- An Investment Positioning Montenegro as a Premium Destination and Creating 800 Jobs
With a ceremonial laying of the foundation stone, the realization of one of the most significant tourism investments on the Adriatic coast officially began today. The hotel-residential complex Porta Rai Beachfront Hotel & Residences is a project that will further position Montenegro on the global tourism map. Its importance for the local community is reflected in the creation of 800 new jobs, primarily for the local population. At the same time, the total economic impact 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 operations, as well as institutional support and effective cooperation with the state, were highlighted as key factors for the successful implementation of the project.
The investment is a joint venture between the international companies Karisma Hotels & Resorts and Dobrov & Family Group. Ljubiša Krstajić, co-owner of the hotel group Karisma Hotels & Resorts, stated at the event that the project is the result of a strong vision and long-term trust in Montenegro’s potential.
“Porta Rai is not only the fulfillment of my dream, but also a shared vision I hold with my partner and friend Rafael Féliz. As founders and leaders of Karisma Hotels & Resorts, we are committed to a form of tourism that delivers more than just luxury — tourism that respects the community, the environment, and the people. Today, we are not just speaking about the symbolic laying of a foundation stone. We are talking about the beginning of an ambitious development vision — a vision being born right here, in a place we see as the new, distinctive face of Montenegrin tourism. Porta Rai is not just another luxury project — it is the most comprehensive and content-rich family complex in Montenegro and across the Adriatic. It has been designed to meet the needs of families, with amenities for all generations, without compromise when it comes to comfort, safety, and the quality of stay,” said Krstajić.
Addressing the attendees, Andrey Dobrov, founder of the international company Dobrov & Family Group, emphasized that the group’s ambition was not merely to make another investment, but to create real value for citizens, visitors, and Montenegro as a whole.
“This project was never just about building another resort. For us, it represents the realization of a vision that my family has nurtured since 2006, when we invested in this land — a vision to shape the Montenegrin coast into a world-class destination, with full respect for its exceptional natural beauty and authenticity. It is the result of nearly two decades of dedication and belief in the potential of this remarkable coastline. Our mission has always been to create long-term value through carefully planned development and support for local communities. Porta Rai reflects that very mission: it will create 800 new jobs, strengthen Montenegro’s economy with a total economic impact of 278 million euros, stimulate the development of local entrepreneurship, and contribute to positioning 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 from the School of Elementary Music and Ballet Education in Ulcinj, 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 construction will include the development of part of the hotel facilities, residential units, and infrastructure, with the completion of the entire complex planned by the end of 2029.
The Porta Rai complex will be the first of its kind in Montenegro – categorized as a five-star resort, featuring seven swimming pools, sports courts, a spa center, restaurants, children’s facilities, and an exclusive shopping zone.
KARISMA HOTELS & RESORTS
Karisma Hotels & Resorts is a globally recognized luxury hotel group that owns, manages, and develops an impressive portfolio across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. Its diverse brand portfolio includes Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts, Margaritaville Island Reserve® by Karisma, Karisma Villas, BOR Hotel by Karisma, and Azul Beach Resorts by Karisma. The group has received numerous top industry accolades, including Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 30 Hotels in Cancun,” the World Waterpark Association’s “Leading Edge Award,” Travel Weekly’s “Magellan Awards,” and the AAA “Five Diamond Award” and “Four Diamond Award.” Karisma Hotels & Resorts is committed to supporting both its employees and local communities while offering guests authentic experiences that have earned the group global recognition for its creative and genuine approach to hospitality management and innovation in the hotel industry.
DOBROV & FAMILY GROUP
Dobrov & Family Group is a privately owned international group with over 35 years of experience in industrial and manufacturing development. Its core strategy is to build a sustainable, innovative, and competitive business that generates stable income for the long-term growth of this family enterprise. The group’s main activities include hospitality, property development, venture capital, and investment in renewable energy. Operating across Europe, Dobrov & Family Group holds a broad portfolio of projects in the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Cyprus, Montenegro, and Germany. Award-winning residential developments in the Czech Republic highlight the company’s commitment to excellence and quality. As one of the leading private investors in tourism in Montenegro, Dobrov & Family Group is successfully developing various mixed-use projects. The company is dedicated to promoting human progress through values such as integrity, openness, social responsibility, respect for others, and a willingness to cooperate.
