The development of the year-round tourist season in Montenegro is a key challenge – air traffic, the lifeblood of our tourism industry, was assessed by the Chamber of Commerce.
Sanja Marković, secretary of the Board of Tourism and Hospitality Association Chamber of Commerce, assessed that air traffic is not only a means of transportation, but a vital link that determines the dynamics and attractiveness of the destination.
The importance of low-cost companies, pioneers of affordable travel, which not only open doors for numerous travelers, but become necessary catalysts for the development of tourism, is particularly emphasized. The Board of Tourism and Hospitality Association of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro recognizes the key role of this moment and is proactively working on shaping strategies that will incorporate the low cost model into the foundations of Montenegrin tourism.
Marković stated that any planning and decision-making on state incentives and other measures, which especially concern air traffic in Montenegro, should be discussed with the tourism industry before adoption and possible implementation.
Marković called for thoughtful action, presenting air traffic not only as a logistical challenge, but as a cornerstone of a new chapter in the development of Montenegrin tourism.
“Planning and decision-making on state incentives and other measures, which especially concern air traffic in Montenegro, should be discussed with large hotel companies before adoption and possible implementation. This is particularly referring to the operation strategy of the national airline, the policy of cooperation with low cost companies, the organization of charter flights, operations and pricing policy of the Airport of Montenegro“, said Marković.
And while the Government is considering whether the airports should be reformed or put under a concession, in neighboring Tirana there are 94 departing and as many incoming flights in 24 hours, while in Montenegro, in the height of the season, that number is 21. At Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade in 24 hours is 125 departing and 124 arriving flights.
After the summer, Montenegrin airports increased airline fees – low-budget companies Ryanair and Wizz Air canceled several lines that connected Montenegro with European destinations – and made it impossible for tourists from emission markets to come for the winter season.
When it comes to priorities in the context of opening new routes, traditional markets such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Austria, Russia and Ukraine, as well as markets such as Hungary, the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, Romania, countries Benelux, Scandinavia, and some distant markets such as Israel, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Turkey and the Gulf countries.
