Bulletin No. 91, December 2009

BULLETEN
Number 91 - DECEMBER 2009
AN EXTRACT FROM THE MONTENEGRO
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY TO 2020
“The winter offer must be directed towards domestic and neighbouring markets as well as towards international target groups for which the Alpine skiing is important, but not a crucial segment, but it is
rather a somewhat different range of activities and experiences. Since this approach is followed even in
the Alps due to climate change, Montenegro should focus on its greatest asset – Wild Beauty”.
PUBLISHERS:
GOVERNMENT OF
MONTENEGRO
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
ANNUAL TOURISM –
“WILD BEAUTY
Minister:
Mr. Predrag Nenezić
Secretary of the Ministry:
Mrs. Željka Radak Kukavičić
PR:
Mrs. Jelena Paović
Address:
Rimski trg 46
81000 Podgorica
Montenegro
Annual tourism awards presentation for the contribution to quality, recognition and promotion of tourist offer of Montenegro “Wild Beauty Award 2009”
was held at Villa Gorica in Podgorica on 16 December under the auspices of the
President of Montenegro, Filip Vujanovic, in the organization of the NTO.
Phones:
+382 (0)20 482 333
+382 (0)20 482 334
+382 (0)20 234 116
Fax:
+382 (0)20 234 168
E-mail:
[email protected]
Web site:
www.mt.gov.me
NATIONAL TOURISM
ORGANISATION OF
MONTENEGRO
Managing Director:
Mr. Saša Radović
Address:
Rimski trg 47
81000 Podgorica
Montenegro
Phone:
+382 (0)20 235 155
Fax:
+382 (0)20 235 159
Call center:
1300
E-mail:
[email protected]
Web site:
www.montenegro.travel
2.
This Bulletin is printed on
recycled paper.
December 2009
AWARDS WINNERS OF “WILD BEAUTY AWARD 2009” BY
CATEGORIES
I HOTELS
The best hotel in Montenegro
• Hotel “Splendid Conference & Spa”, Bečići
The best small hotel in the coastal area (up to 25 rooms)
• “Forza mare”, Kotor
The best small hotel in the continental area (up to 25 rooms)
• “Ski hotel”, Žabljak
The best new hotel (this category also includes the hotels that underwent reconstruction of over 70%)
• “Ruža vjetrova”, Bar
The best city hotel (located in the very centre of town)
• “Vardar”, Kotor
The best hotel whose specific features contribute to tourist offer improvement
• “Kula Damjanova”, Plav
II COMPANIES
The company with the greatest contribution to tourism development
• “HIT Montenegro”, Budva
The travel agency with the best results
• “Alfa tours”, Budva
AWARDS GRANTED
AWARD 2009”
III CAMPAIGNS
The campaign that contributed to the promotion and improvement of the image of Montenegro
• “Kotor Art”, Kotor
On this occasion, the Award Council and the Jury single
out the campaign “Ova zemlja nam je dom”, which considerably contributed to creating awareness of the importance of sustainable development and the quality of
life of all citizens, whose implementation involved the
whole Montenegrin public, and which promotes environmental protection and directly affects the image of
Montenegro as a tourist destination.
IV EVENTS
The best tourism event in Montenegro
• “Dani vina i ukljeve”, Virpazar
The event of the year – the event with the greatest promotional effect for Montenegro
• The Music Festival “Pjesma Mediterana 2009”, Budva
V BEACHES
The best beach
• “MCM rental Velika plaža“, Ulcinj
VI TOURIST PLACE / LOCATION
The best tourist place
• Kolašin
IX PROJECTS IN TOURISM
The best project in nature-based tourism
• Within the Hiking&Biking Project, the book "Wilderness
Biking Montenegro” by Rade Minić was awarded,
which was printed and published within the implementation of the project and which is a unique guide with 17
carefully selected tracks in the length of more than
1700km.
VII WEBSITE
The best tourist web-site
• www.montenegroairlines.com
VIII MEDIA / AUTHOR’S WORK, AUTHOR
The media (printed, electronic) which contributed to the popularization and creation of awareness of the importance of
tourism in Montenegro
• The essay of Milisav Popović “The Balkan work of art”,
published in the jubilee-edition of the “National Geographic” magazine.
The best project in education in tourism
• The Project of the Faculty for Tourism and Hospitality,
Kotor - „Labor market Oriented Curriculum Program” –
the project for innovating curriculum within the academic specialized study programme of tourism, in line
with the needs of tourism industry.
In view of this year’s granting of the awards, the National
Tourist Organization allocated the donation in the amount of
EUR 1,000 to daily centers for children with disabilities, “Komanski most” in Podgorica and the Centre in Ulcinj respectively.
December 2009
3.
MINISTER PREDRAG NENEZIĆ TOOK
PART IN THE PANEL ON CLIMATE
CHANGE FROM THE TOURISM PERSPECTIVE WITHIN THE CONFERENCE
IN COPENHAGEN
THE TOURISM MINISTER PREDRAG NENEZIĆ HELD A MEETING
WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE BANKING SECTOR
On 18 December, the conference on the subject of addressing climate change from the perspective of tourism
and travel sector was held within XV UN Climate Change
Conference held from 7 to 18 December in Copenhagen,
organized by the UN World Tourist Organization (UNWTO)
and the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC).
4.
At the organizer’s invitation, the Tourism Minister Predrag
Nenezić took part both as a speaker and panelist at the conference. Other participants included Jean-Claude Baumgarten,
the President of the World Tourism and Travel Council, Taleb
Rifai, the Secretary General of the UN World Tourist Organization, Mary Snyder, the Vice-President of the Marriott International hotel chain, Carla Aguirre, the Head of the Department
for Environmental Research of Visit Sweden, the country which
is currently chairing the EU and Jonathon Counsell, the Director of Environmental Department of the British Airways.
Nenezić spoke on the subject of the relationship and role
of public sector in the process of adaptation and adjustment
to climate change and other phenomena which adversely affect the environment, including the tourism sector as well, such
as the rapid loss of biodiversity. He pointed out to the importance of consistent adhering to globally set goals and he especially stressed the importance of public-private partnership
in tourism as a response to global challenges of the economic
and ecological crisis.
The presidents of both world organizations gave credit to
Montenegro for strong commitment to sustainable development of the country, the goals defined in strategic state documents, as well as the results achieved in tourism, as well as in
other fields.
It was pointed out once again at the conference that the
tourism and travel sector is the largest global economic sector,
generator of the largest number of jobs, as well as the one
which contributes to some extent to increased gas emissions
creating the greenhouse effect, and, thus, to global climate
change. Therefore, in global terms, it is important for it not to
stop developing, but to adapt to current challenges and to be,
in one aspect, a leader in implementation of new green technologies.
December 2009
The Tourism Minister Predrag Nenezić with his associates held a meeting with the representatives of the
banking sector on Wednesday, 23 December of the current year, where the credit support for tourism industry was
discussed. It was stated after the meeting of the representatives of the banks and the Ministries of Tourism and
Finances that the Montenegrin tourism industry could
await the following year and prepare the following season
with more optimism since the commercial banks had
money and possibilities for project financing in the sector.
The Tourism Minister, Predrag Nenezić, said that
the optimism of tourism industry in the following season
was based on the fact that the banks would be able to
finance quality project in the sector in the following year.
The next year holds a lot of unknowns and challenges,
but less than this one. Nevertheless, it is enough for the
tourism industry to await it with a lot of anxiety, said
Nenezić. He announced that the arrangements made
with international financial institutions, the German KfW
and the European Investment Bank (EIB), as well as the
announcement of the forthcoming establishment of the
investment development fund should contribute to positive expectations in the next year.
The establishment of the Fund and the arrangements with KfW and EIB should give new impulse in the
process of ensuring credit resources for tourism industry, assessed Nenezić. He said that, although a number
of tourism business people regularly meet their obligations towards banks, there is a large number of those
who need support from the Government and a more
flexible approach of the banks.
The Executive Director of Hypo Alpe Adria Bank,
Tarik Telaćević, announced that financial companies
would define credit conditions offered to tourism industry in the shortest possible term. He pointed out that no
economically-based project would be neglected. Telaćević announced that the banking sector had responded to
a significant number of clients’ requests for credit
rescheduling. Banks are available for every company
which has the economic rationale for rescheduling, concluded Telaćević.
THE TOURISM MINISTER, PREDRAG NENEZIĆ, HELD A
MEETING WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMPANY D’APPOLONIA CONCERNING THE DRAFT OF
THE PROJECT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN “INTEGRATED
AND SUSTAINABLE TRAFFIC SYSTEM IN PERAST”
On 16 December of the current year, a meeting was
held in the Ministry of Tourism with the representatives
of the company “D’Appolonia” which was entrusted with
the project implementation. The implementation of EUR
700,000 worth project of the construction of integrated
and sustainable traffic system in Perast should enable
greater mobility of traffic in that coastal town with the
use of the most up-to-date technical instruments.
The Tourism Minister, Predrag Nenezić, believes that
the implementation of the project in Perast will ensure
new, modern basis and sophisticated techniques,
along with respect for the environment. He reminded
of the fact that it was one in a series of project implemented in cooperation with the Italian Government in
the field of tourism, environmental protection, energetic
efficiency and agriculture since 2004. The traffic
through Perast will be completely organized by means
of electric vehicles in summer months. The entire business
will have been completed by the next summer by the Italian company which already has experience in that country.
This project will also be implemented in other towns of
Montenegro – said Minister Nenezić.
The project, according to General Director of the Italian company D’Appolonia, Marco Cremonini, implies the construction of a system which would be controlled through video
surveillance, and which would ensure the advantage to residents and reduce the use of motor vehicles in the town.
“The idea is to ensure access to tourists, not in an invasive
manner, but to leave vehicles at the car-park”, said Cremonini, whose company should implement this project.
He specified that EUR 700,000, the amount allocated for the
project implementation, would be used for the construction
of infrastructure and parking zone, as well as for the pur-
chase of necessary equipment for the complete system.
The representatives of the Italian company presented the
most sophisticated technical instruments for the system
functioning which are used in Italy and which could contribute to reducing the use of private vehicles in Perast.
“The idea is to introduce electric vehicles with reduced gas
emissions, such as electric bicycles and cars. The use of
these vehicles would increase the tourist attractiveness of
the town”, assessed Cremonini.
He believes that the project is adaptable, particularly for a
small town, such as Perast.
“It was convenient to choose a smaller town for the pilot project implementation, so as to see how the system functions
in its example. If everything goes well, the project could also
be applied in larger towns”, explained Cremonini.
The project of the construction of integrated and sustainable traffic system in Perast should be implemented by the
next summer season so it could be, according to him, a
positive example to other Montenegrin towns.
The Director of the Company D’Appolonia, Marco Cremonini, said that the goal of this project was to increase
tourist attractiveness of Perast.
“We already apply the similar technology in some towns on
our coast and it proved to be successful. The vehicles with
reduced emissions are introduced into the traffic – electric
cars and electric bicycles. The town gains in attractiveness
with the use of such vehicles. Solar panels as producers of
energy will also be applied – announced Cremonini.
December 2009
5.
VISA LIBERALIZATION AND BENEFITS FROM THE
ASPECT OF TOURISM AND AIR TRAFFIC
On Tuesday, 15 December, the Ministers of Tourism and Maritime Affairs, Transportation and
Telecommunication, Predrag Nenezić and Andrija Lompar and the President of the Airline
Company Montenegro Airlines, Zoran Đurišić, held a press conference concerning visa liberalization and benefits from the aspect of tourism and air traffic.
The Montenegrin Government and the national airline carrier Montenegro Airlines (MA) marked visa liberalization for the citizens of
Montenegro by organizing a free promotional flight to Rome and
cheap air tickets for Schengen Agreement European destinations.
The Tourism Minister, Predrag Nenezić, expects that mutual activities of the Government and MA will increase the number of travels
abroad of the Montenegrin citizens, because it is important for the
tourism sector that Montenegro is not only a destination to come to,
but also the one to travel from.
According to him, good business operations of MA is very important
for the Montenegrin tourism since in this way the national airline carrier becomes a significant factor of the Montenegrin tourist offer,
which is primarily an air destination.
The representatives of the Government claim that there are no restrictions for the entry of low cost airline carriers in Montenegro, but
they cannot be brought to the domestic market “by force”.
The Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication, Andrija Lompar, announced that a free flight to Rome for about
a hundred of passengers, the best Montenegrin students, outstanding farmers and pupils living in poor social conditions would be organized on Monday, 20 January. “It is a one-day excursion to Rome
for about 90 to 100 passengers, students, farmers and pupils”, announced Lompar. He also added that MA had prepared a quality promotional flight offer to Schengen Agreement European destinations
at a substantial discount in order to mark visa liberalization. Lompar
believes that low fares, which amount to EUR 19, as one-way fares
without tariffs and EUR 38 as return fares, will enable citizens to visit
some European destinations. “We expect that citizens, who wanted
to travel, but were not able because of visas, will contribute to a
significant increase of the number of passengers on all air-routes
MA operates”, said Lompar.
The President of the Board of Directors of MA, Zoran
Đurišić, announced that the application of more reasonable rates, which amount to EUR 168 to EUR
194 with all tariffs, depending on the destination,
would apply until the end of January.
The company will, as he said, analyse
the achieved results by the end of
January and decide whether the
campaign will
6.
December 2009
continue. They announced from MA that return
tickets, which include payment of all necessary
tariffs, would cost EUR 180 to Frankfurt, EUR 174
to Ljubljana, EUR 194 to Paris, EUR 168 to
Rome, EUR 175 to Vienna, EUR 179 to Zurich,
EUR 172 to Copenhagen and EUR 171 to Dusseldorf.
Đurišić said that the national airline carrier would
implement the required price policy, if MA was
provided with the conditions requested by low
cost companies.
“If MA is provided with the conditions requested
by low cost companies, we will implement those
rates”, said Đurišić.
It was announced from the Government that the
received bids for an advisor in the process of MA
privatization had been
opened and analysed
at the meeting of the
Tender Committee
for MA privatization
held on Friday.
ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH
THE WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURISM COUNCIL (WTTC)
AND THE UN WORLD TOURIST ORGANIZATION
(UNWTO) IN THEIR JOINT STATEMENT CITED MINISTER PREDRAG NENEZIĆ
In the joint statement of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the UN World Tourist Organization (UNWTO)
issued concerning the Conference in Copenhagen, under the title “Travel and Tourism Sector Sets Standards for Climate
Change”, the quotation of the Tourism Minister of Montenegro, Predrag Nenezić, can be found among the chosen quotations of the leaders of governments and tourism industry.
“In Montenegro, we believe that we must test and measure everything we do in tourism against its impact on the environment,” said Predrag Nenezic, Minister of Tourism of Montenegro. “This commitment is reflected in the very Constitution, in the National Sustainable Tourism Strategy, in our tourism
laws, building regulations and emission limiting initiatives. But we must translate all these requirements into action every single day, because climate change knows neither state nor political borders.
To do any less is to violate our responsibility as masters of our land on behalf of our children, and our
children's children. Our commitment, simply put, must be complete and unwavering.”
Predrag Nenezić, the Tourism Minister of Montenegro
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) and the UN World Travel Organization (UNWTO) are leading bodies in the
private or public travel and tourism sector. WTTC represents a forum of business world leaders from 100 most outstanding companies in the travel and tourism sector, while UNWTO is a specialized UN Agency with the membership in over 150
countries and some 400 stakeholders from private and public sector in tourism.
Through joint activities, these two leading bodies on the global level adjust their efforts on integrating the fragmented travel
and tourism sector so as to speak out unanimously about the critical issue of climate change. For more information about
WTTC and UNWTO, visit www.wttc.org and www.UNWTO.org.
7.
December 2009
ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH
THE EUROPEAN MAGAZINE “THE
OF MINISTER PREDRAG NENEZIĆ
EDITION
The influential European magazine “The Parliament”, which deals with current political, economic
and social topics, published a text of Minister Nenezić under the title “A Catalyst of Recovery” in its
special December edition dedicated to tourism, promotion, development and cooperation in South
East Europe.
“THE VALORIZATION OF TOURISM”
Predrag Nenezić highlights the crucial role of
tourism in South East Europe
TOURISM IN SOUTH EAST EUROPE / MONTENEGRO
A CATALYST OF RECOVERY
Tourism has a critical role to play in South East Europe,
both in this current period of economic crisis and beyond, writes Predrag Nenezić
The power of tourism to support and catalyze growth
has never been more important than during this most
severe and widespread economic crisis in living memory. Virtually every nation in the region, and well beyond,
is faced with the challenge of navigating through treacherous economic shoals while continuing to steer a wise
and prudent course towards sustainable development
and appropriate growth.
So, how can tourism really make a difference during
these difficult times? And why should tourism be a priority when there are so many other priorities, so many
other demands for extremely limited resources?
First, tourism has one of the strongest economic multiplicative effects of all sectors, with a progressive, rather
than regressive, impact on income distribution. A great
8.
part of its revenue goes to individuals and small enterprises.
And tourism disproportionately helps the least advantaged in
society by providing a portal to a better life for many. The current economic crisis has already taken its toll and affected so
many lives - whether it is the waiter whose working hours have
been cut in half, and who now has trouble feeding his family
or the small entrepreneur who can no longer get a loan to build
his business and create jobs or the young person who has always dreamed of a career in travel and tourism, but whose
dream is now deferred - or completely denied. Only targeted
action aimed at recovery and growth in tourism revenues will
repair this human toll.
Second, appropriate tourism, when well managed, is a clean
industry. Third, tourism growth stimulates new investment, and
fourth, foreign visitation is an export, improving balance of
trade. So, given these benefits, what can
As governments, we must also cooperate as reasonable partners with
governments do to ensure that they are
the private sector. We needn't be the private sector's best friend, but
fully implemented? Three key action
we can't be their unthinking adversary either. We must seek a "middle
areas are now more important than ever.
way" that recognizes the critical role governments can play in certain
Beginning with investment, it is clear that
areas, while at the same time acknowledging the private sector's key
this crisis is not simply one of economrole as source of capital, as an engine of growth, and as a creator of a
ics and finance. Rather, it is a crisis of
marketable tourism product. This middle way is critical to achieving
confidence, with fear, anxiety and risk
"smart growth" – well balanced growth, well distributed and sustainaversion endemic among consumers,
able growth.
distributors, developers and others. We
December 2009
ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH
PARLIAMENT” PUBLISHED A TEXT
IN ITS SPECIAL DECEMBER
must invest in our national brands, keeping them in
the consumer's mind for the longer term, while making differentiated value based on offers in the immediate term. The smart marketer knows that this
is the time to expand, not contract, branding and
sales efforts, in order to be better positioned when
consumers once again start travelling and spending, as they always have, and will again. Some say
we cannot afford to spend precious resources on
tourism promotion. I would argue we cannot afford
not to. And, perhaps most importantly, we must invest in human capital. Training, education and skill
enhancement are more crucial than ever. Another
key factor is cooperation. Embracing "co-operation"
- a cooperative approach to competition - is crucial.
We must work together as a region in South East
Europe, and as the whole Europe. While we are indeed competitors with our neighbors, we must also
work together to stimulate demand for the region as
a whole through joint marketing, by reducing problems such as border delays and visa barriers, and
actively supporting pragmatic and relevant regional
promotion entities.
As governments, we must also cooperate as reasonable partners with the private sector. We needn't be the private sector's best friend, but we can't
be their unthinking adversary either. We must seek
a "middle way" that recognizes the critical role governments can play in certain areas, while at the
same time acknowledging the private sector's key
role as source of capital, as an engine of growth,
and as a creator of a marketable tourism product. This middle way is critical to achieving "smart growth" – well balanced
growth, well distributed and sustainable growth.
And finally, the environment! It is during difficult economic
times such as these that one hears from some circles that
the commitment to true sustainability must wait , that it is too
costly, that it is not the time to invest in CO2 emissions mitigation in tourism now, and that such investment is a luxury.
In fact, quite the opposite is true.
The reality is that building a green economy is central to
flourishing of a sustainable destination and strong competitor in the ever more challenging tourism marketplace. Travelers who care about both the quality of the environment in
the destinations they visit and the degree of responsible
stewardship shown by the destination are no longer a market niche. Rather they are the market.
Anyone, whether it is a political leader or business executive, who minimizes this increasing and enduring focus by
travelers worldwide, does so very much at their peril.
Therefore, as we face this crisis together, we must, as governments and as leaders, redouble our efforts to ensure that
tourism gains sufficient focus, and sufficient resources to
realize its potential as an important catalyst for recovery in
the world in which nations' economic fates are inextricably
intertwined.
December 2009
9.
ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH
THE MONTENEGRIN DELEGATION TOOK PART AT THE
FORUM “DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN SOUTH EAST
EUROPE – DEVELOPMENT, COOPERATION AND
PROMOTION”
On 8 December of the current year, a Forum Deputy Minister Nebojša Popović presented the efforts Montenegro is
on the subject “Tourism in South East Eu- making on its way to high quality tourist destination and which are imrope – Development, Cooperation and Pro- plemented in the Tourism Development Strategy to 2020. It is a chalmotion” was held in Brussels in the lenge at the time of economic crisis to maintain a trend of growth and
organization of the European Commission not to depart from strategic commitments to development on susand the magazine “European Parliament”. tainable basis and remain responsible to what is common to all counMontenegro was represented by Deputy tries of this part Europe, and that is natural beauty, rich culture and
Minister of Tourism, Nebojša Popović, and long tradition of hospitality.
Director of the National Tourist Organization,
Saša Radović. Apart from our country, the
region must, in turn, focus their activities on crossborder projForum was attended by the representatives of Serbia,
ects, while encouraging private tourism business to cooperBosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Albania, Romania,
ate on a regional level, since, only thus, the cooperation can
Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Macedonia and Greece. A
be sustainable in the long term. Popović pointed out natural
member of the European Parliament was present at
and cultural diversity and still insufficient level of exploration of
each of three Panels.
this region as the main advantage in attracting tourists from
overseas markets, which are currently in expansion. Naturally,
At the Panel devoted to development, Deputy Minister
the importance of the so-called internal market of this region
Nebojša Popović presented the efforts Montenegro is
must not be neglected, which has a significant place in tourism
making on its way to high quality tourist destination and
turnover of every individual state. Further on, he informed the
which are implemented in the Tourism Development
attendees about the specific initiatives and projects of coopStrategy to 2020. It is a challenge at the time of ecoeration with neighbouring countries which received a subnomic crisis to maintain a trend of growth and not to
stantial support from international donor organizations present
depart from strategic commitments to development on
in Montenegro during this period.
sustainable basis and remain responsible to what is
common to all countries of this part Europe, and that is
In the part of the Forum devoted to promotion, Director
natural beauty, rich culture and long tradition of hospiRadović pointed out to the fact that only strong national brands
tality. Complementarity of the offer of these countries
could contribute to the new brand of the whole region, since,
should be the basis for future stronger cooperation
otherwise, small countries could fall into a trap to become unwhich must also be supported by appropriate institurecognizable on emission markets. He informed the attendees
tions of the EU and its initiatives. Governments of the
about alternative forms of tourism developing in Montenegro, which are the
tourism oriented to nature, sports-adventurous and cultural-religious tourism.
They, by their essence, have greater potential for regional cooperation and they
are helpful in the promotion to present a
destination integrally, including undeveloped and protected areas. He pointed out
that the recent visa liberalization for three
countries of the region, including Montenegro, would give a crucial impetus to
tourism cooperation and more intensive
circulation of travellers of the entire South
East Europe.
The delegation from Montenegro used
the opportunity to meet the following
members of the European Parliament:
Jelka Kacin, Michel Cramer, Brian Simpson and Tanja Fajon.
10..
December 2009
ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH
DIRECTOR OF THE NTO, SAŠA RADOVIĆ, AND
DEPUTY MINISTER OF TOURISM, NEBOJŠA POPOVIĆ,
PAID A BUSINESS VISIT TO THE MUNICIPALITY OF
ŽABLJAK
Director of the National Tourist Organization,
Saša Radović, and Deputy Minister of Tourism,
Nebojša Popović, paid a business visit to the
Municipality of Žabljak today where they informed the President of the Municipality, Isailo
Šljivančanić and his associates about the undertaken activities on the preparation of the season. On that occasion, Director Radović
highlighted the short-term and long-term aspects of tourism development in that municipality. Within the short-term aspects, he singled out
the preparation for the forthcoming season, the
activities on increasing accommodation capacities, improvement of infrastructure and development of the ski centre. With respect to
long-term aspects of tourism development at
Žabljak, he stated the need for regional integrating of municipalities gravitating toward Durmitor into a unique tourist product, which in European scales has an
enormous potential for
the
development
of
tourism oriented to nature. The director also
pointed out that the opening of the road RisanŽabljak was expected to
be a major driving force
for faster completion of
initiated investments and
launching of new projects
in tourism.
The representatives of
the company which manages the ski centre at
Žabljak informed Deputy
Minister of Tourism,
Nebojša Popović, and Director Radović that all
legally prescribed procedure for initiating the operation of ski lifts had
been completed.
The President of the Municipality of Žabljak, Isailo
Šljivančanin, emphasised
the need for greater participation of the local
tourist organization of
Žabljak in the overall ac-
tivities of tourism industry and the National Tourist
Organization. He informed about excellent booking for New Year’s holidays as well as for the forthcoming season. Likewise, the President
expressed the expectation that this year’s visit of
tourists would be on the last year’s level, and even
better than last year in case of favourable weather
conditions.
During their visit to Žabljak, Director Saša Radović
and Deputy Minister Nebojša Popović visited “Ski
hotel” which was awarded the “Wild Beauty
Award”, the award for the best small hotel in the
continental area.
www.mt.gov.me
The President of the Municipality of Žabljak, Isailo Šljivančanin, emphasised the
need for greater participation of the local
tourist organization of Žabljak in the overall activities of tourism industry and the
National Tourist Organization. He informed
about excellent booking for New Year’s
holidays as well as for the forthcoming
season. Likewise, the President expressed
the expectation that this year’s visit of
tourists would be on the last year’s level,
and even better than last year in case of
favourable weather conditions.
December 2009
11.
ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH
THE PRESENTATION OF THE RESULTS OF THE
TOURIST SURVEY HELD, CONDUCTED BY THE NTO OF
MONTENEGRO IN THE COOPERATION WITH GTZ AND
THE RESEARCH AGENCY “DEFACTO CONSULTANCY”
DURING 2009
12.
On 21 December of the current year, a press conference of
the NTO of Montenegro was held in the multimedia room of
KIC “Budo Tomović“, regarding the announcement of results
of the tourist survey “Guest Survey 2009”. Director of the
NTO of Montenegro, Saša Radović and Director of GTZ for
Montenegro, Thomas Waldraff, delivered a keynote address,
and Nikola Đurović from the research agency “DeFacto Consultancy” from Podgorica who was a partner in this project
presented the results of “Guest Survey 2009”.
the stay of tourists in Montenegro: a return visit to Montenegro, the most important activities during their stay,
tourist places visited in Montenegro and excursions in the
region make a separate item. The most important activities
in the northern region are hiking (67%), swimming (52%),
and enjoying good food (42%). In the central region they
are: enjoying good food (43%), sightseeing (41%) and
swimming (35%). In the southern region they are: swimming (93%), hiking (44%), shopping (42%) etc.
Radović pointed out that the aim of this project was to get an
objective and representative picture of the satisfaction of the
guests during their stay in Montenegro with the aim of
achieving quality development and innovating the tourism
product, as well as its positioning on the European market.
Qualitative indicators thus obtained will be the guidelines for
further product development in terms of improving its quality and competitiveness on increasingly turbulent tourist market, as well as in terms of its promotion on key markets.
The main advantages are low crime rate, good quality accommodation, astonishing nature, high personal safety during travelling across the country and the variety of offer. It
is also an important piece of information that most respondents take Montenegro into account while choosing the
next destination for their holiday (82% of them). The disadvantages are also pointed out: too much waste, bad traffic
conditions, language barriers in communication with the
staff. The price level is estimated as standard, by the
tourists from the region, whereas the tourists from Western
Europe assessed it partly as standard, and partly as very
acceptable. The data about consumption was also obtained, so the planned overnight stay consumption in euro
for the northern region amounts to EUR 64, EUR 66 for the
central region and EUR 34 for the southern region.
Thomas Waldraff said that a survey in the tourism industry
had been conducted, and that the “Guest Survey 2009”
(tourist survey), whose most important results had been presented that day, was an important instrument for further research, since the data about tourist consumption as well as
the information about certain tourism product had been obtained. From both surveys (among the industry and tourists)
it will be possible to develop a system for projections in
tourism in the coming
months which will ensure
further product development and promotion in
tourism for the Ministry of
Tourism and the NTO.
After Waldraff, the attendees were addressed by
Nikola Đurović from the
research agency “DeFacto Consultancy” who
informed the public with
the methodology, main
goals, tasks and results
of the “Guest Survey
2009”. The results of this
project provided answers
to important questions
such as: the age of
tourists visiting Montenegro, their sex, monthly income, nationality, etc.
The questions regarding
December 2009
You can find more information and the report at:
www.montenegro.travel
ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH
THE WINTER TOURIST OFFER AND NEW YEAR’S
ARRANGEMENTS
PRESENTED IN BELGRADE
With the aim of promoting the winter season, on 11
December of the current year, in the organization of
the National Tourist Organization and the Ministry of
Tourism, business meetings of hoteliers, renters of
private accommodation and the agencies from Montenegro with tourist agencies from Serbia were held
in the premises of the branch office of the National
Tourist Organization of Montenegro in Belgrade.
In the keynote speech, Director of the NTO of Montenegro, Saša Radović, and Director of the branch
office, Bojan Stanojević, welcomed business partners who accepted the invitation in a large number
and expressed readiness for cooperation during the
winter season as well. The agencies from Serbia
which were specialized for the swimming tourism
segment in the past period are increasingly showing
the interest for the winter offer of the northern region
and the coastal region. The improved offer of ski centres, accommodation capacities, culinary offer, active holiday in the
snow, as well as wellness and spa capacities and excellent
conditions for the preparation of sportsmen in the seaside hotels were highlighted. The rich cultural- entertainment programme in hotels and in town squares was also presented,
and a special interest was shown for the events in Budva. It
was once again pointed out that the offer in Montenegro would
be adapted and available to various budgets and affinities.
The tourist agencies from Serbia praised this method of promotion and connecting tourist industries of the two countries
and they showed a special interest for traffic availability during
winter months, air tickets rates and conditions in ski centres.
The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Montenegrin hotel companies and small hotels: “
- Beppler and Jacobson”,
- “HTP Budvanska Rivijera”,
- “HTP Ulcinjska Rivijera”, - “Montenegro Stars Hotel Group”,
- “Vektra Boka” AD,
- HTP “Primorje Tivat”,
- the Hotel “Javor”,
- the Hotel “Djevojački most“,
then TO of the Municipality of Budva and „Montenegroairlines“,
as well as tourist agencies from Serbia:
- “SAB International”,
- “Jolly Travel”,
- “Kontiki Travel”,
- “Soul Travel”,
- “Filip Travel”,
- “Top Tours”,
- “Baskettours”,
- “Radius Nautica”,
- “Mediteraneo Travel”,
- “Putovanje.info”,
- “Globus Travel”,
- “Robert Travel”,
- “Tomas Company”,
- “Vekol Tours”.
December 2009
13.
ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH
PRESENTATION OF WINTER TOURIST OFFER OF
MONTENEGRO IN SARAJEVO AND BUSINESS
MEETINGS OF TOURISM INDUSTRY
Within the activities aiming at informing the
market of the Region about the winter tourist
offer of Montenegro, business meetings of
hoteliers and agencies from Montenegro and
tourist agencies from the market of Bosnia
and Herzegovina were held on 15 December
of the current year in Sarajevo, in the organization of the National Tourist Organization and
the Ministry of Tourism.
The business meetings organized in such way
are a part of a series of activities devoted to
the market of Bosnia and Herzegovina which
accounts for 11,49% in the structure of foreign
overnights.
A study group of journalists of the most important media from the Federation of Bosnia
and Herzegovina stayed in the north of the
country over the last week, visiting hotels, private accommodation and the ski centre “Durmitor” and “Kolašin 1450“, familiarizing themselves with the current offer of these winter
centres.
At the workshop organized in Avaz Twist Tower, apart from presenting the integral offer of the coastal region and the north of
the country during winter months, a special focus was given to
the offer of winter ski centres (Žabljak, Kolašin, etc) as well as
to the offer of hoteliers and caterers for New Year’s holidays.
The representatives of agencies were informed about the programme of events during winter months in the whole Montenegro, as well as about cultural-entertainment-sports events
organized in all mountainous centres with the aim of recognizing and improving tourist offer during the winter season
and additional entertainments in the snow.
14.
The meeting of a B2B type was attended by the representatives of the agencies:
- “Albatros”,
- “Bio Tours”,
- “Centro Tours”,
- “Dundee Tours”,
- “Galileo”,
- “Kuk Tours”,
- “Kompas”,
- “Promo Tours”,
- “Relax Tours”,
- “S Tours”,
- “Sirius”,
- “Vip Travels”,
- “ZOI Tours”,
December 2009
whereas the Montenegrin offer was presented
by:
“HG
Budvanska Rivijera”,
“HTP Ulcinjska Rivijera”,
“Montenegro
Stars”, the Hotel “Vardar” and tourist organizations of Budva and
Ulcinj.
A study group of journalists
of the most important
media from the Federation
of Bosnia and Herzegovina
stayed in the north of the
country over the last week,
visiting hotels, private accommodation and the ski
centre “Durmitor” and “Kolašin 1450“, familiarizing
themselves with the current
offer of these winter
centres.
The interest for better
connection between
Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro in
tourism terms was displayed through great attention of
media which were present at the meeting:
- “BHT1”,
- “TV HAYAT”,
The business meetings or- “TV PINK”,
ganized in such way are a
- Radio “RSG”,
part of a series of activities
- Radio “BIH1”,
devoted to the market of
- the Agency
Bosnia
and Herzegovina
“Onasa”,
which accounts for 11,49%
- the Agency “Fena”,
in the structure of foreign
and
- the review “Magazin”,
- the review “City” and - “Dnevni Avaz”.
ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH
THE MICE OFFER OF MONTENEGRO PRESENTED AT
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TRADE FAIRS FOR
THIS TYPE OF TOURISM – EIBTM IN BARCELONA
After the tourism fairs in Paris and
London, as well as one-day presentations within Roadshow which was
held in three towns in Germany, the
MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences-congresses and events) offer
of Montenegro was presented for the
second time within the EIBTM fair
held in the period from 1st to 3rd December in Barcelona. The tourist offer
was presented at the stand of 40 m2
in the organization of MCB (the Montenegrin Congress Bureau) and the
National Tourist Organization of Montenegro.
During the fair, besides a large number of individual meetings, 9 group
meetings were organized for hosted
buyers, who are responsible for planning, organizing and financial decisions for the mentioned travels from
Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Benelux, Italy, Scandinavian countries and USA, and for whom special presentations are organized during the day at
the Montenegrin stand. Montenegro has good prerequisites for MICE tourism development, such as geographical position, just a couple of hour’s flight away from larger European centres, with good price-quality relation (although in some
segments some more work is needed), with increasingly better infrastructure, particularly an increasing number of hotels
with exceptionally modern congress capacities at their disposal, and, besides all this, we represent a new, unexplored destination, which is also an advantage.
This year’s EIBTM brought together more than 3,000 exhibitors
Within the Montenegrin stand, the following hotels
from over 90 countries and 3,700 greatest world decision-makpresented their offer: Adriastar Hotels&Resort (hoers for congress travels. By combining the latest issues and
tels Avala, Queen of Montenegro, Bianca and
trends in this industry, by launching exclusive research results,
Lipca), the Hotel Maestral, the Hotel Mediteran,
as well as with a whole series of the best international speakMontenegro Stars Hotel Group (hotels Spelendid
ers and experts, EIBTM aims at providing the highest standard
Conference and Spa Resort, Montenegro and
of education through seminars held during the three-day fair.
Blue Star) as well as the agency Talas M DMC.
This year’s EIBTM brought together more than 3,000 exhibitors from over 90 countries and 3,700 greatest world decision-makers for congress travels. By combining the latest issues and trends in this industry, by launching exclusive research results, as well as with a whole series of the best international speakers and experts, EIBTM aims at providing
the highest standard of education through seminars held during the three-day fair. The trends in this industry and an
increasing importance of Y generation (those born between 1977 and 1993) on organizing seminars and conferences
were certainly the two most important ones. As regards trends and projections on MICE market, according to business
barometer, MPI (Meeting Professional International) budgets for these travels will be reduced next year as well, but it
is obvious that more and more organizations increase booking in 2010, except that the groups will be smaller. The destinations which offer special values and service, as well as those which target different areas within MICE market will
be the winners in this situation.
After this fair, Montenegro Convention Bureau is planning a lot of other promotional activities, and the next performance
is at the fair of South East Europe Conventa in 2010 which will be held in Ljubljana.
December 2009
15.
ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH
PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGNS IN
REGIONAL ELECTRONIC MEDIA
With the aim of promoting the winter tourism offer, a new winter promotional video “Breathe Deep”
was made which is broadcasted in the most important regional media.
www.montenegro.travel
16.
December 2009
STUDY GROUPS
THE STUDY GROUP OF JOURNALIST FROM SERBIA
VISITED THE NORTHERN REGION OF MONTENEGRO
After the visit of journalists from Macedonia, within promotional activities directed at the preparation of the winter tourist season, a study group of journalists from Serbia paid a four-day visit to the northern region of Montenegro (from 3rd to 6th December) in the organization of the Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourist Organization of Montenegro.
During the first two days of the their stay, the representatives of the media from Serbia (RTV “Jesenjin”, “IN TV Kragujevac”,
“Večernje Novosti“, „Politika“, „Blic“, the magazine and tourist portal “Putovanja”) visited the hotels “Bianca Resort &Spa”
and “Lipka”, the reconstructed ski center “New Ski Resort Kolasin 1450”, the ski center “Savin kuk” at Žabljak, as well as
small hotels and facilities offering private accommodation.
According to the schedule of their stay, the journalists visited the national parks Biogradska Gora and Durmitor and met the
representatives of hotel-tourism industry of Žabljak and Kolašin who informed them about the arrangements for the coming winter season. Furthermore, the journalists met the President of the Municipality of Kolašin, Mileta Bulatović, who informed them about the projects implemented so far as well as about planned projects aimed at improving tourist offer of this
winter centre.
The guests were also informed about New Year’s arrangements and the programme of events during winter months in the
whole Montenegro, as well as about cultural-entertainment-sports events organized in all mountainous centres with the
aim of recognizing and improving tourist offer during the winter season and additional entertainments in the snow. The
northern region of Montenegro offers the possibilities for a wide range of activities in the snow, both for skiing and snowboard and for some less demanding activities, the so-called soft sports, such as snowshoeing.
For the first ten months of this year, Montenegro was visited by 332,973 tourists from the Serbian market who
achieved 2,227,712 overnights.
The national airline carrier Montenegro Airlines has three regular flights on the route Podgorica-Beograd every day and
two flights a day on the route Tivat-Beograd.
According to the schedule
of their stay, the journalists
visited the national parks Biogradska Gora and Durmitor
and met the representatives
of hotel-tourism industry of
Žabljak and Kolašin who informed them about the
arrangements for the coming winter season.
Furthermore, the journalists
met the President of the Municipality of Kolašin, Mileta
Bulatović, who informed
them about the projects implemented so far as well as
about planned projects
aimed at improving tourist
offer of this winter centre.
17.
December 2009
STUDY GROUPS
A STUDY GROUP OF JOURNALISTS FROM BOSNIA
AND HERZEGOVINA
After the press group from Macedonia and Serbia, a study group of
the media representatives from
Bosnia and Herzegovina (TV
BHT1, TV Pink BiH, TV Vogošća,
RTRS, Radio Stari Grad, Radio of
the Federation, a daily Nezavisne
novine, Bosnia Daily, Slobodna
Bosna, the magazine Gracija) paid
a visit to winter tourist centres in
Montenegro with the aim of obtaining information about their offer for
the comming season.
During the four-day stay (from 10
to 13 December), the journalists
were accommodated in the Hotel
“Bianca Resort & Spa” in Kolašin
and the director of the hotel, Milan
Pavićević, presented them its
amenities and current arrangements, and they also visited small
hotels as well as private accommodation. Furthermore, they visited the modernized ski resort in Jezerine „New Ski Resort
Kolašin 1450“ and had a few interviews with the representatives of tourism industry of that town. The President of the
Municipality of Kolašin, Mileta Bulatović, informed them
about the past development of this tourism centre and
planned projects in the field of tourism.
Apart from Kolašin, the tourist offer of Žabljak was also presented to Bosnian journalists where they visited the ski centre “Savin Kuk“, the National park Durmitor and some
hotel-and-catering facilities, and they also visited the National park Biogradska gora.
Within the promotion of the Montenegrin tourism offer during winter months, the arrangements for New Year's holidays and the calender of events during the winter in the
whole Montenegro were also presented.
For the first ten months of 2009, Montenegro was visited by
100,000 tourists from
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Apart from Kolašin, the tourist offer of Žabljak was also presented to Bosnian jourwho achieved 759,403
nalists where they visited the ski centre “Savin Kuk“, the National park Durmitor and
overnights, which is at the
some hotel-and-catering facilities, and they also visited the National park Biogradska
last year's level.
gora.
After the visit of the group
of journalists from Bosnia
and Herzegovina, winter
For the first ten months of 2009, Montenegro was visited by 100,000 tourists from
tourist centres in MonteneBosnia and Herzegovina who achieved 759,403 overnights, which is at the last year's
gro will be visited by the
level.
groups from Albania and
Montenegro.
The media representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina
18.
were informed about the possiblities these ski resorts offer
to skiing and snowboard lovers, the possibilities for doing
popular sports such as snowshoeing, nordic skiing and
alpine tour skiing, as well as about cultural-entertainmentsports events organized in the mountainous centres for the
purpose of additional entertainments in the snow.
December 2009
STUDY GROUPS
A STUDY GROUP OF JOURNALISTS FROM ALBANIA
VISITED WINTER TOURIST CENTRES IN
MONTENEGRO
In the organization of the National Tourist
Organization and the Ministry of Tourism, in
the cooperation with the Embassy of Montenegro in Albania, a study group of journalists from Albania paid a four-day visit
(from 17 to 20 December) to the northern
region of Montenegro with the aim of obtaining information about the tourist offer for
the coming season. Just like the previous
groups of journalists from the Region which
visited our winter tourist centres within this
intensive promotional campaign, the group
of the media representatives from Albania
(SHQIP, ATSH, Economia, Top Channel,
Gaz 55, TV SCAN, Zeri and Popullit, Monitor, TVSH, Albania Vizion+, NTV, TV Klan,
Alsat) also stayed in the Hotel “Bianca Resort & Spa” in Kolašin, where they were
welcomed by Željko Perović, the Ambassador of Montenegro in Albania.
Director Milan Pavićević informed them
about the offer and amenities of the hotel and they also visited
small hotels and facilities offering private accommodation in
Kolašin. The modernized ski resort in Jezerine “New Ski Resort
Kolašin 1450“ was presented to them by Director Ivana
Peković, and the President of the Municipality of Kolašin, Mileta
Bulatović, informed them about the past development of this
tourist centre and planned projects in the field of tourism.
The journalists from Albania also visited Žabljak, where they
visited the ski center “Savin Kuk”, the National park Durmitor
and some hotel-and-catering facilities of different categories.
The possibilities which these ski resorts offer for skiing and
snowboard, for doing popular sports such as snowshoeing,
nordic skiing and alpine tour skiing were presented to them,
as well as the programme of cultural-entertainment-sports
events organized in mountainous centres for the purpose of
additional entertainments of the tourists in the snow.
Within the promotion of the Montenegrin tourist offer during
winter months, the guests from Albania were informed about
the arrangements for New Year’s holidays and the calendar
of events over winter months in the whole Montenegro.
For the first ten months of 2009, Montenegro was visited by 36,420 tourists from Albania who achieved
186,798 overnights, which is about 27% more in relation to the same period of the last year.
The possibilities which these ski resorts offer for
skiing and snowboard, for doing popular sports
such as snowshoeing, nordic skiing and alpine tour
skiing were presented to them, as well as the programme of cultural-entertainment-sports events organized in mountainous centres for the purpose of
additional entertainments of the tourists in the
snow.
For the first ten months of 2009, Montenegro was visited by
36,420 tourists from Albania who achieved 186,798
overnights, which is about 27% more in relation to the same
period of the last year.
19.
December 2009