With the beach lease tender still open and peak season approaching, many lessees remain without contracts or legal certainty. On June 12, the government recommended that local authorities independently issue temporary permits for coastal operations. This decision has sparked concerns over the legality of the process and added confusion, as it overlaps with the ongoing tender by the Public Enterprise for Coastal Area Management.
A document from the Ministry of Spatial Planning, Urbanism, and State Property, signed by the government’s general secretary, advises municipalities including Budva, Kotor, Herceg Novi, Tivat, Bar, and Ulcinj to grant temporary permits for tourism and hospitality activities in temporary structures, valid until October 31, 2025.
However, the beach lease tender launched on April 29, 2025, remains unresolved, with contracts not yet finalized. Delays and lack of transparency have caused concern among local authorities and tourism operators, many of whom cannot properly plan for the season. Some municipalities have formally requested urgent resolution from the Ministry of Tourism and the Public Enterprise.
Legal experts warn that local governments risk overstepping their authority and that the issuance of temporary permits may face legal challenges. The tourism sector is already affected by uncertainty and unclear procedures, causing confusion among businesses about whether to wait for tender outcomes, invest in infrastructure, or regulate their status during July and August, potentially impacting the quality and offerings of the peak season.
Just three weeks before the tourist season’s peak, the government’s decision introduces more legal uncertainty, leaving lessees without guarantees.
