According to the latest guest figures in Podgorica, there are currently 2,250 tourists staying, marking an 18% increase compared to the same period last year, announced Dragan Grnović, director of the Tourist Organization of Podgorica, to Media Biro. Official data from Monstat reveals that from the beginning of the year until the end of May, Podgorica welcomed 62,236 guests, a 5% rise compared to the previous year.
Grnović highlighted that Podgorica recorded 115,623 overnight stays, a 1% increase year-on-year. In addition to visitors from the region, tourists from the USA, Russia, China, Turkey and Israel are also arriving, as reported by Media Biro.
“Recently, we’ve noticed a return of Western European tourists, with Germans being the most dominant,” he noted.
As the capital and primary administrative center, Podgorica experiences consistent tourism throughout the year, minimizing seasonal fluctuations. The Tourist Organization of Podgorica, in collaboration with city services, is actively preparing for the summer tourist season, Grnović stated.
“Visitors to Podgorica often choose to explore its surroundings, particularly the ‘Circle around Korita’ route, with Rikavac and Bukumir lakes being very popular. The nearby Skadar Lake National Park and archaeological sites like Duklja and Medun are also frequented. For those interested in experiencing the old town ambiance, Stara Varoš and the Ribnica Bridge are essential visits. There is also significant interest in religious and excursion offerings, as well as gastronomic experiences, including the extensive vineyards of ‘Plantaže’ and their impressive wine cellar Šipčanik, along with numerous boutique wineries gaining popularity,” he elaborated.
The Tourist Organization of Podgorica endeavors to encourage visitors and locals to frequent the city’s beaches. This year, three urban bathing spots are active, Grnović mentioned.
“At Sastavci and Galeb beaches, we have already established hospitality facilities. Through beach improvements and the installation of urban beach furniture, we aim to ensure a quality and content-rich summer season in Podgorica,” he emphasized.
Hoteliers also offer quality services during the summer months, positioning Podgorica not only as an administrative hub but increasingly as a tourist destination.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in visitors to our hotel and Podgorica, not just during the summer but throughout the year. Tourists are drawn to Podgorica’s central location, providing easy access to both the sea and mountains in a short timeframe. We strive to make Podgorica an attractive destination for tourists and do everything within our power. For eight years now, we’ve organized the Summer Jam festival, recognized on the city’s cultural map and supported by the capital, aiming to attract more guests primarily from the regional market,” highlighted Slavica Stojković, General Manager of CUE Podgorica Hotel.
Podgorica’s restaurants also report good patronage.
“We receive a considerable number of guests through tourist agencies, and we rank well on tourism websites. We welcome both individual visits and tourist groups arranged by foreign agencies from Italy, Switzerland, Albania, and of course, our Tourist Organization of Podgorica. Located in the heart of Podgorica’s Old Town, we are near landmarks like the Sahat Kula clock tower and Sastavci,” mentioned Slobodan Bataković, owner of Laterna restaurant.
Cultural, sports, and music events play a crucial role in Podgorica’s tourism offerings. According to the director of the Tourist Organization of Podgorica, this sector receives significant attention to attract more visitors and delight local residents alike.
“The positive response to events we’ve organized recently from both our residents and numerous tourists has been encouraging. Events like Spring Bazaar and Craft Fest Montenegro are just a few examples, alongside cultural activities through the Cultural Summer of Podgorica, and valuable initiatives from the tourism industry such as Summer Jam, Tuborg, and Somersby Street. These initiatives, alongside the programs of hospitality venues at city beaches, enhance our tourism offerings and contribute to tourism development, especially during the summer months,” Grnović concluded.
