AGP Executive Report

New Air Links for Montenegro: easyJet has announced fresh summer 2027 routes, including flights from Birmingham to Tivat (May 3, Mondays and Thursdays), plus wider UK expansion that also boosts access to the Adriatic. Tourism Momentum: Montenegro is seeing shoulder-season strength, with preliminary data putting the country at about 77,000 tourists on 17 September—up 18% year-on-year and 18% versus 2019—along with higher residence tax receipts. Regional Cooperation: Montenegro and Armenia are pushing to expand tourism ties, with rural/agro tourism highlighted and officials discussing new destinations and easier travel flows. Getting Around Montenegro by Sea: Montenegro Shipping Lines has temporarily banned EVs and hybrid vehicles on its vessels, meaning travelers will need alternative arrangements until the policy changes. Konavle Heritage Upgrade: Work is starting on a panoramic lift to Sokol Grad, aiming to make the medieval fortress above Konavle much more accessible before the next tourist season.

New Air Links to Montenegro: easyJet has added a 2027 summer route from Birmingham to Tivat (Bay of Kotor), launching May 3 with flights twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays—plus package holidays with transfers and 23kg luggage. More UK-to-Mediterranean Growth: easyJet also announced 18 new routes for summer ’27 from across the UK, including Milan and Tivat from Birmingham, and additional Spanish and French connections from Scottish airports. Tourism Diplomacy: Montenegro’s tourism minister Simonida Kordić met Armenia’s economy minister Gevorg Papoyan in Yerevan to boost mutual tourist flows and explore new destinations, with rural/agrotourism flagged as a key cooperation area. Shoulder-Season Demand: Montenegro reported about 77,000 tourists on Sept. 17, up 18% year-on-year and vs. 2019, alongside rising residence tax receipts. Cruise Calls in Kotor: a Mediterranean cruise itinerary highlights Kotor as a stop, reflecting continued sea-travel interest in Montenegro’s Adriatic gateway.

Armenia–Montenegro Tourism Push: Armenia’s Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan met Montenegro’s Tourism Minister Simonida Kordić in Yerevan to expand tourism cooperation, boost mutual visitor flows, and develop new destinations, with rural/agrotourism flagged as a key area. Shoulder-Season Momentum: Montenegro reported about 77,000 tourists on 17 September, up 18% year-on-year and versus 2019, showing demand beyond peak summer; officials also noted rising residence tax receipts (about €2m through 16 September, up ~10%). EV/Hybrid Ferry Rules: Montenegro Shipping Lines temporarily banned transporting electric and hybrid vehicles on its vessels (passenger or cargo), effective immediately from a Sept. 16 memo—travelers are urged to check alternative arrangements. EU Connectivity Support: Bulgaria reaffirmed it will back Montenegro in the EU accession process and discussed improving transport links, with a potential Sofia–Podgorica air route seen as a boost for business and tourism. Regional Travel Context: A Europe-wide disruption report ranked Montenegro at 32.5% for summer flight disruption, placing it among the more affected destinations.

Montenegro Tourism Numbers: Preliminary data show Montenegro welcomed about 77,000 tourists on 17 September, up 18% year-on-year and 18% versus the same day in 2019, with shoulder-season demand helped by inland, mountain, national parks and historic towns. EV & Hybrid Ferry Rules: A new Montenegro Lines directive temporarily bans EVs and hybrid vehicles on its vessels (passenger or cargo), effective immediately from a Sept. 16 memo—travelers are urged to contact the company for alternatives. Regional Connectivity Boost: Bulgaria says it will keep supporting Montenegro’s EU path and highlights a potential direct Sofia–Podgorica air link to improve connectivity, tourism and investment. Armenia–Montenegro Tourism Talks: Armenia’s economy minister met Montenegro’s tourism minister in Yerevan to discuss expanding tourist flows and new destinations, with rural/agrotourism flagged as a promising area. Shoulder-Season Travel Context: A wider Mediterranean snapshot shows Montenegro among countries with stronger overnight-stay growth, while Croatia lags—useful backdrop for travelers planning late-season trips.

Shoulder-Season Tourism Boost: Montenegro logged about 77,000 tourists on 17 September, up 18% year-on-year and 18% vs 2019, with inland, mountain and national-park visits helping extend demand beyond peak summer. EV Ferry Rules: A new Montenegro Lines directive temporarily bans electric and hybrid vehicles on its vessels (passenger or cargo), urging travelers to confirm alternatives before travel. Tourism Diplomacy: Armenia and Montenegro are looking to deepen tourism cooperation, including rural/agrotourism links, after meetings between Armenia’s economy minister and Montenegro’s tourism minister. EU Connectivity Push: Bulgaria says it will keep supporting Montenegro’s EU accession, and both sides flagged a future Sofia–Podgorica direct air link as a boost for business and tourism. Regional Travel Context: Croatia’s foreign tourist overnight stays grew only 0.5% in the first half, while Montenegro posted 1.5% growth—useful context for travelers comparing the Adriatic. Travel Safety Watch: Reports also note wider regional scrutiny of EV/Hybrid transport safety after ferry incidents, reinforcing why Montenegro’s directive matters for cross-sea travel.

Tourism Numbers: Montenegro logged about 77,000 tourists on 17 September, up 18% year-on-year and 18% above 2019, with demand extending into the shoulder season and inland/mountain areas helping keep momentum. Travel Policy for Vehicles: Montenegro Shipping Lines issued a directive temporarily banning EVs and hybrid vehicles on its vessels, urging travelers to confirm alternative arrangements before travel. EU Connectivity Push: Bulgaria reaffirmed support for Montenegro’s EU path and flagged a potential direct Sofia–Podgorica air link as a boost for business and tourism. Responsible Tourism Message: Tourism expert Aleksandra Gardasevic-Slavuljica urged the industry to move from sustainability promises to measurable responsibility at the Arabian Travel Market. Cruise & Ports Watch: A Mediterranean cruise itinerary includes Kotor, while Aroya Cruises expands its 2027 Mediterranean program from Istanbul. Security Context: US Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned Russia may seek to destabilize the Western Balkans, with Serbia described as a transit hub for hybrid activity.

Shoulder-Season Tourism Boost: Montenegro logged about 77,000 tourists on 17 September, up 18% year-on-year and 18% versus 2019, with officials also noting ~€2m in residence tax receipts through 16 September (+10%), pointing to steady demand beyond peak summer. EV/Hybrid Travel Rules: A new Montenegro Lines directive (memo dated Sept. 16) temporarily bans EVs and hybrid vehicles on its vessels, urging travelers to contact the company before travel. EU Connectivity Push: Bulgaria says it will keep supporting Montenegro’s EU accession, and highlights a potential direct air link Sofia–Podgorica as a step that could boost business and tourism. Responsible Tourism Message: Montenegro’s tourism expert Aleksandra Gardasevic-Slavuljica urged the industry at Arabian Travel Market 2026 to move from sustainability slogans to measurable responsibility. Regional Context: Croatia’s foreign tourist overnight stays rose only 0.5% in the first half of the year, while Montenegro posted 1.5% growth—useful backdrop for Montenegro’s own visitor momentum.

Montenegro Tourism Watch: Preliminary figures show Montenegro welcomed about 77,000 tourists on 17 September, up 18% year-on-year and 18% versus 2019, with demand extending beyond peak summer and supported by growth in residence tax receipts (around €2m collected by 16 September, up ~10%). EV & Ferry Rules: A new directive from Montenegro Shipping Lines temporarily bans EVs and hybrid vehicles on its vessels (passenger or cargo), effective immediately after a 16 September memo—travelers are urged to contact the line before booking. Regional Connectivity: Bulgaria says it will keep supporting Montenegro’s EU accession and discussed deeper cooperation including transport links; a planned direct air route Sofia–Podgorica is flagged as a boost for business and tourism. Travel Safety Context: A wider regional trend continues as another ferry operator, Island Water, also bans EVs and hybrids on passenger ships amid ongoing investigations into a deadly ferry fire. EU Diplomacy: EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans a Western Balkans tour focused on EU steps, with Serbia and Bosnia left off for now.

Shoulder-Season Tourism Boost: Montenegro logged about 77,000 tourists on 17 September, up 18% year-on-year and 18% versus 2019, with arrivals extending beyond peak summer and residence tax receipts reaching roughly €2m by 16 September (+10%). EV & Hybrid Travel Rules: Montenegro Shipping Lines issued a directive banning EVs and hybrid vehicles on its vessels (effective immediately from Sept 16), urging travelers to confirm policies before travel; a similar move is reported by another operator. EU Connectivity Push: Bulgaria reaffirmed support for Montenegro’s EU accession, highlighting plans to improve transport connectivity and pointing to a potential Sofia–Podgorica air link that could boost business and tourism. US–Montenegro Partnership in Focus: Maine Governor Janet Mills wrapped up a visit marking 20 years of the National Guard partnership, including talks with Montenegrin leaders and mountain training at Zabljak. Responsible Tourism Message: Montenegro’s tourism expert Aleksandra Gardasevic-Slavuljica urged the industry to shift from sustainability slogans to measurable responsibility at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

Tourism & Investment: PASHA Real Estate Group met Montenegro’s PM Milojko Spajić to discuss tourism development and infrastructure, highlighting Portonovi’s role in attracting international investment. EU Connectivity: Bulgaria will keep supporting Montenegro’s EU accession and urged more tangible results, including a planned direct Sofia–Podgorica air link to boost business and tourism. Responsible Tourism: World Tourism Network executive Dr Aleksandra Gardasevic-Slavuljica told Arabian Travel Market 2026 that the next era of travel must move from sustainability promises to measurable responsibility. Security & Travel Context: US Senator Jeanne Shaheen warned Russia is trying to destabilise the Western Balkans and cited Serbia as a “transit hub,” while noting NATO and EUFOR monitoring. Local Spotlight: Governor Janet Mills wrapped up a visit marking 20 years of the Maine–Montenegro National Guard partnership, including talks with top leaders and the Common Challenge 2026 mountain exercise in Zabljak.

EU Accession & Connectivity: Bulgaria says it will keep backing Montenegro’s EU path, with Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova pointing to a planned Sofia–Podgorica direct air link as a boost for business and tourism. Tourism Investment: PASHA Real Estate Group met Montenegro’s PM Milojko Spajić to discuss Portonovi’s role in tourism growth and the wider investment climate as Montenegro moves toward EU membership. Responsible Tourism Push: Montenegro’s Dr Aleksandra Gardasevic-Slavuljica urged the industry at Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market to shift from “sustainability” promises to measurable responsibility and destination transformation. Travel Demand & Air Links: Eurocontrol reports record summer air traffic across Europe, with higher flows to destinations including Montenegro despite Middle East disruption. Safety Rules for Ferries: Montenegro Shipping Lines and Island Water have banned hybrid and fully electric vehicles on passenger vessels following recent ferry fire investigations—an issue that could affect how visitors travel by sea. Montenegro-US Partnership: Maine Governor Janet Mills wrapped up a visit marking 20 years of the Maine–Montenegro National Guard partnership, including talks with top officials and a mountain exercise finale in Zabljak. Security Watch in the Balkans: A US senator warns Russia is seeking to destabilize the Western Balkans and urges the region to stay on high alert.

EU Accession & Connectivity: Bulgaria says it will keep backing Montenegro’s EU path and push practical results, including a planned Sofia–Podgorica direct air link to boost tourism, business ties, and investment. Responsible Tourism: Montenegro’s Dr Aleksandra Gardasevic-Slavuljica told the Arabian Travel Market 2026 that tourism must move from “sustainability promises” to measurable responsibility and destination transformation. Maine–Montenegro Partnership: US Governor Janet Mills wrapped up a visit marking 20 years of the Maine–Montenegro National Guard State Partnership, holding talks with top Montenegrin leaders and observing mountain training under Common Challenge 2026. Travel Disruption Watch: A cruise departure was delayed overnight due to a mechanical issue, with passengers allowed to disembark in port while maintenance was completed. Regional Air Traffic: Eurocontrol reports record summer flights across Europe, with higher traffic in the Western Balkans including Montenegro, even as delays remain a concern at major hubs. EV Ferry Rules: Separate ferry operators in the region have moved to ban EVs and hybrids on passenger vessels amid ongoing investigations into a deadly ferry fire.

Maine–Montenegro Partnership: Gov. Janet Mills wrapped up a visit marking 20 years of the Maine-Montenegro National Guard State Partnership, holding talks with top Montenegrin leaders and joining the Common Challenge 2026 mountain training exercise in Zabljak. EU Path & Connectivity: Bulgaria reaffirmed support for Montenegro’s EU accession and flagged a future direct Sofia–Podgorica air link as a boost for tourism, trade, and transport ties. Responsible Tourism Push: Montenegro’s tourism expert Dr Aleksandra Gardasevic-Slavuljica urged the industry at Arabian Travel Market 2026 to move from sustainability slogans to measurable “responsible” action. Luxury Investment: PASHA Real Estate Group met Montenegro’s PM to discuss tourism infrastructure and investment, highlighting Portonovi’s role in strengthening Montenegro’s luxury destination appeal. Air Travel Demand: Eurocontrol data shows record summer flights across Europe, with traffic growth noted for Montenegro alongside several Balkan states. Cruise/Sea Disruption (Global): A separate cruise delay story noted an unexpected mechanical issue keeping a ship in port overnight—useful context for travelers planning Adriatic sailings.

Maine–Montenegro Partnership: Governor Janet Mills and Major General Diane Dunn are in Montenegro this week to mark 20 years of the Maine National Guard State Partnership, holding talks with President Jakov Milatović, PM Milojko Spajić and Defense Minister Dragan Krapović, plus a mountain exercise finale in Zabljak. Responsible Tourism Push: Montenegro’s tourism expert Aleksandra Gardasevic-Slavuljica delivered a “responsible, measurable action” message at Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, urging destinations to move beyond sustainability slogans. Luxury Investment & Tourism: PASHA Real Estate Group met Montenegro’s PM to discuss tourism infrastructure and Portonovi’s role in boosting Montenegro’s international appeal. Port of Bar Logistics: Kazakhstan’s ambassador visited the Port of Bar to explore using Montenegro’s transport links as a logistics hub for cargo flows between Kazakhstan, the Western Balkans and Europe. Travel Demand Snapshot: Eurocontrol data shows record summer flights across Europe, with “high increase” traffic to Montenegro and nearby Western Balkan destinations despite Middle East disruption.

Maine–Montenegro Partnership: Gov. Janet Mills and Maj. Gen. Diane Dunn are in Montenegro to mark 20 years of the National Guard State Partnership, holding talks with top leaders and ending the visit with the Common Challenge 2026 mountain exercise in Zabljak. Responsible Tourism Push: Montenegro’s tourism expert Dr Aleksandra Gardasevic-Slavuljica urged the industry at Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market to move from sustainability slogans to measurable responsibility and destination transformation. Luxury Investment & Tourism Infrastructure: PASHA Real Estate Group met Montenegro’s PM to discuss tourism development and Portonovi’s role in attracting international investment. Port of Bar & Logistics: Montenegro’s maritime push continues as Kazakhstan’s ambassador discussed using the Port of Bar as a regional logistics hub for cargo flows. Travel Access by Sea: A guide highlights a fast ferry from Dubrovnik to Kotor and Budva as a way to skip long border queues. Air Travel Demand: Eurocontrol reports record summer flights across Europe, with Montenegro among countries seeing strong growth in traffic. Cruising in the Adriatic: AROYA Cruises expands its 2026–27 Mediterranean program, adding Alexandria and more Adriatic-focused itineraries.

Montenegro Tourism & Investment: PASHA Real Estate Group met Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić to discuss tourism infrastructure and Portonovi’s role in attracting international investment. Port & Logistics: Kazakhstan’s ambassador visited the Port of Bar, exploring Montenegro’s logistics links for cargo routes across the Western Balkans and into Europe, including agricultural shipments. Travel Disruption Watch: Eurocontrol reports record summer air traffic across Europe (35,959 flights/day) with Montenegro among countries seeing strong growth, while delay hotspots include Marseille, Athens and Barcelona. Cruising the Adriatic: Holland America is moving Oosterdam’s Evolution refurbishment earlier, adding new sailings that include Montenegro among Mediterranean stops. Getting There Easier: A new ferry option between Dubrovnik and Montenegro (Kotor and Budva) is pitched as a way to skip border queues and turn the trip into part of the holiday. Culture & Heritage: The Ston Salt Festival’s 10th anniversary wrapped with an international symposium on protecting Adriatic saltworks—linking conservation, community and sustainable tourism.