Kordić: This year’s tourist season could be among the most successful so far

Simonida Kordić, Photo: Screenshot/Assembly of Montenegro

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According to current indicators, this year’s summer tourist season could be among the most successful so far, announced the Minister of Tourism, Simonida Kordić.

“According to data from June 18, the number of tourists in Montenegro is 12.66 percent higher compared to the same period last year, i.e. 15.62 percent higher compared to the record 2019,” said Kordić in the Assembly, answering a question from New Serbian Democracy MP Jelena Božović.

Božović asked what the Ministry of Tourism’s expectations are for the tourist season and what measures are being planned and implemented in order to improve the offer of Montenegro.

Kordić stated that the survey showed that over 80 percent of Montenegrin businessmen are satisfied with this pre-season period and that the bookings for the main course of the season are very promising.

“These are the results of the policies and activities we undertook in the previous two years and this is the result of intensive work and cooperation with our economy. This year is not easy and is burdened by serious geopolitical processes that significantly affect tourism, and we immediately recognized these challenges and responded,” said Kordić.

She stated that the price-quality ratio and the correct offer to tourists are an important element of the overall success of the Montenegrin tourist season.

Kordić also reminded of the intensive international and cooperation with foreign media, stressing that the number of air routes has also increased.

“We have over 20 new air routes this year from both airports,” said Kordic.

Božović also asked how the Ministry of Tourism assesses the impact of the current situation in the Middle East on the tourist season in Montenegro, especially when it comes to tourist arrivals, air traffic and prices.

Kordić replied that it is important that Montenegro has gained a level of international reputation as a safe and stable destination that is visible in all relevant media, especially in broadcasting markets.

“Events in the Middle East are not benign and should not be taken lightly. In the past year or two, we opened some Middle Eastern markets from which we had a lot of visitors, and we have already felt the consequences of the closure of the Israeli market,” said Kordić.

According to her, in order to reduce these effects, they immediately moved to intensive measures to strengthen other markets, such as those of Western Europe, establish more airlines and intensify cooperation with Asia and the United States of America (USA).

“That’s where we recognized a chance for Montenegro,” added Kordić.