Đurović: We need a serious airport concessionaire, Željezara workers to be patient

The Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Goran Đurović, said that there is no information about how far the negotiations between businessman Miodrag Davidović's company Nexan and Tosčelik on the takeover of Željezara have progressed.

He said that Davidović is the right address to ask when that could finally happen.

Đurović, in a guest appearance on Vijesti at XNUMX:XNUMX on TV Vijesti, pointed out that this is not a process that can be solved "overnight", so he called on the workers to be patient.

"I wouldn't say that the process is dragging on, it's even going faster than it should," he added.

Đurović said that the state provided Davidović with support in terms of cooperation with "all the ministers who were needed".

He said that he is grateful to Davidović if he provides all the necessary funds. "That would get the job done faster than if the state participated with 25 percent," he pointed out.

Đurović, speaking about the situation with the Airports of Montenegro, said that a serious concessionaire and global operator is needed who will guarantee new lines.

"You know who defends the airport concession? Those who are used to it being the basis of party employment. We need better and bigger airports, better investments. I am not sure that the state currently has hundreds of millions, how much should be invested in Podgorica and Tivat," he emphasized.

The minister pointed to the "great experience" that, as he said, North Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia have... "I think it is for the benefit of the state and the development of tourism in Montenegro," he concluded.

Đurović said that the tourist season is more than successful, and that there are currently 186.000 tourists in Montenegro, of which 65 are in Budva. "That is only eight percent less than the record year of 2019," he added.

There are currently 43.000 guests in hotels, or 16 percent more than in 2019. "This means that our hoteliers have done a great job," he pointed out.

Đurović said that in two quarters, 625.000 guests were registered in collective and private accommodation, that is, 104 percent more than "two years ago, in 2021".

Revenues from taxis until August 3 are 1,7 million euros, or 26 percent more than in 2021, he added.