informational texts will be translated into two more foreign languages, accessible on the official project website.

The main goal of the project is to link the sectors of culture, cultural heritage, and tourism in Budva Municipality and to ensure a contemporary and quality presentation of Montenegro’s cultural heritage. The project allows visitors easy access to historical data on cultural assets and sites, raising awareness of the importance of cultural heritage and encouraging wider public engagement in its preservation.

The Digital Cultural Routes project is crucial for the preservation and presentation of Montenegro’s cultural assets, with particular emphasis on valuing Budva’s cultural heritage. By creating a unique digital database dedicated to education and providing information, the project strengthens tourism interest and the economic sustainability of the region, increasing the number of visitors and tourism activities in Budva Municipality.