This year, we worked for the state, according to the president of the Ulcinj Beach Tenants Association Prelja Škrjela They said it all about the summer season coming to an end.
Škrelja claims that this year's tourist season is not even close to the previous one in all parameters, that is, it is weaker by about twenty percent.
"Private accommodation, in general, has not been filled more than 60 percent so far, and most bathing areas between 70 and 80 percent. Cumulatively, as far as we are concerned, the season is weaker by 20 to 22 percent compared to last year. So, we worked for 'Morsko dobro', for taxes, for garbage collection, for workers' salaries, that is, for the state," Škrelja told "Vijesti".
At the same time, the bad weather conditions last weekend and the start of the new school year only accelerated the departure of tourists from the southernmost municipality.
Škrelja stated that obligations for tenants are yet to come:
"We need to pay bank guarantees, and then suppliers, workers... And how? It's difficult to do that from a deficit, and few have had a financially positive business this season."
Škrelja says he is not optimistic about September either and points out the problem with booking:
"The cause of the trouble is the uncontrolled increase in rents. We have tenants whose rent has been increased by more than 100.000 euros. Most tenants with that much or similar minus have entered the season, and tourism is a tricky branch of the economy. They have not listened to our appeals and now we have an almost certain situation that about 700 families at the state level, and 100 at the Ulcinj level, will have problems with their last name."
The country is good to think about.
He pointed out that Montenegro, including Ulcinj, has become an expensive destination and that many tourists will not return next summer because of this.
"These are our findings from the field, this is what our guests tell us. We have no reason to be optimistic when it comes to next season. On the contrary, if we don't do something, it will be even worse. The state must therefore think carefully," said Škrelja.
According to official data from the Tourist Organization, published on Thursday, 29.000 tourists stayed in Ulcinj, or eight percent less than last year. There were 11 percent fewer guests in private accommodation, and 20 percent fewer in campsites. A 5 percent increase was recorded in hotel accommodation, and a 323 percent increase in resorts.
"Beach resort tenants are interested in the occupancy of private accommodation, because they are our guests. Hotels generally have their own beaches. When private accommodation is poor, it immediately reflects on our business. And I know that many have struggled to rent out apartments this year," said Škrelja.
Director of the company that manages the hotel "Olea" in Ulcinjsko Polje and the beach of the same name on Velika Plaza Jovica Franeta He said that a good August partially improved the season, but that it failed to make up for the long-lasting July hole.
"We entered this year with a beach project in addition to the hotel business. There were many obstacles and delays in opening the beach for reasons already known to the public. There was too little attention from both local and state authorities, apart from the impeccable collection of levies and taxes. We hope that in our further work we will still have support from both levels," Franeta told "Vijesti".
He highlighted the problem of municipal equipment, ecological rehabilitation and development, and the construction of other infrastructure.
Even thunder doesn't lead Ada into the red
Thunderstorms and the start of the school year have not disrupted the positive business trend of the "Ulcinj Riviera", a nudist resort on Ada. The camp is hosting around 350 guests, which is significantly more than last year in the same period.
The executive director of "Ulcinj Riviera", Armend Mila, stated that the resort on Ada has so far achieved 11 percent more overnight stays than last year and 25 percent more revenue.
"We have renovated the furniture in 11 luxury villas, and we are still working on raising the level of all services. The guests' reactions to everything we have done in the preparation period are positive, and we are expecting a good September with good reason," Mila told "Vijesti".
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