Županović: The arrival of Exit is a significant opportunity, but with a smart approach

Montenegro has a unique opportunity this summer to redirect its tourism with the arrival of Exit, one of the most recognizable music festivals in the world.

Professor of tourism and economics Ivo Županović said in "Colors of Morning" on Television Vijesti that this could be a significant opportunity, but with a smart approach.

"These festivals can extend the tourist season and bring additional promotion, but the key is in the price and quality of the product. Montenegro must seize this opportunity through competitive prices and quality accommodation, with adequate air accessibility," Županović pointed out.

Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced the "Exit to Montenegro" project with the potential of 210.000 overnight stays and more than 40 million euros in revenue.

"If the announced number of visitors is realized, it could be more than 1 percent of total overnight stays in Montenegro. There are financial benefits, but one should be careful, the average spending of 400 euros per person is still a guess," adds Županović.

The professor emphasizes that the festival's main contribution is not only in numbers during the peak of summer, but in extending the tourist season.

"As for the date itself, I think a date should have been negotiated that would allow for an extension of the season, the first event at the end of May and beginning of June, and the second at the end of September," says Županović.

The location of the festival is key.

"Bečići is proving to be better than Jaz and Buljarica due to traffic challenges... while Ulcinj with Velika Plaža offers great potential," he pointed out.