Montenegro - The next global tourism destination

The Mediterranean state of Montenegro, formed in 2006, is currently the second fastest growing tourism market in the world, with only China expanding at a quicker rate. World Travel and Tourism Council figures reveal that for the past three years this emerging European destination has experienced a year-on-year growth of 20 per cent per annum.

Sasa Radovic, Director of Tourism, National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro stated:

“Montenegro is committed to growth and to maximise high quality investment in ways which are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable for the long term. As part of our commitment to develop inbound tourism we will be opening a new tourist office in London by the end of 2008.

“We are already working closely with a number of international hotel companies.”

The luxury Aman Resorts have signed a 30-year lease and management contract for three of Montenegro’s most prestigious tourism destinations: the hotel island resort of Sveti Stefan, opening 2009; the former royal summer residence, Milocer by the end of this year and Queen’s Beach resort opening in 2010. Four Seasons is also building a top class hotel as part of a mixed development in the historic port of Tivat, which will incorporate a super yacht marina.

To protect the country’s unique natural assets, sustainability lies at the heart of Montenegro’s hospitality and real estate strategy. An example is the 1,450 hectare Velika Plaza project which is the largest real estate development in the region.

An international competition challenging architects and planners worldwide - to put together proposals to develop a sustainable community project for more then 60,000 inhabitants on a 13km stretch of the Adriatic coast - was launched by the Government. The winners of the competition will be announced at a press conference on Tuesday 11 November 2008 at World Travel Market.

For further information on Montenegro, log on to montenegro.travel.