The Minister of Economic Development of Montenegro, Yakov Milatovic, sent a letter to the representatives of the hotel operator Aman, which manages the hotel chain, including the island of Sveti Stefan and the Miločer villa, as well as the tenant Adriatic Properties, expecting that the hotel facilities will be opened soon ...
In the letter, Milatovic recalls that in the previous period he had intensive negotiations with representatives of the local community and the municipality of Budva. Yakov Milatovich is confident that the final decision will be reached through constant dialogue with the local community.
Reasons for the closure of Sveti Stefan
A month ago, Aman announced that it would not open the exclusive resort of Sveti Stefan and Milocer. This was confirmed by the company Adriatic Properties, as well as the businessman Petros Statis, who announced his departure from Montenegro and the launch of international arbitration.
One of the main reasons is that the hotel operator Aman and Adriatic Properties cannot guarantee the peace and privacy of their guests, which is the main concept of the Aman hotel chain, because the locals of Sveti Stefan and Przno are looking for free access to the Royal Beach (Kraljevoj plaži) and the Queen's beach (Kraljičina plaža). These beaches have been rented for several decades with all the hotel amenities.
We remind you that the prices for holidays on the Royal Beach started from 120 euros in season. The price included two sun loungers and an umbrella. For a holiday in the neighborhood, on the Queen's beach, you had to pay a little less - 100 euros. Admission is free for Aman Sveti Stefan guests.
In the meantime, the workers were sent on vacation, offered severance pay, and it was clearly indicated that they were looking for work in other hotels. The department, headed by Milatovic, was actively involved in solving the problem.
Milatovic's letter is addressed to the representatives of Aman and Adriatic Properties, Roland Fasel and Goran Benkun:
“It was a pleasure to meet with you and discuss all Aman-related issues at the meeting we held on May 24 at the Ministry of Economic Development.
Recall that in the hope that we will find a solution to controversial issues, the Ministry of Economic Development organized a regular meeting on June 9, to which representatives of Aman and Adriatic Properties, as well as representatives of Sveti Stefan, the local community, the municipality of Budva, the management company Morsko Dobro, as well as the Ministry ecology, spatial planning and urbanism.
Unfortunately, despite the fact that you confirmed your presence, representatives of Aman and Adriatic Properties did not come to the meeting, and this meeting became another opportunity for an open and constructive conversation with all interested parties.
Local community representatives spoke about the challenges they and their guests face when it comes to the Sveti Stefan complex (including Queen's Beach). According to them, these violations and the lack of constructive dialogue with representatives of Aman led to isolated incidents.
After the meeting, local community representatives issued a press release stating that they will make every effort not to jeopardize Aman's business and that it will continue to operate as it has done so far, ”Milatovic said in a letter. published edition News.
As he notes, the Ministry of Economic Development considers this a gesture of goodwill and a clear sign that the local community is also interested in Aman staying in Montenegro.
“In this sense, I want to use this opportunity to reaffirm the strategic commitment of our Ministry to be accessible to all investors.
This means that the Ministry of Economic Development will act within its competence to meet the expectations of investors, but strictly abide by the laws of the State of Montenegro, which guarantee peaceful ownership and the exercise of contractual rights.
Thus, the Ministry of Economic Development compensates the lessor for all claims for damages or claims on any other legal basis submitted by third parties, if such actions are contrary to the law or the Lease Agreement for hotels in Sveti Stefan and Milocer in Budva, ”added Milatovic.
“Keep in mind that the Ministry of Economic Development has the ability and responsibility to protect only those rights provided for in the Lease Agreement, so we believe it is extremely important to have an ongoing dialogue with the local community in order to reach a lasting solution to any contentious issue.
Considering the above, including the fact that there is no force majeure, which you mention in your previous address, which was clearly confirmed in the statement of the local community, the Ministry of Economic Development expects the opening and commissioning of the facility as soon as possible, "Milatovich concludes in letter.
