Visa policy is one of the most important factors for stimulating tourist traffic, and therefore, a decision on visa liberalization or another model must be made in a timely manner, said the Minister of Tourism, Simonida Kordić. She made this statement during a meeting of the Coordination Body for Preparing and Monitoring the Tourist Seasons.
According to the Ministry, preparations for the summer tourist season have already begun.
In this regard, the issue of visa policy, which is one of the most crucial factors for stimulating tourism, was emphasized. It is closely related to the issue of adequate air connectivity, both of which are among Montenegro’s top priorities.
Kordić highlighted that one of the key elements for the summer season is determining how to approach emitting markets from which Montenegro has received many tourists in previous years but that are subject to visa requirements.
She mentioned that multiple discussions have taken place with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where it was emphasized that a decision on visa liberalization or another model must be made in a timely manner.
“It will be too late to make this decision in May or June. It is important to make this decision now because we have increased demand and potentially more flights from these countries,” Kordić urged.
She added that it is important to find a solution that will not harm Montenegro’s European path, while also protecting tourism and the overall economy.
During today’s meeting, it was decided to propose the launch of an initiative to clean and maintain priority road routes along main and regional roads, national parks, and beaches.
The Ministry of Tourism emphasized that this is not a one-time action, but a project that will last six months, from April to September.
It was also noted at the meeting that activities aimed at introducing the first artificial snowmaking systems at Montenegro’s state ski resorts began in September of last year.
“At the Savin Kuk ski resort, the first part of this project is in the implementation phase, and in the upcoming period, three snow cannons are expected to be installed,” the statement said.
Kordić mentioned that the Ministry started this project as soon as September last year.
“At Žabljak, the project is already underway, and it is crucial that we complete it. We are also working on it in Kolašin, where the situation is more complicated,” Kordić added.
According to her, this is just the first step in minimizing the impact of climate change on the winter tourist season and stimulating the development of infrastructure capacities.
Kordić also informed attendees that a Public Call for the Promotion of Ski Resort Business Development in Montenegro for this year has been announced, aiming to ensure quality tourist products in accordance with strategic documents and stimulate the continued operation and development of existing ski centers.
The deadline for business entities to submit applications is February 20, and the goal is to further diversify the offer.
Kordić said that through the Public Call, they hope interested entities will improve existing operations and contribute to not only increasing economic activity but also raising the quality and standards of ski resorts.
“Data from the National Tourism Organization show increased traffic this winter, but as you know, these results are closely tied to weather conditions, which were slightly better this year, but still not ideal,” Kordić concluded.
