Question to Prime Minister session: Record-breaking tourist season and revenues from tourism contribute to new job creation

Podgorica, Montenegro (20 December 2017) -- Prime Minister Duško Marković said earlier today in the Parliament of Montenegro that this year's tourist season has been the most successful so far, that Montenegro's airports have beaten the record on the number of passengers carried, that there is a huge interest in the country's tourist potential, and that Montenegro's total revenues from tourism this year are projected at EUR 900 million, which exceeds the record-breaking 2016 season. He added that the country has created an excellent basis to capitalise on its potential for tourism and overall development, which will be even more visible after the completion of the priority section of the motorway.

"The total contribution of tourism to employment in 2016 was 14.6%, or about 27.000 new jobs. Projections are such that we expect an increase of 5.1% in 2017, while by the year of 2027, annual growth of 3.6% is expected on average, which will provide a share of 20.4% in total employment. On the other hand, as to total investments in 2016, the share of investments in tourism amounted to 34%, while an increase of 7.6% is planned in 2017. According to the same data, by 2027, the projection of the share of investments in tourism will grow at an average annual rate of 6.9%, which will amount to 51.5%, or half of total investments by the end of the next decade," said Prime Minister Duško Marković responding to the question of Branimir Gvozdenović of the Democratic Party of Socialists.

The Prime Minister noted that he agrees with the assessment that an excellent basis has been created - not only to achieve forecasts and projections of prominent international tourist organisations and institutions from year to year, but to take advantage of Montenegro's tourism potential.

"I am pleased to note that this year, the most successful tourist year to date, has justified our expectations. According to preliminary data, almost 2 million tourists stayed in Montenegro in the first ten months, with almost 11.5 million overnight stays. The growth in the number of foreign tourists is measured by double-digit growth rates of over 18%, and the fact that the number of domestic tourists has increased by nearly 8% is not less important. The Airports of Montenegro have beaten the record and for the first time in history, over two million passengers have been transferred on both airports. Furthermore, there is a strong interest in the Montenegrin national parks as well. National Park "Durmitor" has experienced a 42% increase in comparison with the previous year and the National Park "Biogradska Gora" has ecorded an increase of 39% in 2017," the Prime Minister explained.

He stressed that the Government is particularly committed to activities aimed at attracting foreign investments and the continuous improvement of the business environment - primarily for the purpose of new investments in the hotel facilities that are in correlation with the vision of Montenegro as a high-quality tourist destination.

PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE GOVERNMENT