Đuretić: National parks face financial challenges, revenues make up 80 percent of costs

The Director of the National Parks of Montenegro, Marinela Đuretić, announced that the public enterprise is facing serious financial challenges due to high salary costs, which account for 80 percent of total costs.

She pointed out that revenues are predominantly generated through tickets and other services, while the share of state subsidies has been significantly reduced.

Đuretić, while appearing on "Boje jutra", also highlighted problems with illegal activities, including poaching and ticket sales abuse. To this end, control has been stepped up and a monitoring service has been established, which has already resulted in numerous disciplinary proceedings and one dismissal.

"A large number of disciplinary proceedings have been initiated. I don't know exactly whether it's a figure of, say, fifteen or so. Unfortunately, we also had one termination of employment contract. Specifically, when it comes to disciplinary proceedings, it's mostly illegal activities related to ticket sales," Đuretić pointed out.

During 2024, about 717.000 people visited the National Parks, with Durmitor National Park being the most visited. In the coming period, the focus will be on increasing revenues and better control, while the company also expects significant financial exposure due to employee lawsuits related to wage differences.