Representatives of the National Tourist Organization of Montenegro (NTOCG) as well as representatives of local tourist organizations are satisfied with how the beginning of the summer tourist season is proceeding. Almost all indicators of tourist traffic, both direct and indirect, show growing trends, NTOCG representative Milena Vujović said.
– According to the data of the Monstat Administration of Statistics, which concern collective accommodation, from the beginning of the year until May 31st, 400,000 tourists were registered in collective accommodation, which is 50% more compared to the same period of the previous year, and 16% more compared to the record 2019 – she said.
When we talk about the data that local tourist organizations submit every Thursday, on June 29th, slightly more than 88,000 tourists stayed in Montenegro, which is eight percent more compared to the same period of the previous year, Vujović said, adding that this cross-section is the same in compared to the record year 2019.
– Since the beginning of the year, as of June 28th, an income of EUR 1.38 million has been achieved, which is 30% more compared to the previous year. When we consider the income from the residence tax alone, we have a higher growth compared to the previous year, somewhere around 60% more – she pointed out.
Žabljak records excellent attendance during the pre-season period
Žabljak is filled with mostly foreign tourists on cool days for this time of year. The director of TO Žabljak, Vanja Šarović, said that the pre-season started in April, earlier than usual for the town under Durmitor, and that due to the bad weather, tourists stayed in Žabljak for a very short time in the previous period.
– In May, we had over 3,000 tourists, which is supported by the fact that we had a lot of school excursions during this period. A positive trend in the pre-season is good excursion attendance, when excursionists mostly visited the Black Lake, the area around the Tara River, and guests from China and Israel dominated in that part. This year, for the first time after the corona, traditional guests from broadcast markets are returning to us, I would like to point out the tourists from Germany – she said.
In addition to the traditional tourist offer, Žabljak was previously known as a destination full of cultural and artistic manifestations, said Šarović and emphasized that already in the middle of July, to the delight of all guests and local residents, the “Days of Mountain Flowers” event begins, and at the same time, ” Wild Beauty Art” which will take place between July 16th and August 13th.
– This year, the aforementioned manifestation, in addition to the musical part, will also focus on cultural events, with an emphasis on ecology, i.e. environmental protection. I would say that WBA is more and more popular and already has its audience. As every year, the event will take place in attractive destinations, with the aim of presenting the natural resources of Durmitor – she said.
Žabljak hoteliers are ready for the summer tourist season, which they will welcome this year without significant deviation from the prices that were current last year.
– Judging by the reservations, we expect a large number of guests. Our hotel is mostly visited by tourists in groups, and these are mostly foreign guests – said Ksenija Baltić, in front of the Enigma Hotel.