news from the national Tourism organisation of Montenegro

28th January, 2008 

A working meeting entitled “Montenegro 2008/09” was held today in Paris, attended by some 60 French tour operators, travel agents and journalists. At the workshop organised on the occasion they had the opportunity to renew the existing and establish new contacts with more than 35 Montenegrin counterparts, representatives of our tourism industry.

Within the meeting, at 11.30 h onboard ship “Le Zouave” within the “Bateaux Mouches” complex a joint press conference of the event organisers was held. The speakers included Ms Zeljka Radak Kukavičić, secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, Mr Rajko Uskoković, director of the Montenegro Airlines office in Paris, and Ms Maja Liješević, deputy director of the National Tourism Organisation. 

The event was also attended by Mr Julien Courbet, who showed interest in Montenegro. Mr Courbet is the most renowned French journalist covering, among other areas, also travel and tourism at the French national television TLT, then the TF1 – the most viewed television in France, the RTL radio, and many other radio and V stations.

The presentation of the tourism product and 2007 season data, as the record-breaking year, the best in the past 20 years in our tourism, was featured for the audience.

Montenegro is among the preferred destinations for French travellers, offering combined package tours uniting the mountains and the sea, in modernised hotels enriched with wellness and amenities for the MICE market, including the offers featured by some travel agencies oriented towards the nature-based tourism in and outside national parks.

Since the year 2000, there is an evident increase in arrivals from the French market with the average annualised growth rate of 40%; in 2007 Montenegro has seen over 30,000 arrivals from the French market accounting for over 180,000 nights, or 74% more compared to 2006.

A significant number of French visitors use the direct air connection with Montenegro, with scheduled Montenegro Airlines flights twice a week and a series of charter flights during the forthcoming season; in addition, they intend to introduce the third scheduled flight Paris-Tivat as of late March this year.

Moreover, there is an increasing number of publishers who issue special brochures and guides on Montenegro in French, and the tourism offer and packages including Montenegro are featured at all major web portals and on line sale sites in France.

During the event, great interest was shown not only for the 2008 tourism season, but also for the following season, with special emphasis on increasing demand by individual travellers, as well as organised groups from France wishing to visit Montenegro.

Today’s event is yet another confirmation of the growing demand from the French market, with the estimated increase in the range of 20% for the 2008 season, and as of mid-March the first organised groups of visitors from this market will start arriving to Montenegro.

12th November 2007
During a successful World Travel Market in London between 12th and 15th November, the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro launched its tourism strategy moving forward into 2008, with the focus on sustainable tourism developments – including the national hiking and biking project –, MICE market and the first steps towards a new tourism web portal. To read the press releases issued at this event, please download the .pdf documents:
   - Fact Sheet
   - Outdoors
   - Sustainable Tourism
   - MICE market
   - Web portal

10th October 2007
Press release: Montenegro Web portal

The Agreement for the design of the National Tourism Organisation web portal was signed by the NTO Director, Mr. Saša Radović and the Executive Manager of Tiscover AG from Austria, Mr. Konrad Plankensteiner, in the presence of the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr. Predrag Nenezić, who highlighted, in his welcoming address, the significance of this project for whole tourism industry of Montenegro.

This was followed by the presentation of the new portal concept attended by the representatives of Local Tourism organisations, hotel owners and operators, international organisations and tourism industry representatives.

Aiming for good presentation of Montenegro as a leisure and business destination, the Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the National Tourism Organisation, in cooperation with Tiscover AG, launched the project for the establishment of the future web portal www.montenegro.travel, a state-of-the-art tourism portal for destination management, marketing and sales.

The portal offers a unique opportunity for all commercial and non commercial entities to present their offer to internet users worldwide under the umbrella brand of Montenegro “Wild Beauty”.

10th October 2007
Montenegro’s first adventure race

Saturday 6th October saw the running of the first Adventure Race Montenegro. Competitors from across Europe took part in a one day Kayak, Mountain Bike and Running event traversing Kotor fjord, the Mediterranean’s most beautiful bay.

Perfect race conditions allowed competitors to record very fast times during the race.

Organisers Black Mountain and Kayak Montenegro were delighted with the success of the race and the support shown by the local community.

The full race was won by The Serbian Adventure Race Team who completed course in a time of 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Relay winners were Herceg Novi’s own Yachting Club 32. They were fastest team in the bike event.

Black Mountain Kayak Montenegro team was the fastest in the 9km kayak stage.

In teams of 2 or 4, the Adventure Racers competed for the honour of winning this inaugural event. Serious runners were joined by ‘fun runners’ for whom finishing was the challenge! All entrants were raising money for Forum MNE (working with young people in the community) and the Matija Bozinovic fund to pay for a life saving operation for a young boy from Tivat.

From 2008 on, the race is planned to be an annual event.

The race organisers would like to thank all Sponsors and other individuals who supported this event.

There are indications that the race is going to be an Annual Event.

For more information visit http://www.adventureracemontenegro.com/
Visit us at the World Travel Market in London 12-15 November Stand EM448.

03rd October 2007
Montenegro’s First Adventure Race

Montenegro’s First Adventure Race will take place on Saturday 6th October 2007 in the Bay of Kotor. The event adresses itself to everybody who has an appetite for challenge and adventure, and for enjoying the great outdoors

More...

18th April 2007

On Saturday, May 5^th, the fourth gathering of souvenir manufacturers from Montenegro will be held at the “Tara” Hotel in Becici, within the Souvenir Fair. This event will be organised by the NGO “Civil Centre” from Tivat. More information at www.suveniri.cg.yu

04th April 2007
THE ROLLING STONES IN BUDVA

The famous rock band The Rolling Stones will have a concert in Montenegro on 9^th July at the seaside resort Budva – confirmed Mick Jagger on the official website of The Rolling Stones. “A Bigger Bang 2007” is the name of their European tour announced in late March within which, apart from Budva, they will have concerts in 20 more cities. “The Stones” will have their concert at the Jaz Beach and it will be, as pointed out by the organisers of the Budva concert, “Music Star” production, a mini rerun of their concert from the Rio de Janeiro beach.

The best-known Stones will come to Montenegro with 65 lorries full of concert equipment and a team of over 200 people. During their stay in Budva, Mick Jagger and other Stones will be staying at the Splendid hotel in luxurious suites, and 100-metre stage for the “unstoppable rock energy” will be installed at the Jaz beach.

The number of tickets for the “memorable spectacle” available on public sale will be limited to 72,000, with the minimum price of EUR 50. The travel agencies in the countries of the region and wider Europe will be selling tickets as a part of the several-day holiday packages for the Montenegrin coast at the time.

30th March 2007
PRESS RELEASE: MONTENEGRIN TOURISM PRODUCT PRESENTED IN LJUBLJANA
during THE INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FAIR

Today, during the “TIP 2007” fair held from 28^th March to 1^st April 2007 in Ljubljana, a press conference was held hosted by the deputy director of the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro Maja Lijesevic, the chair of the Montenegrin Tourism Association Branko Kazanegra and Joze Rezonja, director of the “Relax Turizem” travel agency from Slovenia, the major inbound travel agency from this market. They presented Montenegrin tourism and recent developments, underscoring priorities for the coming period and current packages available to Slovenian visitors. The representatives of local tourism organisations from Budva, Kotor and Bar were also present highlighting the specific features of their local offer.

The press conference and the 10-minute promotional clip done specially for the occasion were telecasted live on one of the Slovenian TVs with highest ratings, „Pike“, which is also broadcasted via satellite. The feature will be re-run three times by the end of this week. In the coming ten days or so this TV will also have 50 telecasts of a special one-minute spot on Montenegrin tourism offer focusing on our coastal towns. The press conference was attended by some 20 journalists from other Slovenian media, such as Radio Televizija Slovenije, Dnevnik, Nedeljni Dnevnik, Vecer, Radio Slovenija, Zalozba etc.

In 2006, Montenegro had an increase in arrivals from the Slovenian market of 32% compared to the previous year. According to official 2006 statistics, some 17.000 Slovenian visitors accounted for 76,000 nights. Judging by the package tours already arranged by the TA “Relax turizem“ operating with the Montenegrin TA “Adriatic Express“ and by current bookings of other travel agencies, such as Globtour, TT Promet, Sun Holidays and other smaller Slovenian agencies, an increase in arrivals in the range of 25-30% is expected this year.

Package tours, including both air and bus transport, will be effectuated from early May to late October. In addition, based on the interest expressed by Slovenian tourists, a significant number of individual visitors is expected as well, most of them weekend tourists, nature lovers and those who prefer active holidays and extreme sports, at the sea and in the mountains.

Alongside the NTO, the local tourism organisations from coastal municipalities, and the Montenegrin Tourism Association, there were also the representatives of the “Queen of Montenegro” hotel, HTP “Primorje“, HTP “Onogošt“, TA „Adriatic Express“, HTP “Korali“ etc.

21st March 2007

The traditional international tourism fair MITT 2007 is held in Moscow from 21-24 March this year. This event, fourteenth in a row, will gather over 2,800 exhibitors from 120 countries and over 160,000 visitors, more than half of them being travel agents from all over Russia and former Soviet Union states. 

The Ministry of Tourism and Environment and the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro, in cooperation with their strategic partners, the tourism industry and tour operators featuring Montenegro in their offer, will be present at this fair for the twelfth time in a row.

MITT is traditionally held at the Krasnaya Presnaya Expocentre. The NTO of Montenegro exhibits at a 80 m² stand made specially for this occasion. Within the general presentation of Montenegrin offer, the strategic partners Hotels Group Montenegro Stars, Beppler & Jacobson Ltd company, Queen of Montenegro, HTP Budvanska Rivijera, then the LTO Budva and LTO Cetinje, tour operators R-Tours, Talas–M, Crna Gora Tours, Brezna Tours, Travel Centar, as well as HIT Montenegro – Maestral Hotel, HTP Korali, HTP Onogost, Airports of Montenegro present their offer within the stand. As a part of the fair events, the LTO Cetinje had a successful presentation of historic sights which generated great interest at this market.

According to Sasa Radovic, the director of the National Tourism Organisation, heading the Montenegrin delegation, in 2006 Montenegro had over 62,000 Russian visitors accounting for 455,000 nights, or 50% more compared to the year 2005. Partly as a result of such promotional activities, the same growth trend is expected this year.

Some 30 flights a week from Russia to Montenegro are planned during the summer tourism season. The first charter flights are expected in early April this year and will last until late November.

27th February 2007
Press briefing: IMEX 2007 – meeting of the II working group

Today the II Working Group had a meeting regarding the presentation at the single most important MICE fair (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences/Conventions and Exhibitions/Events) “IMEX 2007“ held in Frankfurt from 17^th to 19^th April this year. Today’s meeting served to define the activities and give guidelines for further organisation of the presentation.

The project implementing agency is the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro, with active involvement of Montenegrin tourism industry (Hotels group Montenegro Stars, hotels Maestral and Mediteran, Montenegro Airlines, Adriatic Express, Talas M, Global Connect, Montenegro Adventuers and Adriatic Fair), and the fair presentation is supported by USAID MCP. By organising working groups, the interested participants from the industry and the USAID contributed to better and more comprehensive organisation of the promotional campaign.

Today’s press briefing was hosted by Danica Ceranic, a manager from the NTO and Harry Fine, a foreign expert for the MICE market.

Addressing the members of the press, Mr Harry Fine, an expert with long-standing experience in the MICE market who was hired to assist in the preparations for this promotional activity, highlighted the importance of this target group.

Danica Ceranic, manager in the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro emphasised the importance of this market segment for Montenegro in its potential for extending the season, since the travels within this target group happen during low season, with its impact on further tourism development and increased arrivals. Montenegro will be presented at this fair as a destination with great natural and cultural diversity at a relatively small area offering up-to-date conference and accompanying facilities and amenities in the newly developed or restored hotels.

PR service of the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro

15th February 2007
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO PRESENT TOURISM OFFER within the Holiday World in Prague

Today within the travel fair “Holiday World 2007“, held from 15^th to 18^th February 2007 in Prague, a press conference was organised by the National Tourism Organisation, hosted by the NTO director, Sasa Radovic,  Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment, Nebojsa Popovic and Deputy Mayor of Budva, Lazar Radjenovic.

Addressing the press, tour operators and business ppeople, Mr Sasa Radovic presented the Montenegrin tourism product, sustainable development strategy, topical issues in tourism sector, and development priorities in the forthcoming period; Mr Lazar Radjenovic described the tourism offer of Budva, as well as hotel capacities and private tourist accommodation at the Budva’s Riviera.

The press conference was attended by some 80 visitors, over 40 of them from the media: TVF, Cot bussiness, Cesky Rozhlas 3-Vltava, 100+1, Zeme sveta, IN Magazin HN etc. The members of the press showed greatest interest in the adopted sustainable development principles, investment opportunities, etc. Some of the major tour operators were also present: Vitkovice Tours, Kovotour Plus, MH Travel etc. After the press conference, the tasting of Montenegrin wines produced by “Plantaze“ was organised.

The following tour operators and travel agencies: Cedok, Vitkovice Tours, Kovotour Plus, MH Travel etc feature Montenegro in their catalogues.

In 2006 Montenegro had an increase in visits from the Czech market. According to the official statistics, in 2006 there were over 28.500 arrivals from the Czech Republic accounting for 222,100 nights or 7% more than over the previous year. This year an increase in tourism turnover from the Czech market of some 15% is expected.

This year at the “Holiday World” the NTO presented Montenegrin tourism product in cooperation with the local tourism organisation of Budva. At a 40m² stand there were also present the representatives of the LTO Bar, the travel agencies: Montenegro Adventures, Globtour and Jamb, as well as the hotels: Montenegro Stars, HTP Budvanska Rivijera, HTP Onogošt, HTP Velika Plaža, HTP Korali, Sidro etc.

There were some 700 exhibitors from some 50 countries; the organisers expect there will be as many as 30,000 visitors.

9th February 2007
PRESS RELEASE
Montenegro presented at the “Brussels Holiday Show 2007“

On 8^th February, at 11.30, during the international tourism fair Brussels Holiday Show 2007, held in Brussels from 08^th to 12^th February, a press conference was held hosted by Saša Radović, Director of the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro and Željka Radak Kukavičić, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment. Mr Radović presented Montenegrin tourism offer and investment opportunities to the members of the press, prospective investors and tour operators. Also, on the press conference was present Mrs. Slavica Milacic, Ambassador of Permanent Mission of the Republic of Montenegro to the EU.

The press conference was attended by some 30 representatives of various media including Plus Magazine, DeZeeparel, VoyagesVouages, Libelle, DV Production, Kreo Magazine, Metro, Infotravel, Grande and others. Major operators, such as Thomas Cook, Neckermann, ExpairTours, Christophair, and many investors and business people were also present.

The journalists showed great interest in Montenegro which recorded a substantial increase in arrivals from the Belgian market in 2006. According to the official data, in 2006 Montenegro had 6,000 visitors, accounting for over 40,000 nights, or almost double compared to 2005.

Judging by the agreements concluded by Montenegrin hotel operators, this year there will be 40% more Belgian visitors. The renowned tour operators Thomas Cook and Neckermann, in cooperation with their Montenegrin partner Alfa Tours, have already sold 90% of their capacities in Montenegro for the 2007 season. Two charter flights Brussels-Tivat each week are to start in early May and continue until late October.

Within overall Montenegrin tourism product presentation, at the NTO stand, the following companies presented their offer: HTP Budvanska rivijera, Plantaže, Montenegro Airlines, Montenegro Adventure travel agency and other business entities.

This year the fair gathered over 670 exhibitors, and it is expected to have over 100,000 visitors, and as such it is the largest travel and tourism fair in the Benelux region.

26th January 2007
TOURISM MASTER PLAN REVISION LAUNCHED

Today at 12.00 at the Conference Hall at the Government building, the plans to revise Montenegrin Tourism Master Plan were presented. The event was opened by the Minister of Tourism and the Environment, Predrag Nenezic. The other speakers were the Director of the National Tourism Organisation, Sasa Radovic, the DEG Head of Department Europe / Middle East / Central Asia Franz – Josef Flosbach and the author of the Master Plan, Johann Friedrich Engel.

The presentation was attended by the members of the Government, state institutions and entities directly or indirectly involved in tourism. The next steps in the revision of the Master Plan include ten workshops to be organised in February on topics related to various aspects of tourism development and strategic planning. Apart from the team of foreign experts, the workshop will be attended by national and local public authorities, foreign institutions involved in the development of Montenegrin tourism, non-governmental organisations, the industry and private sector in tourism and other complementary fields and others.

13th January 2007
SONNTAG AKTUELL GRANTED 2007 TOURISM AWARDS - 
THE WINNER IS MONTENEGRO TREKKING TOUR OF WIKINGER REISEN
Trekking over the Mountains – a profound experience of the region worth discovering

The travel agency Wikinger Reisen is the winner of the tourism award for 2007 given by Sonntag Aktuell. The award went to the pilot travel “Through Montenegrin Mountains” from the “Trekking Worldwide 2007” catalogue. This is an 8-day discovery tour of the genuine mountain wilderness of the youngest state in the world. The award was given on 14^th January at the CMT travel fair in Stuttgart.

Every year Sonntag Aktuell, second largest German weekly published on Sundays, awards five best travel ideas. The new trekking tour, according to the independent panel, gives “a significant contribution to mountain and sustainable tourism development in Montenegro”. The Wikinger tour is intended for small groups, up to 18 members, who will trek almost untouched mountain regions, staying at the typical “katuni”, traditional summer pasture villages. There they will have the opportunity to take part in the life of the local population and their daily routine, tasting the authentic dishes of the mountain region: “kacamak” (a sort of potato pallenta), “kajmak” and lamb. Wikinger tour also includes swimming in clear glacier lakes, as well as passing through the last primeval forest in Europe, Biogradska gora, located within one of the four diverse national parks in Montenegro.

Montenegro upholds the development of eco-tourism, as well illustrated by the words of the Minister of Tourism, Predrag Nenezic: “Sustainable development is based on our Constitution. Montenegro is a democratic, a social and an ecological state and as a tourism destination closely linked to its nature. The diversification of tourism offer, the development and networking of SMEs and family businesses are vital for sustainable and socially responsible development of the overall economy through the tourism sector. Endeavouring to meet the tourism demand prudently through the offer such as the one provided by Wikinger Reisen will prove to be an important contribution to increased standard of living and social integration of the multiethnic population into Europe”.

The new trekking tour leads to an almost unknown mountain world of Montenegro.

Photo: Wikinger Reisen

Travel prices and dates in 2007: 8-day trekking travel starting from 998 Euro (June to September)

More information and bookings at tourism information centres or directly with:

Wikinger Reisen GmbH
Koelner Strasse 20
58135 Hagen
Tel: +49 (0)2331 9046
Fax: +49 (0)2331 904 704
E-mail: mail@wikinger.de
www.wikinger-reisen.de

Travel information also available at: Vila Jelka Agency, www.vilajelka.cq.yu

11th January 2007
MONTENEGRIN TOURISM PRODUCT PRESENTED AT “FERIEN 2007” IN VIENNA
A press conference of the Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Organisation held within the Vienna travel fair

On Thursday at 12:00 o’clock a press conference of the Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Organisation was held within the “FERIEN“ travel fair held from 11^th to 14^th January this year in Vienna. The speakers at the conference were Sasa Radovic, the Director of the National Tourism Organisation and Nebojsa Popovic, the Deputy Minister of Tourism and Environment. Addressing the journalists, prospective investors and tour operators, Mr Radovic presented Montenegrin tourism offer, current issues in Montenegrin tourism development, and development priorities for the upcoming period, underscoring sustainable development. The conference was attended by some 100 visitors, over 40 of them being journalists from the ORF TV and radio stations, then Kleine Zeitung, Kronenzeitung, Kurier Frezeit Plus, News, Reise aktuell, Traveller, TAI etc. The journalists showed most interest in topics like sustainable development, investments, etc. Some major tour operators like Senioren Reisen, Kompas Touristk, as well as numerous investors and business people, such as Azalea hotels and Soravia Group were also present.

The following Austrian tour operators and travel agencies feature Montenegro in their programmes: Springer Reisen, Gruber Reisen, Kompas Touristik, Terra Reisen, Senioren Reisen etc.

Again last year Montenegro has seen an increase in arrivals from the Austrian market. According to the official statistics, by the end of November last year there were over 5,000 Austrian visitors accounting for 18,000 nights, or 47% more than over the same period the previous year. This year we expect an increase of 25-30% in arrivals and nights from the Austrian market compared to the year 1989, the record-breaking year for Montenegrin tourism, when we had 7,000 nights from this market.

The National Tourism Organisation presents the Montenegrin tourism product at a 33 m² stand in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, the strategic partners, the hotel companies and travel agencies. The representatives of local tourism organisations of Budva and Bar and the regional tourism organisation for the area of Bjelasica and Komovi are also present at the Vienna fair.

The fair gathered some 530 exhibitors from 54 countries of the world. The organisers expect the event is to have some 155,000 visitors in total.

13th December 2006
NEW COASTAL MOUNTAINEERING TRANSVERSAL ROUTE COMPLETED
- Montenegrin Mountaineering Association in cooperation with IRD –

Today the President of the Montenegrin Mountaineering Association, Brano Perović , the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director, Keith Simmons, and the International Relief and Development (IRD) Montenegro Chief of Party, Robert Harris, presented the recently completed “Coastal Mountaineering Transversal Route” project.

More...

08th December 2006
Meeting of the National and Local Tourism Organisations 

As organised by the National Tourism Organisation and attended by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr Predrag Nenezić, a meeting of National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro (NTO) with all the local tourism organisations (LTO) was held in Podgorica on the topic of “NTO-LTO/RTO Cooperation”.

The meeting aimed at enhancing cooperation between the National Tourism Organisation and the local ones towards the efficient implementation of the Law on Tourism Organisations. Namely, by the devolution of competences envisaged by this law, the local tourism organisations were given more responsibilities in creating and promoting tourism products of their municipalities.

In his introductory statement, the NTO Director welcomed the participants and expressed the readiness for a constructive dialogue.

In his address, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr Predrag Nenezić, reminded of the activities undertaken so far which contributed to creating an environment conducive to investments and further enhancement of sustainable tourism development. Minister also reminded that the Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro have established cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (TAM program), the German Society for Technical Assistance and Cooperation (GTZ), and the Centre for International Migrations and Development (CIM) to support tourism-related projects and further spur sustainable development and better use of regional economic potentials.

Some of the main goals providing grounds for good policy of sustainable tourism development and management, as was pointed out by the NTO director, Vojin Vlahović, are certainly: meeting the needs of visitors, competitiveness of tourism destination, the region and tourism businesses, cultural heritage and preservation of the environment, and product diversification. The prerequisite for attaining these goals is the productive cooperation of the National Tourism Organisation with all local tourism organisations in the coastal, the central and the northern regions alike.

After a constructive discussion and contributions of all LTO representatives, towards the end of the meeting, it was underscored that the National Tourism Organisation plays an important role in further strategic planning and diversification, in coordination and implementation of joint programmes and measures, as well as in marketing and promotional activities, in particular at the international market. Its role in strategic tourism development should be further stabilised in a wider institutional framework, in the on-going dialogue and cooperation with LTO/RTO, the private sector, as well as national and international associations and institutions.

Apart from the Minister of Tourism and Environment, the NTO Director with his aides, and the directors of local tourism organisations, the meeting was attended by the Mayor of Plav, a CIM consultant based in the NTO, and a GTZ consultant for the Tourism Master Plan, Mr Johann F. Engel.

PR Service
National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro

09th November 2006
At a successful World Travel Market in London between 6th and 9th November, the National Tourism Organisation of Montenego (NTO) launched its tourism strategy moving forwards into 2007. At the event the NTO met with 30 European media contacts to highlight the key tourism offerings. To read the press releases issued at this prestigious event please download the pdf documents:
     - Sustainable Tourism
     - Wellness & Spa

07th November 2006
PROMOTION OF THE MONTENEGRIN TOURISM PRODUCT AT THE WORLD TRAVEL MARKET 2006

During the international tourism fair “World Travel Market“ taking place from 6 - 9 November in London, the Ministry of Tourism and National Tourism Organisation held a press conference at 14:00 on Tuesday. It was hosted by Vojin Vlahovic, director of the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro and Branko Kazanegra, president of the Montenegrin Tourism Association. Addressing the British journalists, prospective investors and tour operators, Mister Vlahovic presented Montenegrin tourism product, topical issues in the current and future development of Montenegrin tourism, the development priorities in the coming period, putting emphasis on sustainable development, MICE and wellness offer of hotels and resorts. The conference was attended by some 30 representatives of the press including: Daily Telegraph, Wunderlust, BBC World, TTG, Short Breaks and Holidays, Rough Guides etc. The major tour operators were also present: Inghams, Holiday Options, Bosmere Travel, prospective investors and business people.

The following British tour operators and travel agencies feature Montenegro in their offer: Thomson, Simply Travel, Holiday Options, Balkan Holidays, Saga Travel, Inghams, Open Holidays, Bosmere Travel, Original Travel, Mercian Travel Centre, Concord Travel from Ireland, etc.

This season we have seen an increase in the number of arrivals from the UK market. According to the official statistics, by the end of August Montenegro had 8,343 visitors from UK accounting for 50,542 nights, or 64% more compared to the same period last year.

The National Tourism Organisation presents the Montenegrin tourism product in cooperation with it strategic partners, hotel companies and travel agencies at a stand covering the area of 74.25m²: „Montenegro Stars“, “The Queen of Montenegro" hotel, “Hunguest Sun Resort” hotel, Beppler & Jacobson company, Montenegro Charter company, Centre for Sustainable Tourism Initiatives, travel agencies "Globtour" and "Talas M", Coastal Zone Management", AD “Plantaze”, TO Budva, TO Cetinje, TO Zabljak.

This year WTM, taking place at the modern exhibition facility of ExCel at Docklands, gathered some 5,000 exhibitors from 200 countries and some 45,000 travel industry professionals from every sector of the industry.

Download press release

27th October 2006
NATIONAL TOURISM ORGANISATION BECOMES MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN TRAVEL COMMISSION 

Montenegro became full member of the European Travel Commission (ETC) at its 71^st General Meeting held in Malta on October 3^rd.

The President of the European Travel Commission, Dr. Arthur Oberascher, and Deputy Minister of Tourism, Nebojša Popović, signed the document for Montenegro’s accession, which made Montenegro the 36^th full member of the European Travel Commission, an organisation gathering National Tourism Organisations of Europe, whose role is to market and promote tourism to Europe in general, and to their individual countries in particular.

Addressing the members and the Board of Directors of the European Travel Commission, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Nebojša Popović, highlighted the importance for Montenegro of becoming an ETC member and the contribution Montenegro would give to ETC activities relating to upholding, competitiveness and promotion of the European tourism product. The advantages for the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro of becoming an ETC member include cooperation, sharing experiences, access to best practices, marketing initiatives and innovations, as well as the services of the website www.visiteurope.com as the European tourism portal. Here Montenegro will soon be found, after some technical requirements are met. For more information on ETC:www.etc-corporate.org.

29th September 2006
ANCIENT ROMAN VILLA IN RISAN
- Mosaics from the 2^nd Century next year ready for visitors -

Situated deep into the Boka Kotorska Bay, Risan once was a well-known maritime and trading town. Today, Risan is a tourist place, appealing both for the nature of its Bay and the remnants of its rich thousand-year-old history. The importance and richness of its history is best testified by the ancient Roman villa ruins from the 2^nd century with the famous mosaics. The ornamental and figurative floor mosaics of four rooms of the villa that once used to belong to a Roman family have been preserved. According to the experts, with their quality, technical and artistic features, the mosaics are as good as the most renowned mosaics from the Hadrian’s villa, near Rome. The figural mosaic of the villa bedroom depicts the God Hypnos. It was made of the finest multicoloured mosaic and, art historians say, it is the only depiction of this god in Roman art.

Thus, if you are on your way around the Bay or if the weather is not too good for a swim in the sea, make sure to visit the Roman mosaics in Risan and discover more about the early days of civilisation in Boka.

The Tourism Organisation and the Municipality of Kotor, together with the Institute for Monument Protection, with the support from USAID (through IRD), are endeavouring to put to value the ancient villa for tourism purposes. By the end of the year, the villa will be fully protected and ready for visitors. For further information, guided tours, rich promotional material and souvenirs, please contact the Tourism Organisation of Kotor and visit the Website: www.tokotor.com, www.tokotor.cg.yu.

14th September 2006
NEW PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL OF LOCAL TOURISM ORGANISATIONS

The information and service network for guests of Montenegro is developing well:
During the summer season, local tourism organisations have published new promotional materials on the local tourism offer (general brochures, town maps, info leaflets, hotel and private accommodation directories, etc). The material has been prepared in several languages.

Here some examples:
- Tourist guide of Herceg Novi, in cooperation with USAID/IRD, also available in English, souvenirs with recognisable motives of Herceg Novi…
- Audio guide for the Old Town (in 6 languages) of Kotor…
- Info leaflet in 6 languages of Tivat, brochure on magnolia…
- General brochure and catalogue of private accommodation units, Budva…
- “Info Bar” in 4 languages and a catalogue of private accommodation, also in English…
- Regional guide for the coast and Cetinje, also in English…
- Podgorica info and city map

More detailed information on the websites of local tourism organisations:
Herceg Novi - www.hercegnovi.cc
Kotor - www.tokotor.com, www.tokotor.cg.yu
Tivat - www.tivat.com
Budva - www.tob.cg.yu
Bar - www.tobar.cg.yu and www.to-bar.com 

25th AUGUST, 2006
Montenegro outmatches growth expectations

Although the summer season is coming to the end, the coastal area of Montenegro still remains popular. Between Herceg Novi and Ulcinj, from hotels to private accomodation, the demand stays very good. “This season outmatches all expectations”, Minister of Tourism, Mr. Predrag Nenezic comments.

During the past seven months, guest arrivals from Serbia have been more than half a million, which means 20% more arrivals than in 2005.

Considering the excellent growth rates of foreign travellers - 44% more than last year - it is realistic to expect over one million visitors in 2006.

According to the Montenegrin Central Bank information, the direct income from tourism will be approximately 80 million Euro higher, meaning altogether an income of about 300 million Euro.

02nd AUGUST, 2006
“MONTENEGRO EXPLORER” – A TREASURY OF INFORMATION AND IDEAS ON HOLIDAYMAKING IN MONTENEGRO

Published by the Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro, in cooperation with AMC as the executive producer, and supported by our strategic partners, the new edition of “Montenegro Explorer” was published today, a magazine aimed for international visitors presenting the tourism offer of Montenegro, with a handful of information and attractive photographs.

The novelty compared to the previous issues is the overview of the most important projects, which proved to be milestones in the improvement of the quality of Montenegrin tourism product – the reconstruction of the airports in Podgorica and Tivat and major newly opened and restored hotels. The latest issue of “Montenegro Explorer” is offered free of charge in 3 – 5 star hotels, restaurants and agencies, at representative offices of international institutions in Montenegro and Montenegrin consular bodies abroad.

This publication is to serve as a guide and an information bulletin for planning holidays in Montenegro. Following the same concept, it features attractive articles on tourism resources, and cultural and natural heritage. Particularly useful: appendix with the data on hotels, travel agencies, cultural institutions, sport and other associations, whose activities might be of interest for visitors. “Montenegro Explorer” been published in English and German in 15,000 copies, and the Russian and French editions are currently being prepared.

Obtainable on order at the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro: tourism@cg.yu 

28th JULY, 2006
5^th INTERNATIONAL SUMMER KOTOR CARNIVAL   

The 5^th International Summer Kotor’s Carnival, the most popular and visited carnival in the region will take place from 31st of July to 5th of August.

Since 2000 Kotor has been a member of FECC (Federation of European Carnival Cities).

Apart from the great number of fanciful masks and musical groups from Kotor and all Montenegro towns which take part in the carnival procession, carnival groups from Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Sweden, Germany and other countries will be present on 5th August,  too. This festival, that is also the authenticity of Kotor, attracts about 30.000 visitors.

The organizer is the Carnival committee “Festa” from Kotor, and under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism of Montenegro, the Municipality of Kotor, the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro and the Tourism Organisation of Kotor.

More information on
- the carnival: www.kotorkarneval.com
- the Federation of European Carnival Cities: www.carnivalcities.com

07th JULY, 2006
THE WORLD´S LARGEST SAILING SHIP WEEKLY IN MONTENEGRO
- Royal Clipper and Star Clipper in Kotor -

This summer Royal Clipper and Star Clipper, luxury cruising holiday ships stop in Kotor, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in this part of the Mediterranean. UNESCO´s list of the World Heritage highlights the region as the „Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor“ since 1979. The ships provide romantic adventures in tall ship tradition. 

The Royal Clipper, the largest square rigged sailing ship in the world, has started to come to Montenegro on 10th of June. Now this ship is calling at Kotor every week - on Fridays one week and Sundays the next week - during its voyages from Civitavecchia (Port of Rome)  to Venice, and vice versa.

In 1902, the largest, fastest sailing ship the world had ever seen was launched. The legendary „Preussen“ dominated the seas, only to be gone in a few short years. Neither before nor since had the world seen such a magnificent sailing ship, until the Royal Clipper.

The Star Clipper, her smaller sister ship, will also be calling at Kotor four times in the summer - on Monday 10th of July, Friday 14th of July, Monday 28th of August and Friday 1st of September - on its way from Cannes (France) to Dubrovnik (Croatia) and vice versa.

More information on
- the cruises: www.starclippers.co.uk
- the town of Kotor: www.tokotor.cg.yu
- the UNESCO World Heritage: http://whc.unesco.org

03rd JULY, 2006
caravan “BIKING THE BALKANS” IN MONTENEGRO

Participants in the ‘Biking the Balkans’ caravan from various European countries, organized, promoted and coordinated by UNESCO’s Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe (BRESCE), on July 6^th will enter Montenegro. The caravan will cross the Western Balkans from 24th June to 15th July 2006, stopping at eleven different sites of natural and cultural international importance. In Montenegro, where UNESCO partners for this event are UNDP Podgorica and Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Montenegro, the bikers will first stop at Durmitor National Park, and later explore the Skadar Lake. The group started in Padua on June 24^th and will conclude in Ohrid (FYROM-Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) on July 15^th - passing through Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania. A bicycle was chosen as the most appropriate means of transport, a symbol of a sustainable method of transportation for territorial exploration, and whole event promote the idea of sustainable development as a result of interaction between the local initiatives and the global networking. In every site on the route there are or will be an opportunity to debate issues that are of relevance to UNESCO’s involvement in South Eastern Europe in the future.

More information at: www.bikingthebalkans.org