Ivančević warns: Montenegro has done nothing, tourists are going elsewhere

We have done nothing and missed the opportunity - tourists are going to the competition - is the message that sums up the state of tourism in Montenegro ahead of the main summer season, warns Dragan Purko Ivančević. At a time when global circumstances are opening space to attract new guests, especially from markets that are now avoiding war-affected areas, Montenegro, he points out, has failed to respond.

Dragan Purko Ivančević, a tourism professional and member of the Tourism Committee of the Chamber of Economy, told ETV portal that attention should be paid to the broader global context.

- Tourism is the most perishable commodity. It is not good for tourism globally when there are wars. The war in the Middle East has a rather negative impact on those who want to go on vacation and purchase travel packages. When there is war somewhere, it discourages a large number of people from going on vacation this year - Ivančević said.

However, speaking about changes in the market, he highlights the potential that other countries are already using.

- But all countries in the region have realized that there is a large target group of people who traditionally went on holiday to Middle Eastern countries or nearby contact zones, and this year they will shift to shorter trips in the Adriatic and Aegean regions, where safety and security are guaranteed - he said.

He adds that competing destinations have already reacted.

- Countries in the region have therefore launched serious campaigns so that those who have decided to go on vacation, but not to war-affected areas, choose destinations in our region - the ETV interviewee said.

Ivančević warns that Montenegro lacks an adequate response.

- Our country, Montenegro, that is - the state authorities, has not yet established destination management nor formulated any strategy. What our competition is doing is missing - taking urgent actions to increase the number of airline seats, increase the number of packages, which can be done with partners who already have programs for Montenegro - Ivančević said.

He also points out that other destinations have seized the opportunity.

- All other destinations reacted quickly and thus extended their seasons. In tourism, as in other businesses, it can be said that while it gets dark for one, it dawns for another. There was a significant number of tourists we could have influenced - he said.

He emphasizes the importance of coordinated action.

- But for that, the state must have strong destination management and work in an organized way together with all partners, namely tour operators and airlines - Ivančević said.

Finally, he warns of the concrete consequences of inaction.

- Our side is doing nothing, others are working, and it will result in a number of Western European tourists, who are the only way for us to reduce seasonality and increase the number of days hotel capacities are occupied, going somewhere else - he said.

He concludes with a clear messag.

- We are doing nothing and missing the opportunity. Many have pointed out that urgent organization is needed – our interviewee concluded.