The ministers of trade and tourism of Serbia and Montenegro Rasim Ljajić and Branimir Gvozdenović said today that through joint work the two countries can significantly increase the number of tourists in both countries, create a better offer and a new quality, and contribute to stability in the region.

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Rasim Ljajić said at the presentation of the tourist offer of Montenegro at the “Belgrade Manifesto” at Kalemegdan, that the relevant ministries of the two countries have regular consultations in order to increase mutual exchange in tourist traffic.

The first quarter of this year was more than positive for us, the number of foreign tourists in Serbia increased by ten percent, including the increase in the number of tourists from Montenegro by 14 percent in the first quarter of this year, we expect this trend to continue,” said Ljajić.

He added that Serbia is interested in having many of its tourists vacationing on the Montenegrin coast, as this would increase exports to that country, given that we achieve a significant surplus in trade with Montenegro.

Together we can significantly increase the number of tourists in both countries and contribute to stability in the region through a regional approach. Following all the bad news coming from the Balkans, cooperation between Serbia and Montenegro can serve as an example, especially when it comes to cooperation between our two ministries, said Ljajić.

Gvozdenović agreed with what was said and pointed out that the joint activities of citizens of the two countries can provide better offers and a new quality.

Gvozdenović explained that Montenegro, which he described as one of the fastest growing tourist destinations, owes such success to the large number of tourists from Serbia.

He added that this benefits our country as well because Serbia, as the most important foreign trade partner of Montenegro, can sell its products on that market.

Gvozdenović invited Serbian tourists to visit Montenegro this year in order to enjoy everything that this country has prepared for the upcoming season.

People from this area visit Montenegro like visiting a friend. We tried to reciprocate this friendship in the right way, said Gvozdenović.

According to him, the tourist offer of Montenegro cannot be based solely on the natural beauty of mountains and sea, it is necessary to provide clients with new accommodation capacities, new restaurants and services.

I want to thank the citizens of Serbia for being traditionally good visitors, for helping us achieve progress, and especially promoting Montenegro as one of the most interesting holiday destinations, said Gvozdenović.