At the International Tourism Exchange (ITB) in Berlin, Montenegro is witnessing a surge in popularity among German tour operators, according to the collaborative efforts of the National Tourist Organization (NTO) and the relevant Ministry.
The NTO organized a dedicated event at their booth on the fair’s first day, presenting Montenegro’s tourism attractions to German media and business representatives. The occasion included a delightful tasting session featuring Montenegrin cuisine and wines.
Vladimir Martinović, the Minister of Tourism, Ecology, Sustainable Development, and the Development of the North, inaugurated the event, underscoring the pivotal role of the German market for Montenegro’s tourism sector. He emphasized the country’s diverse offerings, particularly the focus on nature-based tourism, aligning with the preferences of German tourists who appreciate outdoor activities and natural experiences.
Ana Tripković Marković, Director of NTO, affirmed Germany’s significance as one of Montenegro’s key markets. She shared encouraging projections based on data from the German Travel Analysis Institute, indicating a substantial interest from the German population in planning or contemplating holidays in Montenegro in the years ahead.
Representatives from DER Touristik, a major German tour operator, expressed substantial interest and reported a noteworthy uptick in reservations from the German-speaking market. Alen Petrović from DER Touristik outlined their goal of reaching approximately ten thousand visitors in the near future.
Throughout ITB, Montenegro’s delegation engaged in numerous meetings with German business representatives, including a notable encounter with Norbert Fiebig, President of the German Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agents (DRV). Fiebig expressed confidence that the DRV Destination Forum in late May would contribute to Montenegro’s increasing popularity in the German market.
In addition to showcasing tourism offerings and participating in meetings, Ana Tripković Marković took part as a panelist in the ITB’s official convention program, discussing insights into resilience and crisis-proofing strategies for European destinations.
The article also highlights meetings with the Slovenian Minister of Tourism, Economy, and Sport, Matijaž Han, advocating for collaborative promotion among regional countries to enhance the appeal of the entire region.
Montenegro’s presence at ITB followed its active participation in the TravMedia International Media Marketplace in Berlin, where over 20 meetings were conducted with representatives from distinguished media outlets and influencers in the German-speaking market.
ITB Berlin, recognized as one of the world’s premier tourism events, provides a B2B platform for networking with business users in the tourism industry. With over 5.5 thousand exhibitors and an anticipated attendance of more than 100 thousand visitors, Montenegro’s representation included NTO, Air Montenegro, local tourist organizations, and various hospitality and travel companies.
