This season, visitors to Crno Jezero are met with an unfinished and deserted construction site: the Durmitor Hotel. Despite millions invested, the project remains stagnant, halted two years ago by the company owned by Greek businessman Petros Statis. The fate of this hotel in Žabljak hinges on resolving disputes between the state and Aman regarding another hotel in Sveti Stefan.
Reflecting on the promises made during the laying of the foundation stone in 2019, it’s a far cry from what was envisioned. Then-Prime Minister Duško Marković spoke optimistically about creating value for Žabljak, yet today, the reality is a stark contrast.
Initially projected to be completed by May 2022, construction was suspended in November of the same year, leaving behind only concrete outlines and dashed hopes. The once-anticipated luxury hotel now stands as a symbol of unfulfilled promises and wasted potential.
Local tourism authorities express dismay at the missed opportunity, highlighting the critical need for development in Žabljak. With only six percent of the total accommodation capacity represented by hotel offerings, the absence of a five-star luxury establishment is keenly felt.
Despite hopes for a resolution by 2025, which would see the Durmitor Hotel operational and contributing to the region’s prosperity, the current stalemate persists. The picturesque location of Durmitor remains untapped, awaiting a breakthrough that could transform Žabljak into a premier tourist destination.
The road to realizing the Durmitor Hotel’s potential is fraught with challenges, yet its success could catalyze economic growth and revitalize the tourism industry in Žabljak. Until then, visitors to Crno Jezero are left with a poignant reminder of what could have been.
