The Draft Law on Tourism and Hospitality introduces new regulations that will significantly impact service provision, consumer protection, and the positioning of Montenegro’s tourism offerings. The focus is on sustainability, transparency, and quality, affecting all providers—from large hotel chains and agencies to small accommodation hosts.
Travelers will gain numerous new rights, including the ability to cancel contracts without fees under extraordinary circumstances, the right to alternative arrangements, refunds within 14 days, and compensation if services do not meet contractual terms.
The law defines tourism and hospitality as socially important sectors that must develop based on sustainability and balanced regional growth. Plans and incentives will consider Montenegro’s environmental, cultural-historical, and geographic specifics.
Tourism agencies will require official licenses issued by the Ministry, meeting conditions such as registered activities, business premises, appointed managers, and a financial guarantee of at least €20,000. This guarantee covers unfulfilled services, refunds, and repatriation costs in case of insolvency.
Agencies must provide travel programs and contracts before trips, adhere to passenger information standards, and protect travelers in all phases, including cancellations or changes. Advertising without prior authorization will be banned to prevent unfair competition and protect consumers.
The law formally recognizes new tourism forms such as glamping—luxury camping with hotel-like standards—and tasting rooms offering local wines and delicacies.
Hospitality facilities must be categorized within four years, rated from one to five stars based on facilities, services, and quality. Special categories like “bed & bike” and “wild beauty” are possible. Information on categorization will be entered into a Central Tourism Register.
To ensure quality, the Ministry may employ secret guests to visit four- and five-star establishments unannounced and report on their experience.
The law regulates congress tourism services, which can only be offered by licensed agencies or, in certain cases, by hospitality providers at their own venues. Emphasis is placed on digitalization, encouraging agencies to use modern technologies for marketing and sales.
Consumer protection is prioritized: travelers must be clearly informed of any changes, offered equal or better alternatives, or allowed to cancel without extra cost. Refunds must be made within 14 days. Travelers can seek price reductions or damages if services fall short unless issues arise from force majeure or third parties.
Contracts must be clear, understandable, and available in the traveler’s language. Travelers may transfer contracts to others under defined conditions, adding flexibility.
For contracts signed outside business premises, travelers may cancel within 14 days without costs, except proven administrative fees.
Hospitality services may be provided outside standard facilities, including food and beverage delivery in protective packaging and mobile units like food trucks, subject to sanitary and technical standards.
Hospitality providers must clearly display working hours, prices, house rules, and prohibit alcohol sales to minors. They must regularly report occupancy data to local tourism organizations and the Statistics Office. All information must be accessible to guests in understandable languages, including via digital formats such as websites and emails.
