Tourism in Montenegro

Montenegro is a small Mediterranean country with rich architectural and cultural heritage, diversity of landscapes and climates, and well preserved natural environment. Naturally well-suited for development of all kinds of tourism, Montenegro is focused on becoming an elite tourist destination. Montenegro is considered one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations. In 2007, over a million tourists visited Montenegro, making some 7,3 million ovenight stays (23% increase, compared to 2006). This accounted for some 480 million EUR in tourism revenue in 2007 (39% increase, compared to previous year).^{[citation needed]}

Advantages and disadvantages

Almost all economic activities in Montenegro are directed towards facilitating the development of tourism. The Government aims to attract greenfield investments, which should make best use of undeveloped parts of the coast, such as Jaz Beach, Velika Plaža, Ada Bojana and Buljarica. Such investments could potentially reshape the appeal of Montenegro to tourists, making it a highly competitive destination for sustainable quality tourism.

Montenegro can be presented as a destination offering a variety of attractions and all-year tourism is possible by publicising its varied features. Therefore, the Tourism Masterplan of Montenegro is also paving the way for a national development program for nature based tourism, especially hiking and biking, with new infrastructure and services. The realisation of a 3-year-program was started in 2007.

The biggest problem of Montenegrin tourism is inadequate infrastructure, most notably the obsolete road network and difficulties with water and electricity supply in the coastal area. For that reason, a main investment of the government is building new roads and reconstruction of the current road infrastructure.^{[citation needed]}

Main points of interest

North Coast region

Kotor

This notable coastal region is of primary interest to tourists in Montenegro. The Montenegrin Adriatic coast is 295 km long, with 72 km of beaches, and with many well-preserved ancient old towns. The main attractions along the north coast are:

• The old town of Kotor, listed with UNESCO world heritage sites.
• Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor), with the ancient small town of Perast.
• The old town of Budva, a well preserved old town.
• Sveti Stefan, a small island hamlet turned into a luxury hotel.

South Coast region

Ada Bojana(Ada e Bunës)

The South Coast region of Montenegro is considered one of the great new "discoveries" among world tourists. In January 2010, The New York Times ranked the Ulcinj South Coast region of Montenegro, including Velika Plaza, Ada Bojana, and the Hotel Mediteran of Ulcinj, as among the "Top 31 Places to Go in 2010" as part of a worldwide ranking of tourism destinations [1]

The South Coast region, centered in Ulcinj, is popular in part due to the "Blue Flag beach" sandy beaches, eco-adventure activities, ancient fortress-cities, and vibrant nightlife. These destinations include:

• The old town of Ulcinj with its prominent battlements and Cyclopean walls at Stari Grad Ulcinj, bustling nightlife and sea-side strand, and home of the Montenegro's longest pristine beach, Velika Plaza.
• The old town of Bar, Montenegro with its "living museum" at Stari Bar.
• Ada Bojana at the very south of Montenegro's coastline, with its famed daily fresh catch featured at the area's seafood riverside restaurants.16 km from Ulcinj.
• The vast water body and wildlife reserve Skadar Lake at Ulcinj's Salt Flats, one of the largest nesting places on the European continent for migratory birds.
• The pebble beach and massive olive groves at Valdanos.Closest city Ulcinj.
• The beach, sea caves and pine resin in the air at Ulcinj's Ladies Beach, that for generations locals have known promise cures for infertility and other ailments.
• The only deep water harbor and commercial port in Montenegro, at Bar.

Northern region

Kolašin town

Peaks of Durmitor

The northern region is the centre of Montenegrin mountain tourism. It has ski resorts, and is popular for its untouched nature. The entire area of Durmitor mountain and the Tara river canyon is protected as a national park, and listed with UNESCO world heritage sites.

Destinations in the north are:

• The town of Žabljak on the Durmitor mountain, the most popular mountain tourism destination in Montenegro
• The town of Kolašin, another popular destination, near the Biogradska Gora national park, the Bjelasica mountain and the ski-resort Bjelasica
• The Tara River Gorge, the second-deepest canyon in the world. Tara river is a popular rafting destination.
• Biogradska Gora, with Biogradsko Lake, a national park and untouched virgin forest.

Central region

Ostrog monastery

Although it is the most densely populated area of Montenegro, the central region has fewer tourist attractions. Notable are:

• Ostrog monastery, a famous pilgrimage site
• Archeological remains of Duklja (Doclea) from Roman times outside Podgorica
• Cetinje, the historic capital of Montenegro
• Mount Lovćen, the national park and Petar II Petrović-Njegoš's Mausoleum afford breathtaking views of the surrounding country

See also

• Budva Riviera
• Boka Kotorska

External links

• Ministry of Tourism
• Montenegro Daily Travel News and Directory
• Tourism in Montenegro at the Open Directory Project
• www.montenegro.travel - The Official Tourism Website of Montenegro
• - Visit Montenegro Portal
• Destination Travel Information for Montenegro's South Coast Region
• Montenegro Travel Guide
• Tivat Travel Guide
• Budva - Telephone Directory
• Best Tivat Tourist Site
• (Romanian)Tourism in Montenegro by Project Rastko
• - Montenegro Tourist Directory
• - Montenegro Photo Gallery
• - Montenegro Video Channel
• - Montenegro Travel Video Channel