The National Tourism Organization (NTO) of Montenegro is hosting the DRV fvw Destination Forum, welcoming 60 key decision-makers from the German tourism industry, including tour operators and travel agencies.
This event, organized in collaboration with the German Travel Association (DRV) and fvw, Germany’s leading business magazine for the travel and tourism industry, presents an opportunity to showcase Montenegro’s unique attractions, experiences, and new offerings as a tourist destination.
On the first day, NTO organized a ceremonial welcome for the participants at the Citadel, where they enjoyed traditional specialties and music.
Ralf Reusch, the chargé d’affaires of the German Embassy in Montenegro, addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of this event for enhancing tourism ties between Montenegro and Germany.
According to Miško Rađenović, Chairman of the NTO Executive Board, the event provides a unique opportunity to experience Montenegro’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and authentic offerings firsthand.
“We believe that many participants have already heard something about Montenegro, as digital technology makes destinations much more tangible and accessible today. If they haven’t visited physically, they have likely explored some interesting aspects of the destination online. During their five-day visit, they will have the opportunity to explore all parts of the country – the coast, central region, and north, and sample various Montenegrin specialties,” said Rađenović.
Various tours have been carefully designed for the DRV fvw Destination Forum participants, giving them the chance to get acquainted with Montenegro’s tourism offerings across all regions.
The itinerary includes visiting Bar with the Rikavac canyon, the old town, and olive oil tasting, exploring Ulcinj’s olive groves in Valdanos bay, the old town, and a flamingo tour in Solana, as well as touring the Budva Riviera and a boat tour through the Bay of Kotor, visiting Tivat, Kotor, Perast, Our Lady of the Rocks, Luštica, and Herceg Novi.
During the last two days, they will explore northern Montenegro, including Žabljak, Kolašin, Rožaje, and Pljevlja, and visit national parks, engaging in activities such as rafting, horseback riding, visiting traditional villages, and tasting local specialties.
Torsten Schäfer, a representative of the German DRV association, expressed satisfaction with the event’s organization in Montenegro, emphasizing the country’s diverse offerings.
“You have an excellent range of options, from enjoying food and landscapes, exploring beaches and mountains, to hiking and cycling. Montenegro offers a unique exploration experience. NTO has done an excellent job, allowing around 60 tour operators to enjoy these landscapes and the country’s beauty,” said Schäfer.
Peter Hübsch, a representative of Europe’s second-largest tour operator, DER Touristik, stated that Montenegro holds great importance as a tourist destination.
“I think the German market is one of the most significant for Montenegro, and there is potential for it to play an even greater role in the future. I would encourage people in Germany to visit Montenegro because everything here is authentic and remains as it was before mass tourism,” said Hübsch.
Rita Münck, a journalist from FVW Medien, confirmed the enduring appeal of Montenegro, being her third visit to the country.
According to her, Montenegro is a perfect destination even outside the main season, which she plans to convey to the readers of the FVW travel magazine.
Nora Schweika, representing the AER tourism cooperation of specialized tour operators and travel agencies focused on sustainable tourism, noted that Montenegro appears to be a very “green country.”
“I was here in 2012 for the DRV annual congress. I am very happy to have the opportunity to be here again and explore other parts of this beautiful destination,” said Schweika.
After touring the destination, NTO will organize panel discussions and a business workshop in Podgorica to exchange experiences in tourism and facilitate networking between German tour operators, media, and Montenegro’s tourism industry.
The DRV Destination Forum, with over three thousand DRV members and more than 120 thousand fvw readers, provides a platform for idea exchange and networking with key tourism industry players while promoting Montenegro as a year-round tourist destination on the German market.
The organization of the tours was supported by the tourism organizations of Bar, Ulcinj, Budva, Tivat, Kotor, Herceg Novi, Cetinje, Žabljak, Kolašin, Rožaje, Plav, Gusinje, Pljevlja, the Kotor Lovćen Cable Car, Hilton Podgorica Montenegro, Swissotel Resort Kolašin, and others.
