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 in-ternational target groups for which the Alpine skiing is important, but not a crucial segment, but it israther a somewhat different range of activities and experiences. Since this approach is followed even inthe Alps due to climate change, Montenegro should focus on its greatest asset – Wild Beauty”.

BULLETENNumber 91 - DECEMBER 2009Number 91 - DECEMBER 2009

December 2009

2.

PUBLISHERS:

GOVERNMENT OFMONTENEGRO

MINISTRY OF TOURISM

Minister:Mr. Predrag Nenezić

Secretary of the Ministry:Mrs. Željka Radak Kukavičić

PR:Mrs. Jelena Paović

Address:Rimski trg 46

81000 PodgoricaMontenegro

Phones:+382 (0)20 482 333+382 (0)20 482 334+382 (0)20 234 116

Fax:+382 (0)20 234 168

E-mail:mt@gov.me

Web site:www.mt.gov.me

NATIONAL TOURISMORGANISATION OF

MONTENEGRO

Managing Director:Mr. Saša Radović

Address:Rimski trg 47

81000 PodgoricaMontenegro

Phone:+382 (0)20 235 155

Fax:+382 (0)20 235 159

Call center:1300

E-mail:info@montenegro.travel

Web site:www.montenegro.travel

This Bulletin is printed onrecycled paper.

Annual tourism awards presentation for the contribution to quality, recogni-tion 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 thePresident of Montenegro, Filip Vujanovic, in the organization of the NTO.

AWARDS WINNERS OF “WILD BEAUTY AWARD 2009” BYCATEGORIES

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 recon-struction of over 70%)

• “Ruža vjetrova”, BarThe best city hotel (located in the very centre of town)

• “Vardar”, KotorThe 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

ANNUAL TOURISM –“WILD BEAUTY

December 2009

3.

III CAMPAIGNS

The campaign that contributed to the promotion and im-provement of the image of Montenegro

• “Kotor Art”, Kotor

On this occasion, the Award Council and the Jury singleout the campaign “Ova zemlja nam je dom”, which con-siderably contributed to creating awareness of the im-portance of sustainable development and the quality oflife of all citizens, whose implementation involved thewhole Montenegrin public, and which promotes envi-ronmental protection and directly affects the image ofMontenegro 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 pro-motional 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

VII WEBSITE

The best tourist web-site• www.montenegroairlines.com

VIII MEDIA / AUTHOR’S WORK, AUTHOR

The media (printed, electronic) which contributed to the pop-ularization and creation of awareness of the importance oftourism in Montenegro

• The essay of Milisav Popović “The Balkan work of art”,published in the jubilee-edition of the “National Geo-graphic” magazine.

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 implemen-tation of the project and which is a unique guide with 17carefully selected tracks in the length of more than1700km.

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 aca-demic specialized study programme of tourism, in linewith the needs of tourism industry.

In view of this year’s granting of the awards, the NationalTourist Organization allocated the donation in the amount ofEUR 1,000 to daily centers for children with disabilities, “Ko-manski most” in Podgorica and the Centre in Ulcinj respec-tively.

AWARDS GRANTEDAWARD 2009”

MINISTER PREDRAG NENEZIĆ TOOKPART IN THE PANEL ON CLIMATE

CHANGE FROM THE TOURISM PER-SPECTIVE WITHIN THE CONFERENCE

IN COPENHAGEN

On 18 December, the conference on the subject of ad-dressing climate change from the perspective of tourismand travel sector was held within XV UN Climate ChangeConference held from 7 to 18 December in Copenhagen,organized by the UN World Tourist Organization (UNWTO)and the World Tourism and Travel Council (WTTC).

At the organizer’s invitation, the Tourism Minister PredragNenezić took part both as a speaker and panelist at the con-ference. Other participants included Jean-Claude Baumgarten,the President of the World Tourism and Travel Council, TalebRifai, the Secretary General of the UN World Tourist Organi-zation, Mary Snyder, the Vice-President of the Marriott Inter-national hotel chain, Carla Aguirre, the Head of the Departmentfor Environmental Research of Visit Sweden, the country whichis currently chairing the EU and Jonathon Counsell, the Direc-tor of Environmental Department of the British Airways.

Nenezić spoke on the subject of the relationship and roleof public sector in the process of adaptation and adjustmentto climate change and other phenomena which adversely af-fect the environment, including the tourism sector as well, suchas the rapid loss of biodiversity. He pointed out to the impor-tance of consistent adhering to globally set goals and he es-pecially stressed the importance of public-private partnershipin tourism as a response to global challenges of the economicand ecological crisis.

The presidents of both world organizations gave credit toMontenegro for strong commitment to sustainable develop-ment of the country, the goals defined in strategic state docu-ments, as well as the results achieved in tourism, as well as inother fields.

It was pointed out once again at the conference that thetourism and travel sector is the largest global economic sector,generator of the largest number of jobs, as well as the onewhich contributes to some extent to increased gas emissionscreating the greenhouse effect, and, thus, to global climatechange. Therefore, in global terms, it is important for it not tostop developing, but to adapt to current challenges and to be,in one aspect, a leader in implementation of new green tech-nologies.

December 2009

4.

THE TOURISM MINISTER PRE-DRAG NENEZIĆ HELD A MEETINGWITH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF

THE BANKING SECTOR

The Tourism Minister Predrag Nenezić with his as-sociates held a meeting with the representatives of thebanking sector on Wednesday, 23 December of the cur-rent year, where the credit support for tourism industry wasdiscussed. It was stated after the meeting of the repre-sentatives of the banks and the Ministries of Tourism andFinances that the Montenegrin tourism industry couldawait the following year and prepare the following seasonwith more optimism since the commercial banks hadmoney and possibilities for project financing in the sector.

The Tourism Minister, Predrag Nenezić, said thatthe optimism of tourism industry in the following seasonwas based on the fact that the banks would be able tofinance 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 thetourism industry to await it with a lot of anxiety, saidNenezić. He announced that the arrangements madewith international financial institutions, the German KfWand the European Investment Bank (EIB), as well as theannouncement of the forthcoming establishment of theinvestment development fund should contribute to pos-itive expectations in the next year.

The establishment of the Fund and the arrange-ments with KfW and EIB should give new impulse in theprocess of ensuring credit resources for tourism indus-try, assessed Nenezić. He said that, although a numberof tourism business people regularly meet their obliga-tions towards banks, there is a large number of thosewho need support from the Government and a moreflexible approach of the banks.

The Executive Director of Hypo Alpe Adria Bank,Tarik Telaćević, announced that financial companieswould define credit conditions offered to tourism indus-try in the shortest possible term. He pointed out that noeconomically-based project would be neglected. Telaće-vić announced that the banking sector had responded toa significant number of clients’ requests for creditrescheduling. Banks are available for every companywhich has the economic rationale for rescheduling, con-cluded Telaćević.

December 2009

5.

On 16 December of the current year, a meeting washeld in the Ministry of Tourism with the representativesof the company “D’Appolonia” which was entrusted withthe project implementation. The implementation of EUR700,000 worth project of the construction of integratedand sustainable traffic system in Perast should enablegreater mobility of traffic in that coastal town with theuse of the most up-to-date technical instruments.

The Tourism Minister, Predrag Nenezić, believes thatthe implementation of the project in Perast will ensurenew, modern basis and sophisticated techniques,along with respect for the environment. He remindedof the fact that it was one in a series of project imple-mented in cooperation with the Italian Government inthe field of tourism, environmental protection, energeticefficiency and agriculture since 2004. The trafficthrough Perast will be completely organized by meansof electric vehicles in summer months. The entire businesswill have been completed by the next summer by the Ital-ian company which already has experience in that country.This project will also be implemented in other towns ofMontenegro – said Minister Nenezić.

The project, according to General Director of the Italian com-pany D’Appolonia, Marco Cremonini, implies the construc-tion of a system which would be controlled through videosurveillance, and which would ensure the advantage to res-idents and reduce the use of motor vehicles in the town.“The idea is to ensure access to tourists, not in an invasivemanner, but to leave vehicles at the car-park”, said Cre-monini, whose company should implement this project. He specified that EUR 700,000, the amount allocated for theproject implementation, would be used for the constructionof 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 themost sophisticated technical instruments for the systemfunctioning which are used in Italy and which could con-tribute to reducing the use of private vehicles in Perast.“The idea is to introduce electric vehicles with reduced gasemissions, such as electric bicycles and cars. The use ofthese vehicles would increase the tourist attractiveness ofthe town”, assessed Cremonini.

He believes that the project is adaptable, particularly for asmall town, such as Perast. “It was convenient to choose a smaller town for the pilot proj-ect implementation, so as to see how the system functionsin its example. If everything goes well, the project could alsobe applied in larger towns”, explained Cremonini.

The project of the construction of integrated and sustain-able traffic system in Perast should be implemented by thenext summer season so it could be, according to him, apositive example to other Montenegrin towns.

The Director of the Company D’Appolonia, Marco Cre-monini, said that the goal of this project was to increasetourist attractiveness of Perast.“We already apply the similar technology in some towns onour coast and it proved to be successful. The vehicles withreduced emissions are introduced into the traffic – electriccars and electric bicycles. The town gains in attractivenesswith the use of such vehicles. Solar panels as producers ofenergy will also be applied – announced Cremonini.

THE TOURISM MINISTER, PREDRAG NENEZIĆ, HELD AMEETING WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COM-

PANY D’APPOLONIA CONCERNING THE DRAFT OFTHE PROJECT CONCEPTUAL DESIGN “INTEGRATEDAND SUSTAINABLE TRAFFIC SYSTEM IN PERAST”

December 2009

6.

The Montenegrin Government and the national airline carrier Mon-tenegro Airlines (MA) marked visa liberalization for the citizens ofMontenegro by organizing a free promotional flight to Rome andcheap air tickets for Schengen Agreement European destinations.

The Tourism Minister, Predrag Nenezić, expects that mutual activi-ties of the Government and MA will increase the number of travelsabroad of the Montenegrin citizens, because it is important for thetourism 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 importantfor the Montenegrin tourism since in this way the national airline car-rier 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 re-strictions for the entry of low cost airline carriers in Montenegro, butthey cannot be brought to the domestic market “by force”.

The Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunica-tion, Andrija Lompar, announced that a free flight to Rome for abouta hundred of passengers, the best Montenegrin students, outstand-ing farmers and pupils living in poor social conditions would be or-ganized on Monday, 20 January. “It is a one-day excursion to Romefor about 90 to 100 passengers, students, farmers and pupils”, an-nounced Lompar. He also added that MA had prepared a quality pro-motional flight offer to Schengen Agreement European destinationsat a substantial discount in order to mark visa liberalization. Lomparbelieves that low fares, which amount to EUR 19, as one-way fareswithout tariffs and EUR 38 as return fares, will enable citizens to visitsome European destinations. “We expect that citizens, who wantedto travel, but were not able because of visas, will contribute to asignificant increase of the number of passengers on all air-routesMA operates”, said Lompar.

The President of the Board of Directors of MA, ZoranĐurišić, announced that the application of more rea-sonable rates, which amount to EUR 168 to EUR194 with all tariffs, depending on the destination,would apply until the end of January.

The company will, as he said, analysethe achieved results by the end ofJanuary and decide whether thecampaign will

continue. They announced from MA that returntickets, which include payment of all necessarytariffs, would cost EUR 180 to Frankfurt, EUR 174to Ljubljana, EUR 194 to Paris, EUR 168 toRome, EUR 175 to Vienna, EUR 179 to Zurich,EUR 172 to Copenhagen and EUR 171 to Dus-seldorf.

Đurišić said that the national airline carrier wouldimplement the required price policy, if MA wasprovided with the conditions requested by lowcost companies.

“If MA is provided with the conditions requestedby low cost companies, we will implement thoserates”, said Đurišić.

It was announced from the Government that thereceived bids for an advisor in the process of MA

privatization had beenopened and analysed

at the meeting of theTender Committeefor MA privatizationheld on Friday.

VISA LIBERALIZATION AND BENEFITS FROM THE ASPECT OF TOURISM AND AIR TRAFFIC

On Tuesday, 15 December, the Ministers of Tourism and Maritime Affairs, Transportation andTelecommunication, Predrag Nenezić and Andrija Lompar and the President of the AirlineCompany Montenegro Airlines, Zoran Đurišić, held a press conference concerning visa liber-alization and benefits from the aspect of tourism and air traffic.

December 2009

7.

THE WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURISM COUNCIL (WTTC)AND THE UN WORLD TOURIST ORGANIZATION

(UNWTO) IN THEIR JOINT STATEMENT CITED MINIS-TER 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 ClimateChange”, the quotation of the Tourism Minister of Montenegro, Predrag Nenezić, can be found among the chosen quota-tions 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 im-pact on the environment,” said Predrag Nenezic, Minister of Tourism of Montenegro. “This commit-ment is reflected in the very Constitution, in the National Sustainable Tourism Strategy, in our tourismlaws, building regulations and emission limiting initiatives. But we must translate all these require-ments 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 ourchildren'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 theprivate or public travel and tourism sector. WTTC represents a forum of business world leaders from 100 most outstand-ing companies in the travel and tourism sector, while UNWTO is a specialized UN Agency with the membership in over 150countries 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 traveland tourism sector so as to speak out unanimously about the critical issue of climate change. For more information aboutWTTC and UNWTO, visit www.wttc.org and www.UNWTO.org.

ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH

December 2009

8.

“THE VALORIZATION OF TOURISM”

Predrag Nenezić highlights the crucial role oftourism in South East EuropeTOURISM 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 be-yond, writes Predrag Nenezić

The power of tourism to support and catalyze growthhas never been more important than during this mostsevere and widespread economic crisis in living mem-ory. Virtually every nation in the region, and well beyond,is faced with the challenge of navigating through treach-erous economic shoals while continuing to steer a wiseand prudent course towards sustainable developmentand appropriate growth.

So, how can tourism really make a difference duringthese difficult times? And why should tourism be a prior-ity when there are so many other priorities, so manyother demands for extremely limited resources?

First, tourism has one of the strongest economic multi-plicative effects of all sectors, with a progressive, ratherthan regressive, impact on income distribution. A great

part of its revenue goes to individuals and small enterprises.And tourism disproportionately helps the least advantaged insociety by providing a portal to a better life for many. The cur-rent economic crisis has already taken its toll and affected somany lives - whether it is the waiter whose working hours havebeen cut in half, and who now has trouble feeding his familyor the small entrepreneur who can no longer get a loan to buildhis business and create jobs or the young person who has al-ways dreamed of a career in travel and tourism, but whosedream is now deferred - or completely denied. Only targetedaction aimed at recovery and growth in tourism revenues willrepair this human toll.

Second, appropriate tourism, when well managed, is a cleanindustry. Third, tourism growth stimulates new investment, andfourth, foreign visitation is an export, improving balance of

trade. So, given these benefits, what cangovernments do to ensure that they arefully implemented? Three key actionareas are now more important than ever.Beginning with investment, it is clear thatthis crisis is not simply one of econom-ics and finance. Rather, it is a crisis ofconfidence, with fear, anxiety and riskaversion endemic among consumers,distributors, developers and others. We

ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH

THE EUROPEAN MAGAZINE “THEOF MINISTER PREDRAG NENEZIĆ

EDITION

As governments, we must also cooperate as reasonable partners withthe 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 "middleway" that recognizes the critical role governments can play in certainareas, while at the same time acknowledging the private sector's keyrole as source of capital, as an engine of growth, and as a creator of amarketable tourism product. This middle way is critical to achieving"smart growth" – well balanced growth, well distributed and sustain-

able growth.

The influential European magazine “The Parliament”, which deals with current political, economicand social topics, published a text of Minister Nenezić under the title “A Catalyst of Recovery” in itsspecial December edition dedicated to tourism, promotion, development and cooperation in South

East Europe.

must invest in our national brands, keeping them inthe consumer's mind for the longer term, while mak-ing differentiated value based on offers in the im-mediate term. The smart marketer knows that thisis the time to expand, not contract, branding andsales efforts, in order to be better positioned whenconsumers once again start travelling and spend-ing, as they always have, and will again. Some saywe cannot afford to spend precious resources ontourism promotion. I would argue we cannot affordnot to. And, perhaps most importantly, we must in-vest in human capital. Training, education and skillenhancement are more crucial than ever. Anotherkey factor is cooperation. Embracing "co-operation"- a cooperative approach to competition - is crucial.We must work together as a region in South EastEurope, and as the whole Europe. While we are in-deed competitors with our neighbors, we must alsowork together to stimulate demand for the region asa whole through joint marketing, by reducing prob-lems such as border delays and visa barriers, andactively supporting pragmatic and relevant regionalpromotion entities.

As governments, we must also cooperate as rea-sonable partners with the private sector. We need-n't be the private sector's best friend, but we can'tbe their unthinking adversary either. We must seeka "middle way" that recognizes the critical role gov-ernments can play in certain areas, while at thesame time acknowledging the private sector's keyrole as source of capital, as an engine of growth,and as a creator of a marketable tourism product. This mid-dle way is critical to achieving "smart growth" – well balancedgrowth, well distributed and sustainable growth.

And finally, the environment! It is during difficult economictimes such as these that one hears from some circles thatthe commitment to true sustainability must wait , that it is toocostly, that it is not the time to invest in CO2 emissions miti-gation 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 toflourishing of a sustainable destination and strong competi-tor in the ever more challenging tourism marketplace. Trav-elers who care about both the quality of the environment in

December 2009

9.

ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH

the destinations they visit and the degree of responsiblestewardship shown by the destination are no longer a mar-ket niche. Rather they are the market.

Anyone, whether it is a political leader or business execu-tive, who minimizes this increasing and enduring focus bytravelers worldwide, does so very much at their peril.

Therefore, as we face this crisis together, we must, as gov-ernments and as leaders, redouble our efforts to ensure thattourism gains sufficient focus, and sufficient resources torealize its potential as an important catalyst for recovery inthe world in which nations' economic fates are inextricablyintertwined.

PARLIAMENT” PUBLISHED A TEXTIN ITS SPECIAL DECEMBER

December 2009

10..

On 8 December of the current year, a Forumon the subject “Tourism in South East Eu-rope – Development, Cooperation and Pro-motion” was held in Brussels in theorganization of the European Commissionand the magazine “European Parliament”.Montenegro was represented by DeputyMinister of Tourism, Nebojša Popović, andDirector of the National Tourist Organization,Saša Radović. Apart from our country, theForum was attended by the representatives of Serbia,Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Albania, Romania,Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Macedonia and Greece. Amember of the European Parliament was present ateach of three Panels.

At the Panel devoted to development, Deputy MinisterNebojša Popović presented the efforts Montenegro ismaking on its way to high quality tourist destination andwhich are implemented in the Tourism DevelopmentStrategy to 2020. It is a challenge at the time of eco-nomic crisis to maintain a trend of growth and not todepart from strategic commitments to development onsustainable basis and remain responsible to what iscommon to all countries of this part Europe, and that isnatural beauty, rich culture and long tradition of hospi-tality. Complementarity of the offer of these countriesshould be the basis for future stronger cooperationwhich must also be supported by appropriate institu-tions of the EU and its initiatives. Governments of the

region must, in turn, focus their activities on crossborder proj-ects, while encouraging private tourism business to cooper-ate on a regional level, since, only thus, the cooperation canbe sustainable in the long term. Popović pointed out naturaland cultural diversity and still insufficient level of exploration ofthis region as the main advantage in attracting tourists fromoverseas markets, which are currently in expansion. Naturally,the importance of the so-called internal market of this regionmust not be neglected, which has a significant place in tourismturnover of every individual state. Further on, he informed theattendees about the specific initiatives and projects of coop-eration with neighbouring countries which received a sub-stantial support from international donor organizations presentin Montenegro during this period.

In the part of the Forum devoted to promotion, DirectorRadović pointed out to the fact that only strong national brandscould contribute to the new brand of the whole region, since,otherwise, small countries could fall into a trap to become un-recognizable on emission markets. He informed the attendees

about alternative forms of tourism devel-oping in Montenegro, which are thetourism oriented to nature, sports-adven-turous and cultural-religious tourism.They, by their essence, have greater po-tential for regional cooperation and theyare helpful in the promotion to present adestination integrally, including undevel-oped and protected areas. He pointed outthat the recent visa liberalization for threecountries of the region, including Mon-tenegro, would give a crucial impetus totourism cooperation and more intensivecirculation of travellers of the entire SouthEast Europe.

The delegation from Montenegro usedthe opportunity to meet the followingmembers of the European Parliament:Jelka Kacin, Michel Cramer, Brian Simp-son and Tanja Fajon.

Deputy Minister Nebojša Popović presented the efforts Montenegro ismaking on its way to high quality tourist destination and which are im-plemented in the Tourism Development Strategy to 2020. It is a chal-lenge at the time of economic crisis to maintain a trend of growth andnot to depart from strategic commitments to development on sus-tainable basis and remain responsible to what is common to all coun-tries of this part Europe, and that is natural beauty, rich culture andlong tradition of hospitality.

ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH

THE MONTENEGRIN DELEGATION TOOK PART AT THEFORUM “DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN SOUTH EAST

EUROPE – DEVELOPMENT, COOPERATION AND PROMOTION”

December 2009

11.

DIRECTOR OF THE NTO, SAŠA RADOVIĆ, ANDDEPUTY MINISTER OF TOURISM, NEBOJŠA POPOVIĆ,

PAID A BUSINESS VISIT TO THE MUNICIPALITY OFŽABLJAK

Director of the National Tourist Organization,Saša Radović, and Deputy Minister of Tourism,Nebojša Popović, paid a business visit to theMunicipality of Žabljak today where they in-formed the President of the Municipality, IsailoŠljivančanić and his associates about the un-dertaken activities on the preparation of the sea-son. On that occasion, Director Radovićhighlighted the short-term and long-term as-pects of tourism development in that municipal-ity. Within the short-term aspects, he singled outthe preparation for the forthcoming season, theactivities on increasing accommodation capaci-ties, improvement of infrastructure and devel-opment of the ski centre. With respect tolong-term aspects of tourism development atŽabljak, he stated the need for regional inte-grating of municipalities gravitating toward Dur-mitor into a unique tourist product, which in European scales has an

enormous potential forthe development oftourism oriented to na-ture. The director alsopointed out that the open-ing of the road Risan-Žabljak was expected tobe a major driving forcefor faster completion ofinitiated investments andlaunching of new projectsin tourism.

The representatives ofthe company which man-ages the ski centre atŽabljak informed DeputyMinister of Tourism,Nebojša Popović, and Di-rector Radović that alllegally prescribed proce-dure for initiating the op-eration of ski lifts hadbeen completed.

The President of the Mu-nicipality of Žabljak, IsailoŠljivančanin, emphasisedthe need for greater par-ticipation of the localtourist organization ofŽabljak in the overall ac-

tivities of tourism industry and the National TouristOrganization. He informed about excellent book-ing for New Year’s holidays as well as for the forth-coming season. Likewise, the Presidentexpressed the expectation that this year’s visit oftourists would be on the last year’s level, and evenbetter than last year in case of favourable weatherconditions.

During their visit to Žabljak, Director Saša Radovićand Deputy Minister Nebojša Popović visited “Skihotel” which was awarded the “Wild BeautyAward”, the award for the best small hotel in thecontinental area.

ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH

The President of the Municipality of Žabl-jak, Isailo Šljivančanin, emphasised the

need for greater participation of the localtourist organization of Žabljak in the over-all activities of tourism industry and the

National Tourist Organization. He informedabout excellent booking for New Year’sholidays as well as for the forthcoming

season. Likewise, the President expressedthe 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.

www.mt.gov.me

December 2009

12.

On 21 December of the current year, a press conference ofthe NTO of Montenegro was held in the multimedia room ofKIC “Budo Tomović“, regarding the announcement of resultsof the tourist survey “Guest Survey 2009”. Director of theNTO of Montenegro, Saša Radović and Director of GTZ forMontenegro, Thomas Waldraff, delivered a keynote address,and Nikola Đurović from the research agency “DeFacto Con-sultancy” from Podgorica who was a partner in this projectpresented the results of “Guest Survey 2009”.

Radović pointed out that the aim of this project was to get anobjective and representative picture of the satisfaction of theguests during their stay in Montenegro with the aim ofachieving quality development and innovating the tourismproduct, as well as its positioning on the European market.Qualitative indicators thus obtained will be the guidelines forfurther product development in terms of improving its qual-ity and competitiveness on increasingly turbulent tourist mar-ket, as well as in terms of its promotion on key markets.

Thomas Waldraff said that a survey in the tourism industryhad been conducted, and that the “Guest Survey 2009”(tourist survey), whose most important results had been pre-sented that day, was an important instrument for further re-search, since the data about tourist consumption as well asthe information about certain tourism product had been ob-tained. From both surveys (among the industry and tourists)it will be possible to develop a system for projections intourism in the comingmonths which will ensurefurther product develop-ment and promotion intourism for the Ministry ofTourism and the NTO. After Waldraff, the atten-dees were addressed byNikola Đurović from theresearch agency “De-Facto Consultancy” whoinformed the public withthe methodology, maingoals, tasks and resultsof the “Guest Survey2009”. The results of thisproject provided answersto important questionssuch as: the age oftourists visiting Montene-gro, their sex, monthly in-come, nationality, etc.The questions regarding

the stay of tourists in Montenegro: a return visit to Mon-tenegro, the most important activities during their stay,tourist places visited in Montenegro and excursions in theregion make a separate item. The most important activitiesin the northern region are hiking (67%), swimming (52%),and enjoying good food (42%). In the central region theyare: enjoying good food (43%), sightseeing (41%) andswimming (35%). In the southern region they are: swim-ming (93%), hiking (44%), shopping (42%) etc.

The main advantages are low crime rate, good quality ac-commodation, astonishing nature, high personal safety dur-ing travelling across the country and the variety of offer. Itis also an important piece of information that most respon-dents take Montenegro into account while choosing thenext destination for their holiday (82% of them). The disad-vantages are also pointed out: too much waste, bad trafficconditions, language barriers in communication with thestaff. The price level is estimated as standard, by thetourists from the region, whereas the tourists from WesternEurope assessed it partly as standard, and partly as veryacceptable. The data about consumption was also ob-tained, so the planned overnight stay consumption in eurofor the northern region amounts to EUR 64, EUR 66 for thecentral region and EUR 34 for the southern region.

You can find more information and the report at: www.montenegro.travel

THE PRESENTATION OF THE RESULTS OF THETOURIST SURVEY HELD, CONDUCTED BY THE NTO OFMONTENEGRO IN THE COOPERATION WITH GTZ ANDTHE RESEARCH AGENCY “DEFACTO CONSULTANCY”

DURING 2009

ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH

December 2009

13.

THE WINTER TOURIST OFFER AND NEW YEAR’SARRANGEMENTS

PRESENTED IN BELGRADE

With the aim of promoting the winter season, on 11December of the current year, in the organization ofthe National Tourist Organization and the Ministry ofTourism, business meetings of hoteliers, renters ofprivate accommodation and the agencies from Mon-tenegro with tourist agencies from Serbia were heldin the premises of the branch office of the NationalTourist Organization of Montenegro in Belgrade.

In the keynote speech, Director of the NTO of Mon-tenegro, Saša Radović, and Director of the branchoffice, Bojan Stanojević, welcomed business part-ners who accepted the invitation in a large numberand expressed readiness for cooperation during thewinter season as well. The agencies from Serbiawhich were specialized for the swimming tourismsegment in the past period are increasingly showingthe interest for the winter offer of the northern regionand the coastal region. The improved offer of ski centres, ac-commodation capacities, culinary offer, active holiday in thesnow, as well as wellness and spa capacities and excellentconditions for the preparation of sportsmen in the seaside ho-tels were highlighted. The rich cultural- entertainment pro-gramme 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 wouldbe adapted and available to various budgets and affinities.

The tourist agencies from Serbia praised this method of pro-motion and connecting tourist industries of the two countriesand they showed a special interest for traffic availability duringwinter months, air tickets rates and conditions in ski centres.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of the Mon-tenegrin 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”.

ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH

December 2009

14.

Within the activities aiming at informing themarket of the Region about the winter touristoffer of Montenegro, business meetings ofhoteliers and agencies from Montenegro andtourist agencies from the market of Bosniaand Herzegovina were held on 15 Decemberof the current year in Sarajevo, in the organi-zation of the National Tourist Organization andthe Ministry of Tourism.

The business meetings organized in such wayare a part of a series of activities devoted tothe market of Bosnia and Herzegovina whichaccounts for 11,49% in the structure of foreignovernights.

A study group of journalists of the most im-portant media from the Federation of Bosniaand Herzegovina stayed in the north of thecountry over the last week, visiting hotels, private accommo-dation and the ski centre “Durmitor” and “Kolašin 1450“, fa-miliarizing themselves with the current offer of these wintercentres.

At the workshop organized in Avaz Twist Tower, apart from pre-senting the integral offer of the coastal region and the north ofthe country during winter months, a special focus was given tothe offer of winter ski centres (Žabljak, Kolašin, etc) as well asto the offer of hoteliers and caterers for New Year’s holidays.

The representatives of agencies were informed about the pro-gramme of events during winter months in the whole Mon-tenegro, as well as about cultural-entertainment-sports eventsorganized in all mountainous centres with the aim of recog-nizing and improving tourist offer during the winter seasonand additional entertainments in the snow.

The meeting of a B2B type was attended by the representa-tives 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”,

whereas the Montene-grin offer was pre-sented by: “HGBudvanska Rivijera”,“HTP Ulcinjska Rivi-jera”, “MontenegroStars”, the Hotel “Var-dar” and tourist organ-izations of Budva andUlcinj.

The interest for betterconnection betweenBosnia and Herzegov-ina and Montenegro intourism terms was displayed through great attention ofmedia which were present at the meeting:

- “BHT1”, - “TV HAYAT”,- “TV PINK”, - Radio “RSG”, - Radio “BIH1”, - the Agency

“Onasa”, - the Agency “Fena”,

and - the review “Maga-

zin”, - the review “City” and - “Dnevni Avaz”.

PRESENTATION OF WINTER TOURIST OFFER OF MONTENEGRO IN SARAJEVO AND BUSINESS

MEETINGS OF TOURISM INDUSTRY

ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH

A study group of journalistsof the most important

media from the Federationof Bosnia and Herzegovinastayed in the north of the

country over the last week,visiting hotels, private ac-commodation and the ski

centre “Durmitor” and “Ko-lašin 1450“, familiarizing

themselves with the currentoffer of these winter

centres.

The business meetings or-ganized in such way are a

part of a series of activitiesdevoted to the market ofBosnia and Herzegovina

which accounts for 11,49%in the structure of foreign

December 2009

15.

THE MICE OFFER OF MONTENEGRO PRESENTED ATONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TRADE FAIRS FORTHIS TYPE OF TOURISM – EIBTM IN BARCELONA

ACTIVITIES OVER THE LAST MONTH

After the tourism fairs in Paris andLondon, as well as one-day presen-tations within Roadshow which washeld in three towns in Germany, theMICE (meetings, incentives, confer-ences-congresses and events) offerof Montenegro was presented for thesecond time within the EIBTM fairheld in the period from 1st to 3rd De-cember in Barcelona. The tourist offerwas presented at the stand of 40 m2in the organization of MCB (the Mon-tenegrin Congress Bureau) and theNational Tourist Organization of Mon-tenegro.

During the fair, besides a large num-ber of individual meetings, 9 groupmeetings were organized for hostedbuyers, who are responsible for plan-ning, organizing and financial deci-sions for the mentioned travels fromGreat Britain, France, Germany, Rus-sia, Benelux, Italy, Scandinavian countries and USA, and for whom special presentations are organized during the day atthe Montenegrin stand. Montenegro has good prerequisites for MICE tourism development, such as geographical posi-tion, just a couple of hour’s flight away from larger European centres, with good price-quality relation (although in somesegments some more work is needed), with increasingly better infrastructure, particularly an increasing number of hotelswith exceptionally modern congress capacities at their disposal, and, besides all this, we represent a new, unexplored des-

tination, which is also an advantage.

Within the Montenegrin stand, the following hotelspresented their offer: Adriastar Hotels&Resort (ho-tels Avala, Queen of Montenegro, Bianca andLipca), the Hotel Maestral, the Hotel Mediteran,Montenegro Stars Hotel Group (hotels SpelendidConference and Spa Resort, Montenegro andBlue 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 deci-sion-makers for congress travels. By combining the latest issues and trends in this industry, by launching exclusive re-search results, as well as with a whole series of the best international speakers and experts, EIBTM aims at providingthe highest standard of education through seminars held during the three-day fair. The trends in this industry and anincreasing importance of Y generation (those born between 1977 and 1993) on organizing seminars and conferenceswere certainly the two most important ones. As regards trends and projections on MICE market, according to businessbarometer, MPI (Meeting Professional International) budgets for these travels will be reduced next year as well, but itis obvious that more and more organizations increase booking in 2010, except that the groups will be smaller. The des-tinations which offer special values and service, as well as those which target different areas within MICE market willbe the winners in this situation.

After this fair, Montenegro Convention Bureau is planning a lot of other promotional activities, and the next performanceis at the fair of South East Europe Conventa in 2010 which will be held in Ljubljana.

This year’s EIBTM brought together more than 3,000 exhibitorsfrom over 90 countries and 3,700 greatest world decision-mak-ers for congress travels. By combining the latest issues andtrends in this industry, by launching exclusive research results,as well as with a whole series of the best international speak-ers and experts, EIBTM aims at providing the highest standardof education through seminars held during the three-day fair.

December 2009

16.

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

December 2009

17.

THE STUDY GROUP OF JOURNALIST FROM SERBIAVISITED THE NORTHERN REGION OF MONTENEGRO

After the visit of journalists from Macedonia, within promotional activities directed at the preparation of the winter tourist sea-son, a study group of journalists from Serbia paid a four-day visit to the northern region of Montenegro (from 3rd to 6th De-cember) 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 assmall 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 therepresentatives of hotel-tourism industry of Žabljak and Kolašin who informed them about the arrangements for the com-ing winter season. Furthermore, the journalists met the President of the Municipality of Kolašin, Mileta Bulatović, who in-formed them about the projects implemented so far as well as about planned projects aimed at improving tourist offer of thiswinter centre.

The guests were also informed about New Year’s arrangements and the programme of events during winter months in thewhole Montenegro, as well as about cultural-entertainment-sports events organized in all mountainous centres with theaim of recognizing and improving tourist offer during the winter season and additional entertainments in the snow. Thenorthern region of Montenegro offers the possibilities for a wide range of activities in the snow, both for skiing and snow-board 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 whoachieved 2,227,712 overnights.

The national airline carrier Montenegro Airlines has three regular flights on the route Podgorica-Beograd every day andtwo flights a day on the route Tivat-Beograd.

STUDY GROUPS

According to the scheduleof their stay, the journalistsvisited the national parks Bi-ogradska Gora and Durmitorand met the representativesof hotel-tourism industry ofŽabljak and Kolašin who in-formed them about thearrangements for the com-ing winter season.

Furthermore, the journalistsmet the President of the Mu-nicipality of Kolašin, MiletaBulatović, who informedthem about the projects im-plemented so far as well asabout planned projectsaimed at improving touristoffer of this winter centre.

December 2009

18.

STUDY GROUPS

After the press group from Mace-donia and Serbia, a study group ofthe media representatives fromBosnia and Herzegovina (TVBHT1, TV Pink BiH, TV Vogošća,RTRS, Radio Stari Grad, Radio ofthe Federation, a daily Nezavisnenovine, Bosnia Daily, SlobodnaBosna, the magazine Gracija) paida visit to winter tourist centres inMontenegro with the aim of obtain-ing information about their offer forthe comming season.

During the four-day stay (from 10to 13 December), the journalistswere accommodated in the Hotel“Bianca Resort & Spa” in Kolašinand the director of the hotel, MilanPavićević, presented them itsamenities and current arrange-ments, and they also visited smallhotels as well as private accom-modation. Furthermore, they vis-ited the modernized ski resort in Jezerine „New Ski ResortKolašin 1450“ and had a few interviews with the representa-tives of tourism industry of that town. The President of theMunicipality of Kolašin, Mileta Bulatović, informed themabout the past development of this tourism centre andplanned projects in the field of tourism.

Apart from Kolašin, the tourist offer of Žabljak was also pre-sented to Bosnian journalists where they visited the ski cen-tre “Savin Kuk“, the National park Durmitor and somehotel-and-catering facilities, and they also visited the Na-tional park Biogradska gora.

The media representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina

A STUDY GROUP OF JOURNALISTS FROM BOSNIAAND HERZEGOVINA

were informed about the possiblities these ski resorts offerto skiing and snowboard lovers, the possibilities for doingpopular sports such as snowshoeing, nordic skiing andalpine tour skiing, as well as about cultural-entertainment-sports events organized in the mountainous centres for thepurpose of additional entertainments in the snow.

Within the promotion of the Montenegrin tourism offer dur-ing winter months, the arrangements for New Year's holi-days and the calender of events during the winter in thewhole Montenegro were also presented.

For the first ten months of 2009, Montenegro was visited by100,000 tourists fromBosnia and Herzegovinawho achieved 759,403overnights, which is at thelast year's level.

After the visit of the groupof journalists from Bosniaand Herzegovina, wintertourist centres in Montene-gro will be visited by thegroups from Albania andMontenegro.

Apart from Kolašin, the tourist offer of Žabljak was also presented to Bosnian jour-nalists where they visited the ski centre “Savin Kuk“, the National park Durmitor andsome hotel-and-catering facilities, and they also visited the National park Biogradskagora.

For the first ten months of 2009, Montenegro was visited by 100,000 tourists fromBosnia and Herzegovina who achieved 759,403 overnights, which is at the last year'slevel.

December 2009

19.

A STUDY GROUP OF JOURNALISTS FROM ALBANIAVISITED WINTER TOURIST CENTRES IN

MONTENEGRO

In the organization of the National TouristOrganization and the Ministry of Tourism, inthe cooperation with the Embassy of Mon-tenegro in Albania, a study group of jour-nalists from Albania paid a four-day visit(from 17 to 20 December) to the northernregion of Montenegro with the aim of ob-taining information about the tourist offer forthe coming season. Just like the previousgroups of journalists from the Region whichvisited our winter tourist centres within thisintensive promotional campaign, the groupof the media representatives from Albania(SHQIP, ATSH, Economia, Top Channel,Gaz 55, TV SCAN, Zeri and Popullit, Mon-itor, TVSH, Albania Vizion+, NTV, TV Klan,Alsat) also stayed in the Hotel “Bianca Re-sort & Spa” in Kolašin, where they werewelcomed by Željko Perović, the Ambassa-dor of Montenegro in Albania.

Director Milan Pavićević informed themabout the offer and amenities of the hotel and they also visitedsmall hotels and facilities offering private accommodation inKolašin. The modernized ski resort in Jezerine “New Ski ResortKolašin 1450“ was presented to them by Director IvanaPeković, and the President of the Municipality of Kolašin, MiletaBulatović, informed them about the past development of thistourist centre and planned projects in the field of tourism.

The journalists from Albania also visited Žabljak, where theyvisited the ski center “Savin Kuk”, the National park Durmitorand some hotel-and-catering facilities of different categories.

The possibilities which these ski resorts offer for skiing andsnowboard, 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-sportsevents organized in mountainous centres for the purpose ofadditional entertainments of the tourists in the snow.

Within the promotion of the Montenegrin tourist offer duringwinter months, the guests from Albania were informed aboutthe arrangements for New Year’s holidays and the calendarof events over winter months in the whole Montenegro.

For the first ten months of 2009, Montenegro was visited by36,420 tourists from Albania who achieved 186,798overnights, which is about 27% more in relation to the sameperiod of the last year.

STUDY GROUPS

For the first ten months of 2009, Montenegro was vis-ited by 36,420 tourists from Albania who achieved186,798 overnights, which is about 27% more in re-lation to the same period of the last year.

The possibilities which these ski resorts offer forskiing and snowboard, for doing popular sportssuch as snowshoeing, nordic skiing and alpine tourskiing were presented to them, as well as the pro-gramme of cultural-entertainment-sports events or-ganized in mountainous centres for the purpose ofadditional entertainments of the tourists in thesnow.