Montenegro’s national parks recorded more than 930,000 visits in 2025, reflecting a strong increase in tourism interest in the country’s protected natural areas. According to Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development Damjan Ćulafić, the growing number of visitors has been accompanied by improved management, stronger protection measures and higher revenue collection for the public enterprise managing the parks.
The five national parks of Montenegro — Durmitor, Biogradska Gora, Lovćen, Skadar Lake and Prokletije — remain among the country’s most valuable environmental and tourism assets. Visitor growth during 2025 illustrates the expanding role of nature-based tourism in Montenegro’s broader tourism strategy, which has increasingly shifted toward year-round activity beyond the Adriatic coastal season.
Visitor growth and rising revenue
According to official data presented by the minister, ticket sales generated around €4.1 million in revenue during 2025, while the total income of the public enterprise National Parks of Montenegro reached nearly €5.3 million.
The number of park visits increased significantly compared with the previous year. Authorities estimate that visitor numbers grew by more than 27% year-on-year, while revenue from entrance tickets rose by over 26%.
A growing number of tourists are also choosing longer-term access to protected areas. More than 19,000 visitors purchased annual passes, allowing unlimited entry to all national parks throughout the year.
The surge in attendance was particularly noticeable during the peak tourism months. Between June and August, visits increased by roughly 25–30%, reflecting the strong summer tourism season. However, authorities also reported significant growth in the early months of the year and in September, suggesting a gradual extension of the tourist season beyond traditional peak periods.
Improved control and environmental protection
Despite the increasing number of visitors, the government insists that environmental protection standards remain intact. Park authorities maintain 24-hour monitoring through protection and rescue services, ensuring that the natural ecosystems of protected areas are preserved.
A key focus of environmental enforcement during the past year has been illegal construction inside protected areas. In cooperation with the ecological inspection services, authorities removed 40 illegal structures in national park zones during 2025.
Officials say these enforcement actions are part of a broader effort to preserve the legal and ecological integrity of protected landscapes, which are central to Montenegro’s international reputation as an ecological destination.
Illegal construction has been a long-standing issue across parts of the country, particularly in areas experiencing tourism development pressure. The removal of unauthorized buildings inside protected zones represents a stronger application of environmental regulations designed to safeguard biodiversity and natural landscapes.
Management improvements and revenue collection
The increase in revenue has not been driven solely by higher tourist numbers. According to the ministry, improvements in ticket collection systems and park management procedures have also played a role in boosting income.
Enhanced monitoring, better organization of park services and improved control mechanisms have increased the coverage of ticket payments and visitor tracking. These administrative changes have helped reduce informal access to park areas and strengthen the financial sustainability of the national park system.
This approach is particularly important because Montenegro’s national parks must balance conservation goals with tourism development. Revenue from entrance fees is a key funding source for environmental protection programs, infrastructure maintenance and ranger services.
Expanding nature tourism in Montenegro
Montenegro’s protected areas have become increasingly important to the country’s tourism model. While the coastal destinations of Budva, Kotor and Tivat dominate international tourism statistics, national parks have seen growing interest from visitors seeking outdoor recreation, hiking, wildlife observation and eco-tourism experiences.
The country’s national park network covers approximately 8% of Montenegro’s total territory, protecting mountain landscapes, glacial lakes, forests and wetlands. Durmitor National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly popular among international tourists for activities such as hiking, rafting and winter tourism.
Skadar Lake National Park, shared between Montenegro and Albania, has become a major destination for birdwatching and eco-tourism, while Biogradska Gora protects one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests.
As Montenegro continues its path toward European Union membership, environmental protection standards and management of protected areas have become increasingly important policy priorities. The EU accession process requires strict compliance with environmental legislation, including biodiversity protection and sustainable tourism development.
Outlook for 2026
The growth in visitor numbers during 2025 suggests continued expansion of Montenegro’s nature tourism sector. Officials say the more balanced distribution of visits throughout the year — with rising attendance outside the traditional summer peak — could support more stable tourism revenues and reduce seasonal pressures on infrastructure.
Authorities expect the trend to continue in 2026 as Montenegro promotes national parks as central elements of its tourism offer, combining environmental conservation with sustainable economic development.
At the same time, the government faces the ongoing challenge of protecting fragile ecosystems while accommodating rising visitor numbers. Strengthening environmental enforcement, controlling illegal construction and investing in park infrastructure will remain essential for maintaining the long-term ecological value of Montenegro’s protected landscapes.
