Minister Gvozdenović: Principle of sustainable tourism development crucial for economic prosperity

Madrid, Spain (21 July 2014) – Minister of Tourism and Sustainable Development Branimir Gvozdenović visited the headquarters of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWITO) based in Madrid, where he met with Taleb Rifai, Secretary General of the UNWITO.

The officials underlined there is a common interest in improving the quality of Montenegro’s tourism offer in order to achieve higher ranking position on the global tourism and investment map. According to the World Council for Tourism and Travelling, Montenegro was proclaimed a destination with the highest growth rate and it should preserve that position in the next ten years, the officials agreed.

Secretary General Rifai highlighted the Mediterranean is the most visited sub-region in the world, but also affected by a lot of challenges, such as the competitiveness with other regions offering similar products, as well as the sensitivity of the environment as a basis for the tourism development.

“Only through active partnership with neighbours in terms of key competitiveness factors such as innovations, knowledge and sustainable development, the competitiveness of the Mediterranean can be promoted”, Minister Gvozdenović highlighted. The environmental sustainability at economic and social levels is crucial for protecting natural, cultural and historical resources of Montenegro and all the activities of the Government are focused in that direction, Minister Gvozdenović stressed. In that regard, he voiced belief the UNWITO will continue supporting Montenegro and the entire region, he added.

During his visit to Madrid, Minister Gvozdenović also met with Isabel Borrego, Secretary of State for Tourism in the Government of Spain, for talks on the improvement of cooperation between the two states with a particular emphasis on mutual tourism promotion on domestic markets.

Tourism represents a real priority for both governments, having in mind this sector is very important for raising the quality of life and doing business in this area, Minister Gvozdenović emphasised. Having in mind that one of the strategic goals of Montenegro is attracting tourists from Western Europe, Montenegro has to conduct promotional campaigns properly and to align them with the needs and demands of that market, he pointed out.