Montenegro’s Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić reported an increase of about 6,000 tourists and 2,000 overnight stays in June compared to last year, citing MONSTAT data. Airport statistics showed a 6% rise in tourists, visitors, and passengers, along with a 7% increase in flights. Border crossings recorded a 6% increase in passengers and 7% in vehicles. National parks saw visitor numbers rise by 38%, while maritime border crossings registered over 28% more visitors and a 70% increase in boats entering Montenegro.
According to Kordić, the UN World Tourism Organization placed Montenegro sixth globally in tourism revenue for the first half of 2025, with earnings 87% higher than in 2019.
Kordić expressed concern over campaigns she believes are aimed at undermining the tourism season, calling such actions damaging to Montenegro’s economy, where tourism contributes about 30% to GDP. She emphasized that many citizens depend on tourism either directly or indirectly.
Highlighting efforts to diversify markets, she noted growing visitor numbers from China and the Middle East, with Israeli tourists increasing by around 112% this year. Nine new flight routes from Podgorica and Tivat have been established, including a direct line from Tivat to Barcelona, which brought 4,000 Spanish visitors.
Kordić stressed the importance of investing in tourism capacity and urged industry stakeholders to balance quality with competitive pricing to attract and retain guests, noting that lower prices can lead to higher overall earnings through increased volume.
She acknowledged that northern Montenegro experiences slower summer tourism compared to the south but noted growing interest in active and nature-based tourism in areas like Žabljak, Kolašin, Plužine, Danilovgrad, Gusinje, and Bijelo Polje, where new attractions are drawing visitors.
Concluding, Kordić emphasized the need for quality investment to enhance services, attract high-value tourists, and increase tourism revenues for Montenegro.
