Digitalization of Tourism in Montenegro: Revolution or Just Empty Promises?
Is Montenegro finally ready to step into the digital age of tourism, or is this just another fairy tale for the naive? The Ministry of Tourism and UNOPS have teamed up and taken the first step towards digitalizing a sector crucial to the country’s economy. But is it enough?
Big Plans, Big Problems
Simonida Kordić from the Ministry of Tourism claims that digitalization is one of the most important directions for tourism development. Cooperation with UNOPS and other international institutions is supposed to bring wonders: sustainable development, digital transformation, and regional connectivity. But let’s look at reality — the analysis they conducted reveals that administrative barriers, outdated laws, and lack of digital tools remain major stumbling blocks.
Grey Economy and Bureaucracy — Old Enemies
A particular problem is the grey economy and administrative burden suffocating legal business. The Ministry plans to introduce a unified tourist information system to simplify accommodation registration and improve transparency. But how much will this really change in a country where bureaucracy and corruption still reign supreme?
Regional Networking and Rural Tourism — Dream or Reality?
The focus is also on developing rural and active tourism, as well as regional networking with Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia. The idea is great, but will it happen in practice or remain dead letters on paper?
What Do the Numbers Say?
Although there are no concrete investment figures, it’s clear that tourism digitalization in Montenegro is still in its infancy. A centralized system for data recording and exchange is planned, which should ease business operations for tourism entities and increase sector efficiency.
Conclusion: The Start of a New Era or Just More Promises?
Montenegro has the potential to become a digital leader in Balkan tourism, but only if it truly addresses administrative problems, the grey economy, and implements concrete measures. Until then, it remains all talk and plans.
If you’re tired of empty promises and enjoy a good laugh at bureaucracy, drop a comment below. Who knows, maybe your critique will be the spark that ignites the digital revolution in tourism!
