Preparations for the winter tourist season are well underway, and a rich three-day program has been prepared for its grand opening, announced the Minister of Tourism, Simonida Kordić.
In an interview with the Mediabiro agency, she said that the Ministry of Tourism, in cooperation with the National Tourism Organization (NTO), has provided incentive measures this year - from support for events and improving the offer, to marketing activities.
"When it comes to the winter season, we are aware that climate change in recent years has made any precise forecasts difficult, but that is precisely why we have paid great attention to developing a more diverse offer, so that our centers can function and generate income even on days when there is no heavy snowfall. When we talk about the Kolašin 1600 Ski Resort, the ski lifts and elevators have been repaired, the slopes are ready, and the access road has been repaired. We have also provided 150 thousand euros for the urgent repair of pillar number 4 of the K7 ski lift, so that this winter Kolašin 1600 and Kolašin 1450 can function smoothly as a single unit again," said Kordić.
She reminded that Kolašin will host the opening of the winter tourist season from December 12th to 14th.
"A rich three-day program has been prepared for the ceremonial opening of the winter season - from bazaars and performances by local artists to evening concerts by regional stars, as well as free cable car rides and tastings of local specialties," said Kordić.
Transportation to the Kolašin 1600 ski resort is again organized this year by local tourist organizations from Kolašin, Podgorica and Berane in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce (PKCG).
"In that period, we also expect the start of the season in Žabljak, where for the first time this winter we have provided artificial snow on the Blue Trail, which is an important step in the modernization of the Durmitor ski center," added Kordić.
Kordić also cites a quality holiday program as an opportunity to attract a large number of tourists from the region.
"We are expecting a truly large influx of guests during the holiday season. Our cities, both in the south and in the north, have prepared a rich and diverse program not only for the New Year's Eve, but also for the days preceding the holidays. We are confident that the region will traditionally come in large numbers, and we want to say to everyone - welcome to Montenegro. An authentic atmosphere, a diverse offer, top-notch events and the sense of hospitality for which we are recognized await you," said Kordić.
Kordić also reflected on the positive results achieved in the postseason.
"The post-season truly exceeded all our expectations and we can rightly say that it was extremely successful. In October alone, compared to the record year 2019, we recorded an increase in the number of tourists of as much as 23,46 percent, while overnight stays increased by an impressive 46,76 percent," Kordić specified.
According to her, this is a clear signal that Montenegro's tourist calendar is expanding, that our country is being recognized as a year-round destination, and that the quality of the offer is growing year after year.
"These results are also confirmed by data from the Airports of Montenegro - for the first time in history, three million passengers passed through Podgorica and Tivat airports in one year. This is a strong message that Montenegro is becoming increasingly accessible and attractive on the international market," said Kordić.
She said that good air connectivity could lead to even better results next season.
"Podgorica will be connected to around 70 destinations, Tivat to around 60, which significantly increases the accessibility of Montenegro and strengthens the development of year-round tourism. Of particular note is the great news that the low-cost airline - Wizz Air will open its first permanent base in Podgorica from March next year, with two aircraft and as many as 14 new routes, which brings us a completely new level of connectivity with key European cities," added Kordić.
And starting next summer, as she announced, Montenegro will also get the most prestigious airline so far - British Airways is introducing the London - Tivat route and for the first time in history establishing direct traffic to our country.
"This is an important step towards the British market and a strong confirmation of our tourism potential. Due to all of the above, it is entirely realistic to expect that improving air accessibility will bring even more concrete results and that next season we will attract an even greater number of guests from all over the world. Montenegro is clearly positioning itself as a modern, well-connected and attractive destination throughout the 12 months, and this is the direction we are continuing," concluded Kordić.
Bonus video:
