Montenegro and Bulgaria will form a working group to finalize all details regarding the previously agreed-upon launch of a direct air route between Podgorica and Sofia, according to a statement from the Ministry of Tourism.
The goal of this initiative is to improve connectivity between the two countries and promote tourism.
This was agreed upon during a meeting between the tourism and transportation ministers of both countries – Simonida Kordić, Maja Vukićević, Miroslav Laslov Boršoš, and Grozdana Karadžova – held in Sofia.
The meeting was also attended by Roko Tolić, the Executive Director of Airports of Montenegro, and Jelena Maraš, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of ACG.
It was agreed that the negotiating teams would consist of representatives from both ministries, the airports, and the national airline.
Kordić emphasized that the Balkans is an underexplored destination with much to offer.
“We share similar challenges but also common interests, one of which is attracting tourists from distant markets. The prerequisite for all of this is better transportation connectivity, particularly a direct air route between our two countries. At the same time, it is essential to develop an offering that would interest these tourists,” Kordić stated.
The newly appointed Bulgarian Minister of Tourism thanked the Montenegrin delegation for their first official visit during the new government’s mandate, highlighting that cooperation among Balkan countries is crucial for success on the global tourism stage.
“In addition, the initiative to establish air connectivity between Balkan capitals, such as the direct Sofia-Podgorica line, will not only facilitate tourism but also strengthen business ties, positioning the region as a united, competitive, and sustainable destination,” Boršoš said.
The transportation ministers also agreed on the importance of improving transport links.
Vukićević noted that strengthening regional and international connections through the opening of new routes would further enhance the air transport sector.
“The need for expanding capacity is recognized daily, especially given the rapid growth of the tourism industry. We will initiate the formation of a working body, consisting of representatives from both the Montenegrin and Bulgarian sides, and work further on establishing air connections with Bulgaria,” Vukićević said.
Tolić assured that Airports of Montenegro would be efficient in the negotiations, and that through communication with the national airline and relevant authorities, they would explore the possibilities for implementing the direct flight.
In October of the previous year, Kordić signed a Joint Action Plan with the former Bulgarian Minister of Tourism, Evtim Milošev, which includes the exchange of experiences in areas such as winter, maritime, cultural, eco, and agritourism, as well as cooperation in the education and training of professional staff, and the promotion of investment projects.
In Sofia, it was confirmed that a joint tourism package and the “Destination Balkan” project would bring benefits to the entire region, making it easier to overcome technical barriers in the process.
