Tourism Season in Montenegro: Is Everything Really That Great?
Montenegro is currently bustling with over 91,000 tourists, marking a 2.6% increase compared to the same period last year. The National Tourism Organization (NTO) and local tourism bodies proudly report that the season is on par with last year, with tourism revenues up by 3% as of June 25 compared to the same period last year.
Where are the tourists? The majority of visitors are staying in Budva, Herceg Novi, Ulcinj, and Bar. Armend Mila, the executive director of Ulcinj Riviera, highlights that the season at the nudist resort Ada Bojana is off to a flying start, with revenues 59% higher and overnight stays up by 30% compared to last year. This positive trend is expected to continue throughout the summer.
Is everything really that rosy? While official figures sound promising, it’s important to note these are unofficial data, and expectations are largely based on surveys and tourism industry forecasts. Two-thirds of respondents in an NTO survey believe the season will be the same or better than last year, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges.
Revenues and taxes Revenues from the tourist tax, which go into the state treasury, have increased by 3% compared to the same period last year, a good sign for the economy. However, a 1.5% increase compared to 2021 shows the recovery is steady but not spectacular.
What do local players say? Armend Mila points out that significant changes have been introduced this year, especially in off-pension food consumption, along with additional guest protection measures like ramps and security at Ada Bojana. All these contribute to a better tourist experience and safety.
Conclusion Is Montenegro truly a tourist paradise or just a numbers game? With over 91,000 tourists and rising revenues, the season looks solid, but the real picture will only emerge at the end of summer. Will the growth trend continue, or will issues like infrastructure, services, and safety pose problems? Time will tell.
So, what about you? Have you visited Montenegro this year? What’s your take? If not, maybe it’s time to check if everything is really as great as the numbers suggest. Or maybe you have your own story about Montenegrin tourism? Drop a comment and let’s see who’s the realist and who just loves the digits!
