According to the latest figures, around 40,000 tourists are currently staying in Budva, a four percent decrease compared to the same period last year, reported Ljubica Pribilović, a representative of the Budva Tourism Organization, to Media Biro.
Pribilović explained that of the current visitors, 21,000 are staying in private accommodations, while 17,000 are in hotels. She noted that these numbers fluctuate weekly, with the difference from last year ranging from the same to slightly lower percentages.
She also highlighted that, based on Monstat data, there was a two percent increase in tourist arrivals in Budva from January to June this year, and a seven percent increase in overnight stays.
“According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, using the RB90 system, approximately half a million guests from various countries visited Budva over the past seven months, with around four million overnight stays,” Pribilović added.
Discussing the demographics of visitors, Pribilović stated that the largest number of tourists come from the region, particularly Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Other significant groups include visitors from Western Europe, specifically France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as well as from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and Israel. Polish tourists dominate the hotel sector, while Macedonians are numerous in private accommodations.
Pribilović noted that this summer season mirrors last year’s, and that the collection of tourist taxes from January to mid-August is on par with the previous year.
Building on the success of the “Budva Card” initiative, the Budva Tourism Organization has introduced a new “Tourist Card.” This digital card is available through the “Budva tourist” app, which can be downloaded from the App or Play Store. Visitors can use the card to access various discounts and benefits at nearly 30 locations along the Budva Riviera, listed within the app. The organization is also running an “Ask Me” campaign, where 80 tourist information bureau staff roam the city, providing information to tourists in five languages.
One of the highlights of the summer, the traditional “Petrovac Night” event, will take place on Saturday, August 31. The festival will feature around 500 kg of fish prepared by local fishermen from KSR “Širuni,” along with wine tasting organized by Plantaže and 500 liters of Nikšićko beer for visitors. The event, expected to draw around 1,000 attendees, will kick off at 4 PM with sports games. The Budva City Music band will parade and perform in front of the “Red Commune” at 7 PM, followed by a performance by the “Castel Nuovo” choir at 8 PM. Later, the pop-rock band “The Group” will perform at 9 PM on the main stage in front of the “Palas” hotel, with Petar Grašo closing the evening’s entertainment at 10:30 PM.
Looking ahead, the tourism outlook for Budva remains positive, with strong post-season bookings. “We anticipate that all hotels will stay open until mid-November, which is excellent news for both our hotel group and the city,” said Jelena Kaluđerović, Director of Marketing and PR at HG Budvanska rivijera. She noted an increase in Western European guests, particularly from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and the Baltic countries. Additionally, Budva is seeing more visitors from distant markets such as China, Turkey, Israel and Egypt.
The positive post-season forecast is bolstered by HG Budvanska rivijera’s reputation for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and congress tourism, which continues beyond the peak tourist season. The city also has a variety of cultural and entertainment events lined up.
From August 27 to 30, the Petrovac Jazz Festival will be held at Palas Lux City Café, attracting jazz enthusiasts. In early September, Budva will host the inaugural Budva Art Festival in Slovenska Beach Park from September 3 to 5, followed by the traditional Reggae Music Festival at the Rondo pool on September 7 and 8, Kaluđerović announced.
