Despite good announcements and positive forecasts from official sources, Budva's caterers are partially satisfied and are not too optimistic when it comes to the peak tourist season.
Aleksandar Jovanović from the Budva Catering Association pointed out in "Colors of Morning" on TV Vijesti that they have been talking about the same problems for years, but that essentially nothing has changed, recalling chronic challenges such as a lack of labor, unplanned construction, and poor utility and traffic infrastructure.
As a new challenge, he highlights the introduction of a "quiet zone" in the Old Town, which, according to him, is killing the fun spirit for which Budva was recognized as a destination for young people.
"We are turning into a boring city. Instead of finding balance, we are going from one extreme to another, from noise to complete silence," Jovanović assessed.
Speaking about prices in the hospitality industry, Jovanović believes that they are "realistic", because all input costs have increased, especially labor.
"It's not a problem when something is more expensive, if the guest feels it's worth it, but if it's expensive and the service is poor, then that's a problem," he concludes.
Most seasonal employees come from Serbia, Ukraine, Turkey, Nepal, and India, while the participation of the local population is minimal.
"Salaries have never been higher. A waiter earns from 800 to 2.000 euros, a cook over 3.000, but there are still not enough people," says Jovanović, adding that the education system is not producing the personnel the market is looking for.
In addition to the above, works on the main road towards Budva are further complicating the situation.
"I think we should introduce second and third shifts and make maximum efforts as a state to get that section fixed as soon as possible," he said.
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