Beach concessionaires are considering a boycott of the upcoming tender due to short deadlines and significant price hikes for lease agreements, which may jeopardize the upcoming tourist season. Albert Kastrati, President of the Association of Beach Concessionaires, stated that they would continue protests and may take more radical actions by the end of the week.
The main concerns include the 15-day deadline to submit necessary documentation, including bank guarantees up to €120,000, and a 400% increase in lease prices. These changes could affect the affordability of services and the destination’s competitiveness. Additionally, the short tourist season in Ulcinj, lasting only 40-50 days, complicates operations for businesses.
Kastrati warns that such increases may lead to higher service costs, making Montenegro less competitive compared to neighboring countries. He also highlights how these price hikes, especially for beach and terrace leases, could hurt local tourism and negatively affect the image of Montenegrin tourism.
Concessionaires are hoping for a compromise solution by the end of the week. If not, they may withdraw from the process as the new conditions make leasing unsustainable. The tender for beach leases in Bar and Ulcinj is due on March 4, with the cost of tender documentation set at €100.
In related news, Minister Slaven Radunović was verbally attacked in Budva over the tender process, which has further heightened tensions regarding the issue.
