Beach management challenges threaten tourism ahead of the summer season

Montenegro is facing challenges in managing its beaches ahead of the tourist season. The recently announced beach leasing tender by Morsko dobro has raised concerns about the current management model, with leaseholders worried about delays and the local community expressing concerns about diminishing public access to beaches.

Key issues:

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• The current beach leasing model has led to overcrowding, loss of natural environment, and reduced service quality, damaging Montenegro’s reputation as a prestigious Mediterranean destination.
• Some former leaseholders claim their lease prices have increased by up to 400%, which will impact the affordability of beach services and equipment, potentially limiting access for a broader range of tourists.
• Experts warn that an unplanned approach could lead to long-term consequences and growing dissatisfaction among locals.

Suggestions for improvement:

• Professor Dr. Rade Ratković argues that beach management needs to be redefined to strike a balance between economic profitability and quality tourism. He advocates for a sustainable model that prioritizes the natural environment while still allowing for commercial services.
• Ratković emphasizes that privatizing beaches should not exclude the public, and a clear balance must be struck between commercialization and public interest.
• Current issues with beach management reflect short-term interests, which could lead to overcrowding and a deterioration in the quality of Montenegro’s tourist offering.

Concerns moving forward:

• There is a growing public backlash, with protests emerging due to dissatisfaction with how decisions are being made. The local community fears that the increasing commercialization of beaches could make them less accessible to both tourists and locals.
• With the tourist season approaching, there are concerns about delays in preparations, which could negatively impact Montenegro’s tourism readiness and competitiveness in the region.

Experts stress that the government must implement a more sustainable and transparent beach management strategy to ensure the long-term success of Montenegro’s tourism industry.