Sustainable tourism development is key for Montenegro and has been included as a priority in the Government Programme of Economic Reforms. The Strategy for the Development of Tourism in Montenegro 2022-25 translates this goal into measures, guiding the country’s tourism policy. The Strategy centres around sustainable, inclusive, smart, green and responsible tourism development, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges of seasonality and mass tourism. The Strategy includes seven key operational goals to improve the areas below:
Regulatory framework in tourism to formalise tourism turnover;
Tourism infrastructure;
Quality and quantity of accommodation capacities;
Quality of diversified tourism products;
Human resources, knowledge and skills in tourism;
Development of digital, innovative solutions and new technologies in tourism;
Development of Montenegro as a globally recognised tourism destination.
To reduce the environmental impact of tourism, several initiatives will be undertaken. These include developing sustainable capacities and services, adhering to international eco-standards such as eco-labels SafeTravel, Green Key, and Blue Flag, improving energy efficiency, and applying circular economy principles in hospitality businesses. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism, Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development became a Member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council in 2023.
To diversify tourism offers, efforts are focused on eco and rural tourism, sports-recreational and adventure activities, health and cultural tourism, and tourism in national parks and protected areas. Activities such as hiking, biking, and panoramic routes aim to satisfy modern tourists' desires for nature stays and small-scale accommodations, promoting local family farms and non-urban areas.
The National Cultural Development Programme 2023-27 aims to establish a professional, efficient, and connected cultural sector, strengthening the non-institutional sector for culture. For 2023-24, a total of EUR 1.8 million was allocated to implement the cultural activities listed in the programme.
The Rural Tourism Development Programme of Montenegro 2023-25 aims to diversify and develop an authentic rural tourist offer in Montenegro, improving living standards and reducing migration from rural areas. Key objectives include attracting young people to rural tourism, preserving heritage, improving the quality and quantity of rural tourism offerings, sustainably managing natural resources, increasing the use of EU funds to rural tourism, and enhancing digitisation and promotion. The programme also focuses on fostering associations for better market conditions and adapting national legislation to support rural tourism. The Ministry of Economic Development and Tourism has allocated EUR 75 000 for 2023, with further funding planned for 2024 and 2025.
The Health Tourism Development Programme of Montenegro 2021-23 outlines goals such as establishing a framework for medical tourism development, enhancing Montenegro’s international competitiveness in health tourism, and strengthening the capacities of the Dr. Simo Milosevic Institute, along with education and implementation monitoring systems. The total budget allocated to the programme is EUR 1.2 million, with EUR 1.1 million sourced from loans and EUR 105 000 from the national budget.
These efforts collectively aim to make Montenegro a sustainable tourist destination with year-round offerings, balanced regional development, and a preserved environment.
