Mugoša: It is highly likely that this will be the second year in a row with worse results in tourism

Given certain data from local tourism organizations on trends in August, it is highly likely that this will be the second year in a row with poorer results in tourism, which is extremely important in terms of its impact on public finances, announced today the president of the Social Democrats (SD) parliamentary group and representative of the European Union, Boris Mugoša.

The European Union's statement states that Mugoša pointed to very indicative economic indicators for the first seven months of this year.

He stated that according to Monstat data, the foreign trade deficit for the first seven months of this year was over 2,1 billion euros (more imports than exports), and that the coverage of imports by exports was only 13,1%, which, as Mugoša said, was lower compared to the same period last year when it was 14,1%.

Mugoša said that last year saw the lowest import-export coverage in the last 15 years, only 15,1 percent, and the largest foreign trade deficit in the last 15 years, around 3,5 billion euros, and that this year the trends are worse.

He also referred to official data on the number of overnight stays in the period January-July this year and pointed out that the total number of overnight stays was 370 thousand less than in the same seven months last year.

"Given certain data from local tourism organizations on trends in August, it is highly likely that this will be the second year in a row with poorer results in tourism, which is extremely important from the aspect of its impact on public finances," Mugoša said.

The statement also states that Mugoša also highlighted the fact that in all types of accommodation, the number of beds has increased from 172 to 195,7 thousand in six years, or by 13,7 percent, while the number of overnight stays has decreased by 2019 percent compared to July this year and 5,5.

"All the above data once again point to the necessity of implementing genuine structural reforms, diversifying the economy and improving its competitiveness. On the other hand, insisting on an economic logic based on administrative growth in consumption, without substantial rationalization of unproductive expenditures, and massive borrowing does not lead to the stability and sustainability of the financial system. So much for the government's famous 'focus' on the economy," Mugoša said.

Vijesti announced yesterday that data from the Statistical Office Monstat show that in July, 3,37 million overnight stays were recorded in all types of accommodation, which is 100 thousand or three percent less than in the same month last year.

The number of overnight stays in July is 243 thousand or 6,7 percent lower than the same month in 2023, and there is also a decrease compared to July 2019 of 196 thousand or 5,7 percent.