UNWTO Secretary General Rifai: Montenegro makes huge steps towards receiving prestigious tourist destination status

Podgorica, Montenegro (24 June 2015) -- Prime Minister Milo Đukanović hosted earlier today Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Taleb Rifai Nations, who is paying a visit to Montenegro.

Secretary General Rifai presented the Prime Minister with an Open Letter for joining the UNWTO Global Leader for Tourism campaign. Recognising tourism as one of  drivers of economic growth and development, generator of new jobs and export, and support for green economy development, Montenegro has positioned itself among the holders of the campaign, which brings together 156 UNWTO full-fledged and more than 400 associate member states.

Prime Minister Đukanović and Mr Rifai commended the intensive cooperation established between Montenegro and the World Tourism Organisation, at the same time highlighting Montenegro's remarkable progress which guarantees its adequate future response to demanding strategic objectives.

UN High Representative stressed that Montenegro, by pursuing a through-out state policy in this area, has already made major steps towards receiving  a prestige world tourist destination status.

World Tourism Organisation pledges strong support for Montenegro's efforts towards diversifying its tourist offer, making it available to all counts of the global tourism market, and making it  a tourist destination that offers activities throughout the year, UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rafai underscored.

It was also agreed that challenges in the tourism industry should be overcome through the partnership with neighbours, innovation, knowledge and sustainable development, which is the best way to maintain tourism competitiveness.