Montenegro seeks to diversify tourism beyond coastal destinations

Montenegro is pursuing a strategy to diversify its tourism sector beyond traditional coastal destinations. Tourism Minister Simonida Kordic has indicated ambitions for growth, projecting an 11% increase in tourist arrivals and an 8.6% rise in tourism revenue for the upcoming year.

The country aims to promote a combination of luxury, nature, and cultural heritage. While the Bay of Kotor remains a primary draw, officials are encouraging travel agencies to offer packages that include the mountainous north, lakes, and historical sites such as medieval towns, monasteries, and castles. This approach seeks to leverage the country’s varied climate, which allows for activities like skiing in Kolašin and coastal dining on the same day.

Regarding accessibility, Montenegro operates two main commercial airports: Podgorica and Tivat. While Tivat serves much seasonal and low-cost traffic, Podgorica has seen increased activity from new carriers. Many travelers to the region continue to utilize the Dubrovnik airport in neighboring Croatia due to its proximity to the Montenegrin border.