Montenegro plans to establish a Digital Tourism Information System (TIS) that would encompass all existing institutional systems, in order to obtain better, more precise data, make it easier for guests to register their stay and pay taxes, and obtain information...
The state already has the infrastructure to introduce this system, so there would be no need for additional investments.
This was announced by the Ministries of Tourism and Public Administration, during the presentation of the first phase of the preparation of the platform for digitalization in the field of tourism. These departments, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Administration and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), have developed a cross-section of existing digital tools and processes in this sector, with specific findings and recommendations for improving tourism.
More than 60 interviews were conducted for this document with representatives of institutions, municipalities, the private sector...
The goal is to present guidelines for establishing a centralized, efficient and transparent tourist information system, i.e. easier tourist registration, data exchange, reduction of the gray economy...
Minister Simonida Kordić pointed out that it is unusual that the largest economic sector in Montenegro does not have a sufficient level of digital culture, and that such an approach is necessary for it to be operational.
She added that information from all sectors is needed to make the right policies, and that data is currently fragmented because it comes from several different institutions.
"Croatia has a quality system and relies on data, and it has proven to be extremely functional and useful. Montenegro is a small economy, so it is easier to monitor and connect and manage," said Kordić.
He claims that the goal is not to shut down smaller platforms, but to form a super-platform that would encompass all their data.
"So you can have not only valid data on a daily basis, but also its analysis. Business barriers are being removed, access to guest registration and tax payments is being facilitated... At the same time, you have insight into where guests are staying, where they are going, and a complete overview of tourist movements within the country," she pointed out, adding that the data currently shows that guests entered and exited the country, but not what they were doing.
Kordić stated that Montenegro must know what its market is, who its guests are, and that this system increases the visibility of the country.
The Director General of the Ministry of Public Administration, Dušan Polović, said that they are pleased with the fact that they are working on digital systems, and that they have a Data Center and infrastructure that can meet the requirements for the implementation of this system.
"Cybersecurity has improved significantly in the last three years. Tourists must be sure that Montenegro guarantees the security of that data...", he stated.
Polović emphasized that the Ministry of Public Administration will not need to invest additionally in infrastructure for this project.
Milijana Vukotić from UNOPS stated that Montenegro has the potential to digitalize public administration, that it has been on the rise for years but now needs to take off, and that implementation will be done soon.
She emphasized that human capital, training, knowledge improvement, and support from the Government and municipalities are key to this process.
"Strong coordination teams and strong cohesion between the public and private sectors must be formed. We must devise a mechanism that will enable flexible working hours and there must be systemic control," she stated, adding that Montenegro's legislative framework is good.
She pointed out that there is no communication between the systems, especially not with the central register of the Ministry of Tourism, while data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Monstat often differ significantly.
Vukotić added that the research findings show that there is no single system, but rather several that provide data but are not connected and centralized. She emphasized that the Ministry of Tourism does not have real-time data, but receives it upon request.
"We must ensure the availability of reliable and valid data, access to electronic registers of other authorities, electronic registration and deregistration of residence, electronic tax records and e-payments, and tightening of penal policy," she highlighted among the recommendations.
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