London - The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) this week welcomes the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro as a new government member. The announcement was made by PATA CEO Mr Mario Hardy at the Association’s annual Aligned Advocacy Dinner in London, UK on Monday, November 2, 2015 in the presence of UNWTO Secretary General Mr Taleb Rifai and Mrs Zeljka Radak Kukavicic, Managing Director, National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro.
Montenegro is becoming increasingly popular as a year-round tourism destination - attracting sun lovers to its delightful Adriatic coastline and winters sports fans to the nation’s popular ski resorts. It is a country bursting with opportunities for adventure travellers and Mr Hardy believes that membership of PATA will give tourism industry leaders an important platform for penetrating new markets such as China and sources markets across Southeast Asia.
“Montenegro welcomed over 1.5 million visitors in 2014 and that figure is certain to rise year-on-year as the country’s tourism brand continues to strengthen. Tourism receipts are providing important economic benefits to regional communities throughout Montenegro and we look forward to working with the National Tourism Organisation as they continue to expand their tourism portfolio in a responsible and sustainable manner,” said Mr Hardy.
Mrs Kukavicic added, “Montenegro is strengthening involvement in international organizations in the field of tourism, and reinforcing its reputation and the position of Montenegro tourism in the world. The Asia-Pacific region is important market for Montenegro, and we expect growth in the next period. I am sincerely pleased that Montenegro became a member of PATA, one of the most important international organizations in the field of tourism. We are aware of the importance and growth of the Asia pacific region and I am sure that through PATA network of members we will benefit and further develop tourism in Montenegro."