With the ceremonial laying of the foundation stone, the implementation of one of the most significant tourist investments on the Adriatic coast began. The hotel-residence complex Porta Rai Beachfront Hotel & Residences is a project that will further position Montenegro on the global tourist map.
The significance of the Porta Rai Beachfront Hotel & Residences complex for the local community is reflected in the new 800 jobs, mostly for the local population, while the total economic effect of the project is estimated at 278 million euros.
During the foundation stone laying ceremony, the importance of dialogue with the local community, transparency in business, as well as institutional support and efficient cooperation with the state was highlighted for the successful implementation of the project.The investment is a joint venture of international companies Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Dobrov & Family Group. Co-owner of the hotel group Karisma Hotels & Resorts, Ljubiša Krstajić, said at the event that the project is the result of a strong vision and long-term trust in the potential of Montenegro.
“Porta Rai is not only the realization of my dream, but also a common vision that I share with my partner and friend Rafael Féliz. As the founders and leaders of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, we are dedicated to tourism that brings more than luxury – tourism that respects the community, space and people. Today we are not just talking about the symbolic laying of the foundation stone. We are talking about the beginning of an ambitious vision of development – a vision that is born right here, in a place that we see as the new, recognizable face of Montenegrin tourism. Porta Rai is not only another luxury project – it is the most complete and comprehensive family complex in Montenegro and the entire Adriatic. It is designed to meet the needs of families – through facilities for all generations, without compromising on comfort, safety and quality of stay,” said Krstajić.Addressing the audience, Andrey Dobrov, founder of the international company Dobrov & Family Group, pointed out that the ambition of this group was not only to realize another investment, but to create real value for citizens, visitors and Montenegro as a whole.
“This project was never just the construction of another resort. For us, it is the realization of a vision that my family has cherished since 2006, when we invested in this land – a vision to shape the Montenegrin coast as a destination of world importance, with full respect for its exceptional natural beauty and authenticity. This is the result of almost two decades of dedication and faith in the potential of this exceptional coast. Our mission has always been to create long-term value through carefully planned development and support for local communities. Porta Rai reflects exactly that. that mission: it will bring 800 new jobs, strengthen the Montenegrin economy with a total economic effect of 278 million euros, encourage the development of local entrepreneurship and contribute to the positioning of Montenegro as a premium Mediterranean destination and one of the most exciting in Europe,” said Dobrov.The ceremony was opened with a performance by the choir of students of the Ulcinj School for Elementary Music and Ballet Education, conducted by Professor Gzim Đekaj, while the final act, the laying of the foundation stone, symbolically marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ulcinj’s development.
The first phase of the works will include the construction of part of the hotel facilities, residential units and infrastructure, and the completion of the entire complex is planned by the end of 2029.
The Porta Rai complex will be the first of its kind in Montenegro – categorized with five stars, with seven swimming pools, sports fields, a spa center, restaurants, facilities for children and an exclusive shopping area.