The European Progress Party (SEP) has called on the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the astronomical beach rental fees.
Maja Miljanić, a representative of the European Progress Party in Budva, questioned who the people are that can afford such high rental prices and whether this is indicative of typical fraudulent activities.
“Let’s be clear – the real estate and tourism market in Montenegro has become a haven for speculators. But when the rental price for a beach jumps from 3,290 EUR to 800,000 EUR, it raises the question: how and who will ultimately pay the bill?” Miljanić said in a statement.
According to her, while tourism workers are worried about the upcoming season and young people and workers cannot afford a vacation even within their own country, some have already reserved their VIP boxes.
“And what about everyone else? Let them watch from the hills,” Miljanić added.
She further stated that everyone was mistaken if they thought Montenegro would be an affordable holiday destination this year.
“The government ensured that prices skyrocket, then tries to convince us that it’s ‘European standard.’ We’ve decided to ‘improve’ tourism by increasing the VAT on tourist services from 7% to 15%. It’s well known that economic growth is best achieved by making life harder for hoteliers, restaurateurs, and tourists, and by renting out beaches at astronomical prices! If you thought you could sunbathe on Ponta or Lučice beaches, think again – these beaches are now reserved only for those who can afford a million EUR rental fee,” Miljanić said.
She pointed out that those who promised to “open Montenegro to tourists” are now doing everything to close it off to the average citizen and regular guests.
“Because who wants to develop tourism when you can monopolize it for a handful of privileged people?” Miljanić noted.
She concluded that one thing is certain: this kind of “tourist development” will lead Montenegro to ruin, not to Europe.
