Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The start of the main tourist season has been excellent and created conditions for one of the best seasons ever, with Montenegro experiencing an unprecedented influx of visitors, the Ministry of Tourism said.

The Ministry said tourist traffic from January to May recorded growth, with full beaches and hospitality venues confirming strong demand and tourism businesses expressing satisfaction with their performance.

Responding to media reports about a decline in tourist numbers, the Ministry said Montenegro’s tourism sector was benefiting from increased international recognition, including being named the best European destination by the European Travel Commission.

Official Monstat data show that Montenegro recorded 604,190 tourist arrivals and 3.02 million overnight stays in all types of accommodation during the first five months of the year. In May alone, 251,080 tourist arrivals were registered, up 6.7 percent year-on-year, including 228,950 foreign visitors, an increase of 7.28 percent.

The Ministry said claims of weaker tourism results were based on incomplete and inaccurate data, noting that some reports referred to June figures that had not yet been published by Monstat.

It called on media outlets to exercise responsibility when reporting on tourism, warning that misinformation could harm one of Montenegro’s most important economic sectors.

The Ministry added that improving transport infrastructure would be a priority in the coming years, as further growth in tourism is expected to increase pressure on existing systems.