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Under current circumstances even the slightest turnover is considered success

Željka Radak Kukavičić

This year’s tourist season can’t be compared to any season anywhere in the world so far. It would be unreal to talk about good or bad season in the middle of pandemic. Result scan only be analyzed in the light of the current situation. Even the slightest progress and turnover under current circumstances is considered success, said TO Pobjeda Mrs Željka Radak-Kukavičić, director of National Tourist Organization.

According to her, recent opening of borders to Russia will contribute to the recovery of Montenegrin tourism and mitigate consequences of the pandemic.

Adaptation

“Decline in global tourism movements has affected not only the tourism sector in Montenegro but also in the entire world. All countries are trying to generate some turnover in the present circuMrstances”, Mrs Radak-Kukavićić said.

We are witnesses here to the fact that the whole world lives and works in new circuMrstances.

“This is a completely new reality for us and the new reality for tourism. Opening EU borders to Montenegro created conditions for tourism movements and limited tourism movements”, NTO director points out.

The most important thing for the recovery of Montenegrin tourism now is opening borders.

“Any opening of border to and from Montenegro is a chance. That applies to all markets. We expect the epidemic situation to improve and that will intensify epidemic movements in the forthcoming period”, Mrs Radak-Kukavičić says.

She adds that now Russia will add Montenegro to the “green list” and that it will establish tourist turnover between the two states.

“According to the announcements of tour-operators, first flights could start on 15 August. Given the fact that Russian tourists had over 15% share in overall structure of foreign tourists last year, we believe that opening to this very important market will contribute to the recovery of Montenegrin tourism”, Mrs Radak-Kukavićić said.

Currently, air lines towards several European states are active and one air-line towards UAE.

Video

A new destination video and specialized, intuitive visually harmonized micro-site www.see.montenegro.travel. have been designed as part of the campaign.

“The news is that this site enables visitors to create personalized itineraries if their travels, free of charge”, NTO director points out.

The intention is to support national economy by stimulating domestic tourism. NATO and Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism have created actions to support national tourist capacities.

“In that context, as main partners we offer our full support for the implementation of “Ljetuj doma” action, which is aimed at valuing national tourist capacities and stimulating our citizens to spend their vacation in their own country and get to know some unknown places and segments of tourism offer. We have also provided citizens with significant discounts”, NTO director says.

Pension and Disability Insurance Fund and the Association of Pensioners of Montenegro have signed agreements on business cooperation with hoteliers they provide with more favorable conditions for the summer vacation of Montenegrin pensioners.

Action

“In accordance with the extraordinary circumstances in which this tourist season is unfolding, action with Montenegro Airlines is underway. Promotional package arrangement with available lines have been formed. The action encompasses 59 hotels, and the arrangement offers half-board stay in two to five-star hotels and return ticket to the following European destinations: Slovenia (Ljubljana), Austria (Vienna), Germany (Frankfurt, Düsseldorf , Hanover, Munich and Leipzig starting from 3 August), France (Paris and Lyon), Denmark (Copenhagen) and Switzerland (Zurich)”, Mrs Radak-Kukavičić said.

30.000 guests from Ukraine and Belarus

Ukrainian and Belarus markets have significant share in Montenegro’s tourist turnover.

“The first air craft from Belarus landed on 10 July and from Ukraine on 4 July. Flights will operate on a daily basis until the middle of October and they are supposed to bring 20.000 and 30.000 guests from these two states”, Mrs Radak-Kukavićić said.

Government’s support for tourist economy

Given the fact that we are dominantly a tourist destination and that tourism sector is one of the key economic sectors, Mrs Radak-Kukavićić reminded that the Government has been supporting tourist sector from the start.

“Apart from the first two set of economic measures that refer to liquidity and stabilization of jobs, tourism is also part of the third package of measures which provides €215 million for tourism. Short-term measures reflect in the reprogram of loans, more favorable financing conditions and subsidies on interests”, Mrs Radak-Kukavičić said.

Another important segment of the third package is provision of loan for the improvement of tourist infrastructure and non-board consumption to support hospitality and establishment of “permanent seasonal worker” category.

“The package also envisages reduction in VAT rate, from 21 to 7% for the part of service activities”, Mrs Radak-Kukavičić said.

Protection of citizens is priority

Activities that are performed at all levels show that we are ready to welcome our guests while adhering to all defined standards.

“The entire tourist economy has taken this situation very seriously and it is applying protocols and measures that refer to prevention and protection of tourists”, NTO director explains.

Digital campaign

With the aim of creating conditions for more open tourist turnover, NTO has submitted tender for the implementation of digital marketing.

“Campaign for Montenegro should b available on Trip advisor, Lonely planet, Inspire rock, Last minute, Google, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and most visited regional portals. Target groups of this campaign will be families, adventurers, nature lovers, elite guests who want to enjoy in accordance with their standards”, Mrs Radak-Kukavičić concluded.

 

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