News Other News Montenegro Visited by 610,000 Tourists

Montenegro Visited by 610,000 Tourists

Published by Ozgur Tore

Tuesday, 19 August 2008

Montenegro Ministry of Tourism satisfied with the results achieved so far; evidence to the claim that this season would be profitable is the most recent data released. According to these figures, more than 610,000 tourists have visited Montenegro during the first seven months of this year, which marks a five percent increase in comparison to the same period last year. In words of PR advisor with the Ministry of Tourism, Ivana Bulatovic there were 3,7 million recorded overnight stays during the period between January and July, which is by 7,9 percent higher than had been the case in the period of reference. “Indicators of the results of the tourist industry in the period between January and July this year are rather optimistic in terms of achieving Economic Policy goals for 2008. There is a significant increase, both in figures (10,2 percent), as well in the achieved overnight stays (8,6 percent) of foreign tourists in comparison to seven months’ period in 2007. If we discuss the structure, 87 percent of guests have come from abroad, while 13 percent were domestic tourists. When it comes to financial indicators, during the first seven months of this year, estimated income is Euro 227 Million, which presents an increase by seven percent in comparison to the same period last year”, Bulatovic stated for “Ljeto.” She added that the increase in number of tourists has also been noted by airports in Montenegro. “Number of flights has increased by 15 percent, while the number of passengers has grown by nine percent. National airline carrier, “Montenegro Airlines”, marks an increase in the number of passengers by 19 percent. Traffic of vehicles at border crossings has increased by 14 percent, while the incomes from Sozine tunnel grew by 13,8 percent. There is also an increase of Montenegro’s budgetary incomes”, Bulatovic said. She maintained that the dynamics of the season was progressing in line with expectations, first and foremost, in terms of the prolongation of the tourist season. “Tourist product has diversified and there is an increasing interest for mountain, nautical, health, religious, congress, as well as other types of tourism. Daily spending of tourists has increased. Integrated Montenegrin tourist produce is presented at the international market, which is showing anticipated results. Strategic decision, when it comes to tourism, is to develop a high-quality and sustainable tourist product. This, most importantly, includes quality in each segment of the tourism chain, without leaving out offer for the tourists with lower financial capabilities. Emphasis is placed to the quality, which is our goal. In line with strategic documents, our aim is to prolong the tourist season and increase incomes from individual tourists. Also, to achieve better use of capacities prior and after the height of the season and decrease crowds in its’ central part. This is being accomplished. If we are determined to develop as a sustainable tourist destination, we need to lower the intolerable pressure to the infrastructure and environment during the very height of the season”, Bulatovic has concluded. Revenue: €3,5 Million Bulatovic added that revenues of more than Euro 3,5 Million had been collected since the introduction of the eco-tax a month and a half ago. “Money will be used for the realization of the projects which have already been defined and which are available through the website www.ecotax-montenegro.gov.me. All interested can obtain information about all the data relevant for the collection of these funds, as well as their use and other issues. Implementation on the decree on the height of this tax, way of its’ calculation and collection of tax for the pollution of environment started on 15 June. One of the key-reasons for the introduction of this decree has to do with recommendations received from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which advised Ministry of Tourism and Environment to consider introduction of this special fee, with the aim to collect funds which would then be directed for the financing of the environmental projects. Also, United Nations European Commission has, among other things, advised about the necessity to introduce environmental standards to cut the emission of green-house gasses, including C02, to the air”; Bulatovic concluded.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 20 November 2008 )