Budva faced several challenges this tourist season, including a decrease in visitor numbers, limited air accessibility, and price increases due to a higher value-added tax (VAT).
The local administration stated that the season was well-prepared, with the city kept clean, services available 24 hours, and various events and activities organized for tourists.
Petar Odžić, President of the Budva Municipal Assembly, warned that the decline in tourist numbers could significantly impact the national budget. Budva accounts for 50–60% of Montenegro’s total tourism revenue, so any slowdown directly affects the country’s economy. He cited the VAT increase as a major factor, noting that higher taxes raised prices for accommodation, food, and beverages. Odžić emphasized the need for competitive pricing compared to neighboring countries and highlighted ongoing challenges with air accessibility, which limit tourism growth.
