The aim of this study visit or the FAM trip was to see potentials of Budva, Cetinje and Kotor, get familiar with natural beauty, particularly the coast, as well as hotel and restaurant facilities, but also with a rich history and culture accessible to potential tourists, Radio Jadran reported.
In addition to visiting as many as 17 hotels in Budva and Petrovac and talking to sales managers about potential future cooperation, the Italian tourist agents visited the historical cores of the three towns, but also the hinterland, which represents great potential for development of rural tourism.
“Personally, I have already been familiar with Montenegro. I have been here several times. But now, for the first time, I am bringing tour operators to get to know your beautiful country”, said Michele Viola, a representative of the Bari-based Basic One travel agency.
Viola conveys impressions of the group members who have been delighted by hotels, nature and the way of life of Montenegrin people.
“Italians may feel at home in Montenegro, particularly because of the cuisine – the food is prepared in a similar way as in Italy. All the structures for the reception of foreign guests are at a high level. Italian tourists are accustomed to a good standard, so Montenegro suits us”, Viola added.
According to Jelena Radjenovic, the director of the Tourism Organisation of Budva, such visits are very important. The Tourism Organisation of Budva organises them independently or in cooperation with the NTO, mostly in the pre-season and post-season periods.
“Among the guests from the Western European market in Budva, there is the highest number of Italians. Last year, we recorded about 30,000 arrivals. We expect the visits such as this one to result in more arrivals for a longer period”, she said, pointing out that the south of Italy and Montenegro are well-connected, which can be one of the key reasons attracting the new guests.
Italian tour operators have left Montenegro with good impressions. This study group has been one of the largest organised by the Tourism Organisation of Budva in the last few years.
