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 developement of all kinds of tourism, Montenegro is focused on becoming an elite tourist destination.

Montenegro is considered one of the 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).Fact|date=October 2008

Almost all economic activities in Montenegro are directed towards facilitating tourism developements. Government of Montenegro is set on attracting greenfield investments, which should make best use of undeveloped hinterlands of Jaz Beach, Velika Plaža, Ada Bojana and Buljarica. These areas could potentially hold anything from Mediterranean-style lowrise waterfront communities, as is being done in Porto Montenegro, Tivat, to Dubai-like skyscraper towns.Such investments could potentially reshape the tourist offer of Montenegro, making it a highly competitive destination for elite tourism.

The biggest problem of Montenegrin tourism is inadequate infrastructure, most notably obsolete road network and difficulties with water and electricity supply in the coastal area. For that reason, main investments of the government is building new and reconstruction of the current road infrastructure.Fact|date=October 2008

Main points of interest

Coastal region

This region is of main interest to tourists. The Montenegrin Adriatic coast is 295 km long, with 72 km of beaches, and with many well-preserved ancient old towns. The main attractions are:

* The old town of Kotor, listed with UNESCO world heritage sites.
* Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor), a beautiful bay, 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.

Besides these, other coastal towns, especially south of Budva, are popular among tourists, primarily because of sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Central region

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

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

Northern region

Northern region is centre of Montenegrin mountain tourism. It has ski resorts, and is popular for its untouched nature. Destinations in the north are:

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

The entire area of Durmitor mountain and Tara river canyon is protected as a national park, and listed with UNESCO world heritage sites.

ee also

* Budva Riviera
* Boka Kotorska

External links

*
* [http://montenegro-travel-guide.info Montenegro Travel Guide]
* [http://www.visit-montenegro.ro/ Tourim in Montenegro] by Project Rastko