REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA AND MONTENEGRO LAUNCH JOINT TOURISM PUSH TO BOOST GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS

Republika Srpska and Montenegro have agreed that their diverse tourism offer, if presented jointly, could become significantly more competitive on the global market.

This was stated following a meeting in Trebinje between Republika Srpska Minister of Trade and Tourism Ned Puhovac and Montenegro’s Minister of Tourism Simonida Kordić.

Puhovac said that regional cooperation and a unified appearance on third markets are crucial for the development of tourism in this part of Europe.

He announced that he will initiate a meeting of tourism ministers from the region in the coming period in order to coordinate activities and launch a joint promotion of the region as a single tourist destination.

Minister Kordić emphasized that Montenegro and Republika Srpska not only maintain traditionally close relations, but also share strong economic interests in the tourism sector.

She noted that a large number of citizens from Republika Srpska are regular visitors to Montenegro, just as Montenegrin citizens frequently visit Trebinje and other destinations in Republika Srpska.

“Our goal is to facilitate tourist mobility, improve infrastructure, and through joint projects offer the region as a unified space on the global tourism market,” Kordić said.

She added that activities aimed at strengthening regional cooperation have already been launched and expressed confidence that Republika Srpska will be an important partner in these initiatives.

The officials agreed that Trebinje, as one of the leading tourism centers in the region and a natural link between Republika Srpska and Montenegro, is an ideal host for the beginning of this cooperation.

They also highlighted significant potential for creating joint tourism products combining the natural, mountain, rural, spa, and adventure tourism of Republika Srpska with the coastal, cultural, and wellness offer of Montenegro.

It was agreed that cooperation will be intensified through the exchange of regulatory experience, joint participation in international tourism fairs, and promotional activities on third markets.

The meeting was also attended by Trebinje Mayor Mirko Ćurić.