Prof. Dr. Ivo Županović, Deputy Dean for Development at the Faculty of Business and Tourism, discussed Montenegro’s tourism challenges on Televizija E’s “Budilnik” program. He highlighted the country’s lack of competitiveness in air accessibility, citing Tirana and Dubrovnik airports’ impressive passenger numbers (9.2 million and 3 million, respectively) compared to Montenegro. He noted a decrease in flights this winter at Podgorica and Tivat airports, with some airlines finding it unprofitable to operate in the colder months.
Županović emphasized the impact of rising prices on tourism, with an overall 3.6% increase in prices across the economy and 8.8% in the tourism sector in 2024. He warned that Montenegro has raised tourism prices by over a third in the past three years, which he believes is counterproductive. He also pointed to the decline in tourist arrivals from key markets like Scandinavia, the Baltics and Germany, and the reduced private accommodation demand from markets like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Russia.
The expert stressed the need for integrated, year-round tourism, including better connectivity between destinations and sectors like rural tourism. He also urged for more investment in air infrastructure, not only by airports but also with government involvement in supporting air accessibility.
