Montenegro recorded almost 800 fewer overnight stays last year than in 2023, said the leader of the Civic Movement URA, Dritan Abazović, adding that the government, instead of caring about the state of tourism, is engaging in manipulation.
"Instead of looking for a way to improve the situation, people from the government tried to manipulate this data, stating that in 2023, tourists also included Russian citizens, whom they allegedly consider refugees," Abazović said on the social network Facebook.
He added that 2023, when he was prime minister, was statistically the best tourism year since data has been analyzed.
"That year will be remembered as the year in which a new record was set when it comes to revenue and the number of overnight stays. I believe we all expected to break that record last year and set a new one, but that did not happen," said Abazović.
He stated that when comparing the revenues from those two years, a significant difference was noticeable, despite the fact that the prices of services were significantly higher. According to him, this data will be presented separately in the coming weeks.
"Instead of looking for a way to improve the situation, the Government tried to manipulate, stating that in 2023, Russian citizens were also counted among tourists. I really don't know if this is ignorance or manipulation that we are already used to, but for the sake of the public, I have to present a few facts regarding this bizarre thesis," Abazović said.
He reminded that the number of overnight stays is determined based on the tourist tax collected in all hotels, motels, resorts, campsites and private accommodation.
"None of those involved in tourism and renting accommodation facilities are particularly interested in the reason for the guests' arrival. Some come for vacation, some for fun or work, and some to visit relatives. All of these people use our services, spend money in restaurants, boutiques, cafeterias, visit national parks and buy souvenirs," said Abazović.
He also stated that in potential refugee camps, which, fortunately, there are none in Montenegro, no residence tax is charged, but records are kept.
"I can only imagine a situation in which some 'expert' would appear in Turkey or the United Arab Emirates and try to explain to them that the Russians, who have been coming to them en masse for the last three years, are actually not tourists, but refugees. I hope that those who advocate this thesis understand how absurd their claims are," said Anazović.
He added that according to that logic, even Israeli citizens could not be counted as tourists, because, unfortunately, it is known what is currently happening in that region.
"It is sad that anyone allows themselves to talk about tourism, and then we are surprised that our situation is the way it is. It is important to point out that in Montenegro, any citizen of Russia who is not on the EU sanctions list can come to our country completely unhindered - just like before, which they actually do," said Abazović.
He believes that the government, if it were dedicated to its job, should be concerned about the fact that Montenegro was the only country in the region to have fewer tourists last year than in 2023.
"That is why it is important that, instead of making excuses, a strategy is devised to turn the current situation around in our favor. If they ruin tourism like they are doing with energy, don't be surprised if in a few years we too become 'Refugees' in our own country," said Abazović.
He said that he remains very optimistic about the future of Montenegro.
"The program we are working on, 'Montenegro365,' should be a good basis for a long-term strategy for the development of tourism in our country. Until then, we are here to present arguments, conduct constructive dialogues, and compare results - so that we can all be better. It's nice when we compete for the good," concluded Abazović.
Bonus video:
