Belgian tour operators, hosted by the National Tourism Organisation (NTO) of Montenegro, have recognized the country as an ideal destination for authentic holidays and sustainable tourism.
As part of the Belgian Tourism Congress, the NTO welcomed 160 representatives from the Belgian travel industry, including decision-makers from leading agencies and companies.
During their multi-day visit, the Belgian guests had the opportunity to experience Montenegro’s diverse tourism offer firsthand, exploring key destinations that make the country stand out on the international travel market.
Four carefully curated promotional tours were organized to highlight the diversity and quality of Montenegro’s tourism products. Participants visited Ulcinj, Skadar Lake National Park, Cetinje, Lovćen National Park, and Kotor—destinations that showcase the country’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and potential for various tourism types, including cultural, active, and sustainable travel.
Frank Bouckaert from the well-known De Buck Agency shared that while they had previously offered Montenegro in combination with Croatia, this visit convinced him the country deserves to be promoted as a standalone destination.
“The variety of landscapes, cultures, and the warm hospitality make it attractive for Belgian tourists, who are increasingly seeking less commercialized but experience-rich and naturally preserved destinations. I was particularly fascinated by the Skadar Lake region—it reminded me of parts of Southeast Asia, but here you’re in Europe and very close to Belgium,” Bouckaert said.
Axel De Corte from the communications agency KoomBana Bay said he had no specific expectations before arriving, but the experience far exceeded anything he imagined.
“This is my first time in Montenegro, and I must say I’m absolutely amazed. The nature is spectacular, the landscapes are diverse and almost surreal—something you wouldn’t expect to find so close to central Europe. Lovćen and Skadar Lake especially impressed me. The scenery reminded me of Vietnam, yet you’re in Europe. For me, this is one of the most beautiful discoveries in recent years,” De Corte noted.
Eline Quintens from the Flemish Travel Agencies Association (VVR) also visited Montenegro for the first time and is already planning to return—this time with her family.
“The beauty of the nature, the warmth of the people, and the sense of safety made a lasting impression. I believe Montenegro will increasingly attract tourists who want to connect with nature while also discovering authentic culture and tradition,” Quintens said.
Sebastian Crucifix, Secretary General of the Professional Union of Travel Agencies of Belgium, emphasized the importance of organizing such events.
“I’ve visited Montenegro before, but this is the first time I’ve come with key players from the Belgian travel industry. Events like this are extremely valuable because they provide direct experience of the destination, which influences decisions about including it in travel packages. The Belgian market seeks authentic, natural, and culturally rich destinations—and Montenegro ticks all the boxes. I expect the number of Belgian tourists visiting Montenegro to grow significantly in the coming years,” Crucifix stated.
The NTO will continue its efforts to position Montenegro on the Belgian travel market through collaboration with tour operators, media, and key tourism industry stakeholders.
