Montenegro's 2025 tourism season is experiencing a remarkable boom with record-breaking visitor numbers, signaling a positive economic outlook despite rising inflation and shifting travel patterns. This year, the country welcomes more tourists than ever before, but many are opting for shorter stays, which impacts tourism revenue. Meanwhile, efforts to extend the tourist season into autumn are showing promising results, and visa policy adjustments are facilitating easier travel, especially for Turkish visitors.
The macroeconomic landscape sees steady real GDP growth around 3.2% in 2024 with moderate expectations for 2025. Inflation, after dropping to around 1% in late 2024, has climbed back to nearly 5% by September 2025, driven by wage increases and domestic demand. Policymakers are balancing stimulus with inflation control and fiscal stability, while the tourism sector grows in volume but faces challenges such as shorter visitor stays, seasonal concentration, and infrastructural bottlenecks.
Tourism arrivals continue to set new records, with over 2.6 million visitors in 2024 and approximately 1.5 million arrivals in the first seven months of 2025. However, overnight stays have declined by around 4–10% compared to previous years, highlighting a trend toward shorter, more dynamic trips. Despite this, the successful extension of the tourism season into September and October has brought positive growth, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. At the same time, revenues have unexpectedly fallen, likely due to shorter stays, the grey economy, and labor shortages.
On the policy front, Montenegro has recently reintroduced a visa-free regime for Turkish citizens, albeit with a shorter maximum stay of 30 days, signaling improved bilateral relations and alignment with EU standards. This move is expected to boost tourism, real estate interest, and business travel from Turkey.
Winter tourism, an important diversification target, faces challenges highlighted by a tragic ski-lift accident at the Savin Kuk resort, which raised concerns about safety oversight. Such incidents emphasize the need for stronger infrastructure investment to support Montenegro's ambition of year-round tourism growth, particularly in northern mountainous areas.
For visitors seeking an unforgettable experience, paragliding offers a unique way to engage with Montenegro’s breathtaking landscapes. Flying over the famous Budva Riviera with Becici Paragliding provides stunning views of the Adriatic coast, crystal-clear waters, and rugged mountains, combining adventure with natural beauty. Paragliding is an ideal active holiday option that complements Montenegro’s diverse tourism offerings well.
As Montenegro navigates the balance between visitor growth, sustainability, and safety, activities like paragliding highlight the active tourism potential. Whether soaring above the coast or exploring extended autumn stays, Montenegro invites travelers to discover its charm from new heights and perspectives.
Book your paragliding adventure today to experience the spectacular beauty of Montenegro in 2026 and beyond, and become part of a thriving tourism story shaped by nature, culture, and innovation.