Budva, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Italy is a market of strategic importance for Montenegro, Minister of Tourism Simonida Kordic said, adding that the Congress of Italian Tour Operators being held in Budva will contribute to improving air connectivity between the two countries.

“Italy is one of the most important outbound tourism markets in Europe and a market of strategic importance for Montenegro, with nearly 60 million people and more than 40 million tourist trips annually. That is why we view the organization of this Congress as an investment in the future development of tourism,” Kordic said at the opening of the event. 

She added that the importance of the Congress, organized in Budva by the Italian Association of Travel Agencies (AIAV), is reflected in the enhancement of air links between Montenegro and Italy.

The Congress, organized with the support of the National Tourism Organization of Montenegro (NTO), has brought together around 50 prominent representatives of the Italian tourism sector, including leading travel agencies and tour operators that play an important role in creating and marketing travel packages in Italy.

NTO Director Ana Tripkovic Markovic said that the Congress of Italian Tour Operators is the most important activity Montenegro has organized on the Italian market to date.

She said that, according to data from Monstat, the first four months of this year saw a 12 percent increase in tourist arrivals and a 24 percent increase in overnight stays, which are encouraging figures.

AIAV Director Daniele Fiorini said that Montenegro is a country investing significant resources in its tourism sector.

“This year AIAV is celebrating its 25th anniversary and chose to mark it with this event. After spending time in Montenegro, I imagined it as a magical box where, within a few minutes, you can travel from beautiful beaches to mountain landscapes. And you really can get there in about 40 minutes, which is important for tourists,” Fiorini said.

During their visit, the Italian partners had the opportunity to get acquainted with Montenegro’s diverse tourism products, including hotel capacities, natural attractions, cultural and historical heritage, and rich gastronomy.

AIAV is one of the most representative associations of travel agencies in Italy, bringing together more than 2,300 member agencies.