Tivat recorded more than 171,000 tourist arrivals during the first nine months of 2026, an 18% year-on-year increase, while visitors generated approximately 1.32 million overnight stays, according to figures from the local tourism organisation.
The results reinforce the coastal municipality’s position as one of Montenegro’s strongest premium tourism destinations, supported by luxury accommodation, marina developments and substantial foreign investment in real estate.
Tivat’s tourism model differs from that of many other Montenegrin coastal municipalities, with a growing focus on higher-spending international visitors, yachting and internationally branded residential and hospitality projects. Developments such as Porto Montenegro, alongside other high-end hospitality investments, have contributed to the destination’s positioning in the premium tourism segment.
Growth Supports Demand for Tourism Infrastructure
The increase in arrivals strengthens the case for further investment in hotels and tourism-related infrastructure. However, the latest figures do not include comparable information on accommodation revenue, room rates or the year-on-year change in total overnight stays.
These indicators would be necessary to establish whether tourism income is increasing at the same pace as visitor numbers. Infrastructure capacity remains an important issue for the destination. Tivat Airport experiences significant seasonal congestion, while road traffic and municipal services face additional pressure during peak tourism periods.
Montenegro is considering a long-term airport master plan, including potentially substantial investment in both Tivat and Podgorica airports. Continued growth in tourism adds to the economic case for expanding and modernising airport infrastructure.
Extending Tourism Beyond the Summer Season
Maintaining visitor growth outside July and August remains an important part of Tivat’s tourism development. The municipality’s premium market positioning provides opportunities to extend the operating season through yachting, events, business travel and high-end residential tourism.
Improved year-round air connectivity will be central to supporting these activities and reducing the sector’s dependence on peak-season demand.
The 18% rise in tourist arrivals provides additional business for hotels and tourism operators, while the longer-term performance of the destination will also depend on visitor spending and the capacity of transport and municipal infrastructure to accommodate further growth.
