Welcome to Montenegro’s tourism circus where the season spins, but the problems remain! Ranko Jovović, chairman of the Tourism and Hospitality Association at the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, doesn’t mince words: tourism is a strategically vital sector, but it has been shackled by chronic problems for decades. Low occupancy rates, outdated legislation, and lack of effective destination management are just the tip of the iceberg. Statistics from Monstat reveal a paradox: from January to May, tourist arrivals increased by 5.5%, but overnight stays dropped by 7.2%! How does that even happen? Tourists come, but they don’t stay long enough. Budva, the crown jewel of Montenegrin tourism, boasts a 3% higher turnover than last year, but infrastructure issues like delays in the Budva-Tivat road works threaten to ruin the season. Nikola Jovanović, mayor of Budva, is pleading with the government to speed up the works and add extra shifts, or tourists will leave unhappy. And what about the beaches? Tenders are delayed, and the beaches aren’t ready for the season! Ljiljana Vuksanović from the tourism industry and Dušanka Pavićević from the National Tourism Organization stress that coordination is key, but the criticism keeps coming. Tourism expert Ivo Armenko reminds us that Montenegro was once one of the most organized Mediterranean destinations, but today it lacks investments and big hotels. National parks report a 40% increase in visitors, but that’s not enough to save the season. Airports show an 8% better result, and Air Montenegro is expanding its fleet, planning 18 flight routes by the end of summer. However, the new tourism and hospitality law sparks controversy as the business sector was not involved in its drafting, and destination management is missing. Dragan Ivančević from the Chamber warns that Montenegro is losing quality and competitiveness, which is dangerous for the future of tourism. In short, Montenegro has potential, but without a clear vision, effective management, and urgent infrastructure investments, this season will be just another disappointment. Thought tourism was just sun and sea? Think again! So, dear readers, what do you think – can Montenegro break out of this vicious cycle or is it time to find a new holiday spot? Drop a comment, let’s hear the people’s voice!
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