Current connectivity between Montenegro and the region, Europe, and the world falls short of satisfactory levels, prompting a call for enhanced synergy between the economy and the state to bolster air accessibility and extend the tourist season. This was underscored at a session of the Chamber of Economy’s Tourism and Hospitality Committee.
Committee President Ranko Jovović emphasized the longstanding quest of the tourism sector to leverage public-private partnerships to strengthen Montenegro’s air links. The goal is to improve business prospects and achieve a year-round tourist season.
“The Chamber of Economy serves as a mediator between the economy and institutions to identify best practice models and establish frameworks for funding aimed at boosting air accessibility,” Jovović explained during the session held at the Splendid Hotel.
Žarko Radulović, President of the Montenegrin Tourism Association and co-owner of Hotels Group (HG) Montenegro Stars, highlighted the intense competition facing Montenegro in tourism. He stressed the urgent need for action, particularly in upgrading the technical capabilities of Montenegro’s airports to keep pace with advancing destinations like Albania.
“To attract investors, we must liberalize visa regulations and improve air access. These strategic shifts are pivotal for Montenegro’s future,” Radulović asserted.
Dejan Pižurica, General Director of the Directorate for Air Traffic at the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs and a member of the Working Group for enhancing Montenegro’s air connectivity, acknowledged the current deficiencies in connectivity with the region, Europe, and globally. He emphasized the negative impact on tourism and other sectors.
The Working Group, comprising representatives from relevant ministries, airports, the Chamber of Economy, and tourism organizations, has proposed several measures following a comprehensive analysis of the situation.
“One crucial conclusion is the establishment of essential public service routes supported by the state,” Pižurica stated, highlighting the urgent need for support models for low-cost carriers to retain market presence.
Roko Tolić, Executive Director of Airports of Montenegro, disclosed ongoing negotiations with airlines for routes in Podgorica and Tivat next year. He outlined the company’s new approach, which includes competitive pricing combined with enhanced service quality.
“Major industry players recognize our potential, and I am committed to delivering improved outcomes swiftly. Together, with both the economy and the state, we aim to revitalize Montenegro’s tourism industry,” Tolić affirmed.
Anticipating traffic growth next year, the airports plan to enhance infrastructure during the upcoming winter season.
“A robust airport network will serve as a cornerstone of Montenegro’s economy,” Tolić emphasized.
Committee member Dragan Ivančević stressed the need for immediate improvements to current airport infrastructure and continued support for the national carrier, crucial for extending the tourist season and increasing visitor numbers.
Dragan Popović from Air Montenegro emphasized the importance of ongoing destination promotion efforts by the Ministry and the National Tourism Organization (NTO). He underscored the necessity of strong collaboration among the tourism industry, local authorities, and tourism organizations to maximize tourist attraction opportunities.
Popović particularly highlighted the need to establish a Destination Development Fund, funded by the tourism industry, to identify key markets for attracting tourists effectively.
Nebojša Jovović, Director of the Competition Protection Agency, emphasized the collective approach required to enhance air connectivity. He reminded attendees of the specific rules governing public funding of the aviation sector and the careful scrutiny by the European Commission of state interventions.
“As a small country highly dependent on tourism, we must develop a unique model and leverage our comparative advantages in negotiations with the European Commission,” Jovović suggested.
Nikola Vujović, Vice President of the Chamber of Economy, stressed the importance of utilizing existing funds to develop airport infrastructure in Montenegro. He highlighted that meaningful changes cannot be achieved without adequate measures.
Ana Tripković Marković, Director of the National Tourism Organization (NTO), highlighted incentive measures aimed at improving accessibility through targeted flights, with €510,000 allocated for the next year and a half. Last year, only Jet2 took advantage of this support, introducing routes from London, Manchester, and London.
Svetlana Šljivančanin, General Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Ecology, Sustainable and Northern Development, reported a successful start to the season based on data. An NTO survey among tourism entrepreneurs last month showed that 80% of them considered the pre-season successful or more successful than previous years. According to NTO and LTO data, hotel visits for the previous week were higher compared to last year and 2019.
While optimistic about the numbers, Šljivančanin stressed the need for collective efforts to further enhance the summer season.
“Ministry initiatives have contributed to a successful start and ongoing progress, despite numerous challenges from infrastructure to legislative changes necessary for economic operations,” Šljivančanin noted.
The session also focused on the implementation of the summer tourist season, particularly in Budva Municipality.
Municipal representatives highlighted Budva’s ambitious capital budget, which accounts for 41% of the total budget. They outlined plans, including providing alternative access routes for each settlement to ease traffic congestion. Priority will be given to addressing atmospheric sewage issues.
Aleksandar Armenko from the local Tourism Organization noted that collective accommodations in Budva welcomed 163,000 tourists, similar to the previous year.
Business leaders identified several challenges this year, including infrastructure work during the season, the shadow economy, unregulated souvenir sales, and strict inspection actions without a legal timeframe for rectification.
