Montenegro’s Minister of Tourism, Simonida Kordić, met with the Foreign Investors Council in Montenegro, which comprises 41 companies contributing approximately 30% to the national GDP, according to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism.
The meeting focused on several key topics, including nautical tourism, plans to improve air accessibility, and the future strategy for tourism development.
Minister Kordić emphasized the need to enhance and intensify collaboration between institutions to foster optimal conditions for tourism growth. She highlighted that while tourism has had strategic plans in recent years, developing a new strategy for the sector is crucial. The current strategy will expire next year, prompting the need for a new document that addresses measurable goals and market needs.
In her statement, Kordić noted the challenges faced in improving Montenegro’s physical accessibility, including border crossings, road infrastructure and air travel availability. She stressed the importance of addressing these issues through interdepartmental efforts.
Tamaš Kamaraši, Chairman of the Council’s Board of Directors, praised the meeting as a positive step towards enhancing the country’s tourism product through collaborative efforts. He welcomed the Minister’s willingness to engage with industry challenges and viewed the dialogue as a vital tool for improving the investment climate and Montenegro’s tourism sector.
Representatives from major investors in Montenegro, including Porto Montenegro, Porto Novi, Luštica Bay, and the Savana Group, expressed their satisfaction with Minister Kordić’s openness and commitment to further cooperation. They discussed issues highlighted in the “White Book – Investment Climate in Montenegro 2023,” an annual report detailing the business environment and challenges faced by foreign investors.
The meeting also addressed additional critical issues affecting Montenegro’s tourism, such as aviation connectivity, infrastructure development, and VAT increases.
Minister Kordić concluded the meeting by affirming her department’s openness to suggestions and discussions, underscoring the importance of involving all relevant stakeholders in addressing the current state of tourism. Attendees included State Secretaries Vuk Žižić and Petar Drašković, as well as representatives from the Council: Tamaš Kamaraši, Arijana Nikolić Vučinić, and company representatives Ivana Gajović, Predrag Leković, Stevan Milić, and Marko Vukašević.
