Inflow of Russian tourists to Montenegro grew by 28% since January

Montenegro, that welcomed 120 thousand Russian tourists in 2010, expects significant upturn in the number of arrivals from Russia, Since the beginning of this year the number of air passengers between the two countries has grown by 28%. The Ambassador of Montenegro to Russia Mr. Slobodan Backovich believes that it connected with the events in Northern Africa and with the fact that more and more Russians purchase real estate in this country.

As was noted by Mr. Backovich at the RIANovosti press-conference, Montenegro welcomed total of 1,2 million tourists in 2010. Most of them were citizens of Balkan countries, followed by the Russians that make up 10% of the total tourist flow. According to the authorities’ forecasts the number of tourist arrivals is not expected to grow by more than 3%, and the income from tourism, which amounted to €630 million in 2010, will add up to 5%. “Only by 2010 we managed to reach pre-recession level of tourist arrivals, when we recorded slightly higher figures that in 2008”. – said Mr. Backovich.  

“In order to develop tourism Montenegro should first reduce the air fares. It cost more than the vacation in Montenegro itself,” – noted the Ambassador. He added that this year the Montenegro Air Company will start operating two services a day to Russia. Around 20 charter flights a week are to be launched by R Tour tour perator. Besides Aeroflot and S7 Airlines are flying to Montenegro.

According to Mr. Backovich, most of the tourist flow from Russia comprises individual tourists, some of which own real estate in the country. Many Russian companies invest in hotels construction in Montenegro. For one the Russians funded reconstruction of one of the country’s largest hotels “As”. Another “Russian” hotel “Ostrov” on Saint Stefan island is about to be opened. A Russian company is building the residential and hotel complex on the coast. This complex features 8 hotels, school, yacht terminal, shops and restaurants. 

Speaking of Montenegro’s chance to become a EU member, Ambassador noted that no matter what the decision would be, the Russians would be able to travel to Montenegro with no visas for quite a long time. “In the next 6-8 years one should not expect Schengen visas to be introduced in Montenegro. And by that time Russia will manage to fix all the visa issues with EU itself” – said Mr. Backovich.