Despite optimistic statements from the Ministry of Tourism, official government reports reveal that by the end of June 2025, only 33% of the ministry’s planned activities had been completed — with none of the key tourism-related laws adopted. The sector faces growing concerns over strategic inaction, lack of reforms, and absence of institutional coordination.
Tourism expert Dragan Purko Ivančević from the Chamber of Commerce warns that the 2025 summer season was approached without vision, support, or strategic planning. He criticizes the Ministry for failing to adopt even a basic management model, leaving tourism workers to face challenges alone.
According to Ivančević, Montenegro is losing ground in both quality and competitiveness, as international tour operators begin shifting focus to better-organized regional competitors. He emphasizes that the lack of infrastructure, rampant grey economy, and poor destination management are weakening the sector.
The legislative framework remains underdeveloped. None of the four essential tourism laws — on tourism and hospitality, tourist tax, tourist organizations, and mountain trails — were even submitted for parliamentary procedure. Strategic documents such as the Action Plan for Rural Tourism and implementation reports of the tourism development strategy are also delayed or incomplete.
Government data confirms that by mid-2025, only 4 out of 12 planned activities had been fulfilled. This underperformance has fueled frustration within the industry and confirmed long-standing concerns about uncoordinated and ineffective tourism policy.
Ivančević warns that if no urgent reforms are made, Montenegro risks becoming merely a destination for short visits and transit tourism — far from the sustainable six-month tourism model the country needs for long-term economic growth.
