Balkan tourism and aviation sectors report significant growth

tourism growth aviation competition Balkan tourism flight frequency travel statistics

The Balkan region is experiencing significant shifts in tourism and aviation. In Montenegro, the 2026 summer season is being hailed as one of the most successful to date, with tourism Minister Simonida Kordić reporting record arrivals and revenues. Podgorica has seen a rise in visitors from diverse markets including the US, China, and Turkey. This growth is supported by increased aviation connectivity, as Air Serbia and Air Montenegro compete to expand flight frequencies between Belgrade and Podgorica/Tivat for the upcoming winter season.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, July saw a 25.3% increase in tourists compared to June, with significant interest from visitors in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, in Croatia, the island of Krk reported stable tourism growth through August, driven largely by German, Hungarian, Czech, and Polish markets. In the transport sector, Croatian railways reported an overall increase in passenger and freight volumes during the second quarter, despite a slight decrease in cargo handled by HŽ Cargo.

Other regional developments include the Budva Art Fest in Montenegro and a local controversy in Budva regarding municipal funding for a public kitchen catering service.

Entities

Air Montenegro · Air Serbia · Aleksandar Dragićević · Andrea Rafailović Stojović · Bosnia and Herzegovina · Croatia · Montenegro · Podgorica · Simonida Kordić · Tourism Organization of Podgorica

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] In June, 21,291 tourists stayed in collective accommodation in Podgorica, a 12% increase year-over-year. borba.me · bizniscg.me
[● 2 SOURCES] Tourists visited from the USA, China, Turkey, Germany, Poland, and Spain. borba.me · bizniscg.me
[● 2 SOURCES] Podgorica is seeing a trend of increasing tourist interest and longer stays. borba.me · bizniscg.me
[● 2 SOURCES] In July, 22,938 tourists visited Podgorica, an 8% increase compared to the previous year. borba.me · bizniscg.me
[● 2 SOURCES] Improved air connectivity and new flight routes contributed to the rise in tourism. borba.me · bizniscg.me