The issue of visa policy is one of the most important for stimulating tourist traffic, and therefore a decision on visa liberalization or some other model must be made in a timely manner, said Minister of Tourism Simonida Kordić.
She said this at a session of the Coordination Body for the Preparation and Monitoring of the Development of Tourist Seasons.
The relevant ministry, as announced, has already begun preparations for the summer tourist season.
In this regard, the issue of visa policy was emphasized, one of the most important issues for stimulating tourist traffic, which, along with the issue of adequate air accessibility with which it is causally linked, represents one of the highest priorities for Montenegro.
Kordić pointed out that one of the key things for the summer season is how they will approach the source markets from which they have had a lot of guests in recent years, and for which a visa regime applies.
She said that they had several conversations with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where it was particularly emphasized that a decision on visa liberalization or some other model must be made in a timely manner.
"It is too late to make that decision in May or June, it is important that we have it now because we have increased demand and a potentially increased number of flights from those countries," Kordić appealed.
She added that it is important to find a solution that will not harm the European path, but also not endanger tourism and the overall economy of Montenegro.
At today's meeting, it was also decided to propose launching an initiative to clean and maintain priority road routes along main and regional roads, national parks and beaches.
The Ministry of Tourism emphasized that this is not a one-time action, but a project that would last six months, from April to September.
At the meeting of the Coordination Body, it was noted that activities aimed at introducing the first artificial snowmaking systems at state ski resorts in Montenegro were initiated back in September last year.
"The first part of this project is currently in the implementation phase at the Savin Kuk ski resort, so three cannons should be installed in the coming period," the statement said.
Kordić said that the Ministry of Tourism immediately started this project in September last year.
"It is already in the implementation phase in Žabljak, it is extremely important that we complete it and of course we are also working on it in Kolašin, where the situation is more complicated," said Kordić.
According to her, this is just the first step towards minimizing the impact of climate change on the winter tourist season and stimulating the development of infrastructure capacities.
Kordić informed those present that a Public Call for Encouraging the Development of Ski Resorts in Montenegro for this year was also published today, in order to provide a quality tourism product in accordance with strategic documents and stimulate further work and development of existing ski centers.
The deadline for submitting applications from business entities is February 20th, and the goal is to further diversify the offer.
Kordić said that through the Public Call, they want interested entities to improve existing businesses and contribute not only to increasing economic activity, but also to raising the quality and standards at ski resorts.
"Data from the National Tourism Organization shows an increase in traffic during this winter, but you know that these results are closely related to weather conditions, which were somewhat better this year, but still not great," said Kordić.
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