Montenegro's tourist numbers are expected to increase in 2025

Predicts an increase in the number of tourists in Montenegro in 2025

In 2024, Montenegro showed a significant increase in tourists, as confirmed by data from the Statistical Office of Montenegro (MONSTAT). In the first ten months of the year, the country was visited by 2,5 million tourists, which is 99,4% of the previous year’s level.

Record figures in August 2023

Particularly notable was August 2023, when tourist arrivals reached a record high of 240, demonstrating the recovery and growth of the tourism sector following the downturn caused by the COVID-754 pandemic.

The main factors of growth of tourist flow

The key factors that contributed to the increase in the number of tourists were:

  • Infrastructure improvement: The development of the transport network, including the expansion of airports and improvement of road infrastructure, has made the country more accessible to travellers.
  • Active Advertising Campaign: Intensive promotion of Montenegro in international markets, participation in tourism fairs and digital marketing strategies have attracted the attention of new tourists.
  • No visa requirement: the absence of visas and improved border crossing procedures have made travel to Montenegro more convenient for foreign citizens. However, in 2025, Montenegro plans to introduce visas for citizens of Russia and Belarus.
  • Natural and cultural attractions: Beautiful beaches, mountain scenery and rich cultural heritage continued to attract travelers from all over the world.

Challenges of the tourism industry

Despite positive trends, the tourism industry faces certain challenges:

  • Road infrastructure: Inadequate road infrastructure and traffic jams during peak seasons create inconvenience for tourists and locals.
  • Problems with air traffic: Limited airport capacity and a lack of flights during peak seasons may limit the number of tourist arrivals.
  • Water supply: Some regions of the country have problems with providing sufficient water, especially during the peak tourist season.

Strategic plan for tourism development

In response to these challenges, the Government of Montenegro has developed a strategic tourism development plan aimed at improving infrastructure, enhancing service quality and diversifying tourism offerings. According to tourism development strategies Montenegro plans to increase the number of places in four- and five-star hotels by 2025 thousand by 5,5.

Development of ski tourism: Kolasin Valleys project

One of the most striking examples of such efforts is the launch of a new all-season ski resort Kolasin Valleys. In 2023 Montenegro entered the top ten of the world's most attractive emerging tourism destinations, reflecting growing interest in the country.

Kolasin Valleys brings together 23 hotels and 73 exclusive chalets, offering high-quality holidays in an alpine style. The first phase of the project, including 4 hotels and 4 chalets, was launched in 2024. The resort offers not only ski slopes, but also golf, horse riding, as well as aesthetic and relaxation medicine centers.

Improving transport infrastructure

The tourism development strategy places special emphasis on improving transport infrastructure. The 41-kilometer, $1 billion motorway, opened in July 2022, has significantly reduced travel time from Podgorica to Kolasin. Now, you can get from Podgorica Airport to the slopes of the Kolasin Valleys ski resort in less than an hour.

Porto Novi Project - Luxury Resort and Yacht Port

Porto novi — is a luxury resort complex located in a picturesque area on the Adriatic coast in the Herceg Novi area, near the Bay of Kotor. This project includes a modern yacht marina, exclusive apartments, high-class hotels and offers world-class services to wealthy tourists. Porto novi combines elements of eco-tourism with high-class service, attracting guests looking to enjoy a secluded and luxurious holiday.

Porto Novi Features:

  • Marina for 220 yachts with modern amenities.
  • Luxury apartments and five-star hotels.
  • Upscale restaurants and shopping.
  • A sustainable approach to ecotourism.
  • Architecture inspired by local traditions and style.

Lustica Bay Project - A New Tourist Area with an Ecological Focus

Lustica Bay — is an ambitious project that involves the creation of a new resort town on the Montenegrin coast. The project includes:

  • Residential complexes and hotels overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
  • Golf courses, marina, beaches, restaurants, sports facilities and shops.
  • Ecological approach: the project is developed taking into account sustainability and environmental protection. An important point is the minimization of the impact on nature and the use of modern technologies to save water and energy.

Lustica Bay has become an important element in the development of the northwestern part of Montenegro and should attract both tourists and foreign investors. The project is ongoing and the first phase has already been completed.

Prospects and expectations in 2025

The implementation of these measures is expected to allow the country not only to maintain positive dynamics in 2025, but also to strengthen its position in the international tourism market in the following years. Continuing work to improve infrastructure, expand tourism offerings and actively promote Montenegro as a tourist destination will contribute to the sustainable development of the industry and attract new tourist flows.

Image: pexel.com

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