Dejan Đurović, the chair of Montenegro’s parliamentary Committee for Tourism, Agriculture, Ecology and Spatial Planning, emphasized that Bulgaria’s experience in preparing for the winter tourism season could greatly assist Montenegro. He highlighted the potential for developing hiking, sports, cultural and religious tourism.
During a meeting with Bulgaria’s Minister of Tourism, Evtim Milošev, Đurović discussed the committee’s activities and the importance of creating a joint tourism product. They also addressed the need for establishing a direct flight route between the two countries and enhancing regional connectivity.
Đurović noted that while tourism is the largest economic sector in Montenegro, there is a need for a more diverse offering and a broader economic base. He shared plans for transportation and agriculture development, the status of Montenegro’s Spatial Plan—which serves as a foundation for growth until 2040—and issues related to night flights at Tivat Airport.
He also presented Montenegro’s UNESCO sites, emphasized the significance of wine routes as a tourist offering, and pointed out that Montenegro is part of the Adriatic route extending from Paris to Athens.
Milošev expressed Bulgaria’s support for Montenegro on its path to European Union (EU) membership. He underscored that sustainability should be the foundational principle for tourism development and proposed creating a unified offering based on the unique characteristics of Bulgaria, Albania and Montenegro, which could attract tourists and enhance market value.
He stressed the necessity of better connectivity to implement projects and supported the establishment of a flight route between the two nations. Milošev also highlighted the importance of an integrated approach to tourism planning to avoid the issues brought about by the COVID crisis.
He acknowledged Montenegro’s aspirations to join the EU and Schengen Zone and stressed the need for collaboration among all stakeholders in the tourism sector, including government bodies, local institutions, associations, and NGOs. He shared his experience visiting Boka Kotorska and endorsed plans for enhancing cultural and health tourism.
Milošev asserted that the region’s unique gastronomic offerings could provide a competitive edge in the market.
Oskar Huter, the committee’s vice president, pointed out the significance of strengthening relations between Montenegro and Bulgaria, given their familial and historical ties. He remarked that Bulgaria’s experience in establishing tourism systems and integrating tourism organizations could be highly beneficial for Montenegro.
Huter also highlighted the importance of fostering friendly relations between Cetinje, as a cultural tourism hub, and Bulgarian cities, along with the proposed flight connection.
The meeting concluded with a call for closer collaboration between the two countries, emphasizing Montenegro’s goal of becoming the 28th EU member by 2028.
