Serbia is at the top of the list of countries from which direct investments come to Montenegro, and foreign trade between the two countries is very intensive, announced the Minister of Tourism, Simonida Kordić.
"That is why it is important for us that our ties continue to develop and strengthen," said Kordić at a meeting with the President of the Belgrade City Assembly, Nikola Nikodijević.
The focus of the talks was on the development of tourist traffic between Montenegro and Serbia, potential joint activities in international markets, as well as strengthening cooperation in the fields of investment and hospitality.
Kordić, as announced by the Ministry, reminded that tourists from Serbia account for the largest percentage share in the total number of overnight stays in Montenegro, as much as 25 percent.
"Every year we have 450 thousand visitors from Serbia and we want to show interest in this market and invite guests to visit Montenegro where they are always welcome," said Kordić.
Nikodijević expressed his satisfaction with the meeting with the Montenegrin delegation, emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation in the field of tourism.
According to him, tourism is an extremely important topic of discussion and an extremely important economic sector, both for Montenegro and for Belgrade, given that Belgrade has been the fastest growing tourist destination in Southeast Europe in recent years.
"We discussed deepening cooperation and joint presence in third markets, especially those in the Middle East and Asia, which are becoming increasingly attractive," Nikodijević pointed out.
They also discussed Belgrade's plans to open up the markets of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, thanks to new direct flights from Baku and Astana. In this context, interest was expressed in exchanging experiences with Montenegro and the possibilities of joint promotion towards these markets.
Both sides agreed that investments in infrastructure - road, air and rail transport - are crucial for the further development of tourism links between the two countries.
Kordić also emphasized the importance of developing sustainable tourism and preserving cultural and natural assets, so that the tourist experience is positive for both tourists and the local population.
The meeting also discussed models of cooperation in the field of event tourism.
Belgrade's membership in the network of cities along the Silk Road was also particularly emphasized, which opens up additional opportunities for cooperation with Montenegrin destinations within broader international initiatives.
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