Serbian NBA star Bogdan Bogdanović is investing in a new hotel in Montenegro, bringing fresh attention to the small town of Plužine, where he spent part of his childhood. The project will replace the historic Piva Hotel, which was demolished in early November.
The former hotel, once one of the town’s best-known landmarks, was demolished on November 5 to make way for a modern hospitality complex. Local officials confirmed that Bogdanović and his family are behind the investment.
Plužine Mayor Slobodan Delić told local broadcaster RTNK that the new hotel will occupy a larger area and feature a different architectural design.
The project marks a significant step for the town, which hopes to strengthen its tourism industry and attract more visitors to northern Montenegro.
A New Beginning for a Historic Hotel
The original Piva Hotel opened approximately 50 years ago and became an important part of everyday life in Plužine.
For decades, it welcomed visitors and provided employment opportunities for local residents. However, the hotel closed in 2011 and remained unused for years.
The Bogdanović family purchased the property in 2019, according to Piva Nature Park.
Now, the demolition of the old building has cleared the way for a new development.
Montenegrin construction company Bemax is carrying out the demolition work. The company began removing the former hotel on November 5 as part of preparations for the replacement building.
Although the project has entered its initial phase, several important details remain unknown.
Local authorities have not announced the total investment value, the number of hotel rooms or an expected opening date.
Delić nevertheless believes the project could improve the town’s tourism infrastructure.
He also expects Bogdanović’s international reputation to introduce Plužine to visitors who may be unfamiliar with the destination.
The demolition has brought mixed emotions to the community.
Piva Nature Park described the moment as the end of an important chapter in local history, particularly for residents who worked at the former hotel or associated it with family memories.
At the same time, the organization expressed hope that the new development would create opportunities for tourism and local businesses.
NBA Investment Could Boost Tourism in Northern Montenegro
Plužine is located in northern Montenegro, near Piva Lake and the surrounding mountain landscapes.
The area attracts visitors interested in nature, outdoor recreation and quieter destinations away from the country’s busy Adriatic coastline.
However, tourism development in northern Montenegro remains more limited than in established coastal destinations.
A modern hotel could help expand local accommodation capacity and support businesses connected to hospitality, transportation and outdoor activities.
The economic impact will depend on the size of the completed project, its operating season and the number of visitors it attracts.
Bogdanović’s involvement gives the investment an additional connection to the United States.
The Serbian basketball star has built an international career in the NBA while maintaining ties to the Balkan region.
His decision to invest in Plužine also reflects a broader opportunity for successful athletes and entrepreneurs to support development in communities with which they have personal connections.
For now, the project remains in its early stages.
Construction plans, financing details and the hotel’s opening schedule have yet to be publicly confirmed.
Nevertheless, the redevelopment of the former Piva Hotel represents a concrete investment initiative in a part of Montenegro seeking to strengthen its position on the country’s tourism map.
