Area/Topic
Montenegro, Western Balkans, Adventure Travel Guide Training

Hayley Wright
Owner/Operator
Black Mountain Montenegro

Inspired by adventurous parents and after journeying to and living in some of the world's colder places (including the North Pole and Siberia) Hayley turned a passion for adventure travel into a full time job as co-owner/ operator of an adventure travel business together with husband Jack in beautiful Montenegro. The destination is fast becoming known for its incredible mountain and coastal landscapes, rivers,lakes and canyons together with the melting pot of culture, warm Balkan hospitality and endless outdoor adventure opportunities. Working beyond borders throughout Montenegro and the Western Balkan region with a community of fantastic local guides and partners enables our guests to enjoy authentic and often transformational travel experiences, pushing their own boundaries in both physical challenges and cultural discoveries. Hayley is also a member of the Adventure Travel Guide Standard governance board, a framework of global standards of excellence for adventure travel guides and is  passionate about supporting adventure guiding as a serious and respected profession which provides sustainable stewardship for the places and people through whose lands we travel.

https://www.montenegroholiday.com/

Summary
Hayley Wright, the founder of Black Mountain Montenegro, shares her journey from working in the oil industry to becoming an adventure travel operator in Montenegro. She discusses the country's potential for adventure tourism and its unique geographical features, including its mountainous terrain and deep canyons. Hayley highlights the characteristics of Montenegrin people, their hospitality, and their pride in their culture and food. She also talks about the challenges and rewards of running a tourism business in Montenegro, as well as the importance of adventure travel guides and the Adventure Travel Guide Standard. In this conversation, Jason Elkins speaks with Hayley about adventure travel and the importance of creating wonderful experiences worldwide. They discuss the passion for adventure travel, building a community of adventure travel guides, exploring the Western Balkans, and the impact of creating memorable experiences around the world.

Takeaways

• Montenegro offers a unique adventure tourism experience with its mountainous terrain, deep canyons, and diverse cultural heritage.
• The Montenegrin people are known for their hospitality, genuine warmth, and pride in their culture and food.
• Adventure travel guides play a crucial role in providing safe and memorable experiences for travelers, and their profession should be recognized and supported.
• Montenegro's adventure tourism industry has grown significantly in recent years, offering activities such as hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and ski touring.
• Travelers should be prepared for a laid-back and relaxed lifestyle in Montenegro, where time is not a priority and enjoying life is valued. Adventure travel is a global phenomenon that brings people together and creates a sense of community.
• Building a community of adventure travel guides fosters collaboration and shared experiences.
• The Western Balkans, including Montenegro, Croatia, Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, and Macedonia, offer unique and exciting destinations for travelers.
• Creating wonderful experiences in different parts of the world helps make the world feel smaller and more connected.

Learn more about the Big World Made Small Podcast and join our private community to get episode updates, special access to our guests, and exclusive adventure travel offers at bigworldmadesmall.com.