Strengthening tourism cooperation between Montenegro and Republika Srpska: Joint efforts for expanding markets and improving connectivity

The Minister of Trade and Tourism of Republika Srpska, Denis Šulić, emphasized during a meeting with Montenegro’s Minister of Tourism, Simonida Kordić, in Podgorica, that Republika Srpska is interested in joint efforts to promote tourism in distant markets. He also highlighted the potential for introducing a direct flight route from Banja Luka, especially during the tourist season.

Šulić pointed out the importance of increasing the number of tourists visiting both regions and proposed that Montenegro be the partner country at the largest tourism fair in Bosnia and Herzegovina, held in Banja Luka at the end of February. The fair gathers countries from the entire region.

He also underlined the mutual interest in integrated border crossings to facilitate easier entry for tourists into both countries.

Furthermore, Šulić reminded Kordić of the agreement between the Olympic Center Jahorina and the Ski Resorts of Montenegro, which allows visitors to use ski passes valid at both destinations.

Kordić acknowledged the vast potential for further cooperation between Montenegro and Republika Srpska in tourism. She stressed the importance of maintaining and growing regional tourism, stating that tourists from the region are traditional visitors, but that there is no room for complacency—this group should be particularly cared for. She emphasized that ski tourism and weekend trips are areas where both regions could collaborate, and that better transportation links are essential for these initiatives.

Kordić also pointed out the increasing interest from tourists in mountain destinations, rural estates, and local cuisine, areas where Montenegro has a lot to offer. She stressed the need for greater efforts to promote these aspects.

The meeting also focused on enhancing cooperation, improving the connectivity of tourist destinations, and creating joint offers for distant markets. Discussions also touched on rafting tourism, with an agreement to consider signing a new memorandum aligned between several ministries.

Additionally, the ministers agreed to exchange experiences on various legal solutions, combatting the grey economy, and tourism taxes.