Montenegro has chosen ToMontenegro to operate five subsidized air routes from Podgorica, aimed at improving access to European markets. The success of these routes will depend on maintaining passenger traffic beyond the peak summer season.
The selected routes include destinations such as Brussels, Paris, Frankfurt, Zagreb, and Bari, established under public-service-obligation agreements. These services are designed to enhance connectivity in regions where year-round commercial demand may not be sufficient to support independent operations.
The impact of these routes on hotels, tour operators, and other tourism-related businesses will hinge on flight schedules, frequency, and the ability to translate this accessibility into actual bookings. While improved connectivity can help extend the tourism season, it necessitates that accommodations, attractions, and services remain available outside of peak months.
Airport operations in Montenegro are currently facing challenges due to increasing passenger traffic. Airports of Montenegro announced a bonus of €500 for approximately 760 operational employees, acknowledging their efforts during the busy summer season and addressing the pressures caused by infrastructure constraints.
As of September 18, the airport authority reported that they had managed three million passengers, achieving this milestone significantly earlier than in the previous year.
In addition to these developments, proposals to increase accommodation and excursion taxes are being considered, which could provide additional revenue for tourism services. However, operators are concerned about how these changes might affect overall visitor expenses.
The introduction of these five air routes presents an opportunity for Montenegro to extend its tourism calendar. The economic benefits will ultimately be assessed based on the number of passengers transported and the spending generated during periods when current capacity is underutilized.
