In Montenegro, according to unofficial data, around 14 thousand tourists were present, representing an achievement of 76 percent compared to the corresponding figure from the previous year.
According to Thursday’s data on tourist traffic in municipalities, which local tourist organizations provide to the National Tourism Organization (NTO) on a weekly basis, this also indicates a growth of 137 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2019.
NTO representative Milena Vujačić stated that, according to the same data, the highest number of tourists is recorded in Budva, Podgorica, Herceg Novi, Bar, and Tivat. Tourists mostly come from Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the regional market, where traditionally the largest number of visitors originates.
NTO has also conducted a survey regarding the attendance during the New Year holidays, which showed that local tourist organizations are generally satisfied with the visits, especially those that had prepared programs for that period.
“The survey showed that 72.8 percent of respondents are satisfied with their visit during the New Year holidays. 27.3 percent said that there was better attendance compared to the previous year and 2019,” Vujačić stated.
After achieving such good results during the New Year holidays, there is anticipation of a quality continuation of the winter tourist season, which will depend largely on weather conditions and the presence of snow at Montenegrin ski resorts.
“As for the upcoming period, it is still too early to provide more specific forecasts, considering that guests are guided by weather conditions, and late bookings are characteristic throughout the winter. Very often, guests reserve their vacations two to three days before departure,” said Vujačić.
In order to elevate tourism in Montenegro to a higher level and maintain good attendance throughout the year from a large number of source markets, the National Tourism Organization (NTO) will continue intensive promotion through digital and traditional promotion channels this year, with a special focus on strategically important markets such as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
In addition to these markets, Vujačić announces more intense promotion that will include the Baltic countries, Belgium, Poland, Scandinavia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the regional market, and beyond.
Participation in some of the most significant tourism fairs in Europe, as well as in China and the United States, is planned.
“This month, we will present the tourist offer at a fair in New York, which is one of the markets where we see great potential. This has been recognized by the European Travel Commission (ETC), which, in its second quarterly report, states that Montenegro is among the countries with the highest growth in the number of tourists from this market compared to 2019. Digital promotion channels will be very important for us in the coming period, and we have major marketing campaigns ahead with global media companies and travel platforms. Some of them we have already carried out, such as campaigns on the BBC, Expedia, or in collaboration with the largest British tour operator Jet2,” Vujačić stated.