In the first six months of 2025, Montenegro saw a 6.3% increase in the number of tourists compared to the same period last year, with June alone registering a 7.3% rise, according to Monstat data.
Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić highlighted a significant 14% growth in tourists staying in individual accommodations but noted ongoing issues with the informal economy, as not all overnight stays are properly reported.
Data from Montenegro Airports shows a 6% increase in passenger traffic and a 7% rise in flights by mid-July. Land border crossings recorded a 6% increase in passenger traffic and a 7% rise in vehicle entries. Maritime border crossings saw a 28% increase in visitors and a 76% rise in vessels entering the country.
National parks also experienced a 38% growth in visitor numbers, underscoring their appeal as major tourist attractions.
Kordić noted efforts to diversify source markets beyond traditional regional and Russian-Ukrainian-Belarusian visitors, with notable increases from the United States, Far East, China, and the Middle East. Specifically, tourist arrivals from China grew by 61.36%, with over 50% more overnight stays. Visitors from Israel increased by 112%, with an 85% rise in overnight stays, and arrivals from Azerbaijan grew by 124%, with a 154% increase in overnight stays.
Improved air connectivity supports this growth, including new flights from Madrid to Montenegro and between Tivat and Barcelona, resulting in over 4,000 Spanish visitors so far this year. Currently, Montenegro is connected by 95 air routes from Tivat and Podgorica, including nine new seasonal and charter flights.
Kordić emphasized Montenegro’s enhanced international standing, citing the country’s recent election as Chair of the UN World Tourism Organization’s Europe Commission, reflecting growing trust and opening doors for bilateral cooperation and investment opportunities.
The Ministry maintains close collaboration with the tourism industry, receiving positive forecasts for the remainder of the season. Hoteliers and restaurateurs report strong bookings for August and September, with the Ministry committed to supporting them and addressing any challenges during the season.
