site.btaDirect Air Service between Sofia, Podgorica Expected to Be Launched in Spring 2025

The Ministers of Tourism of Bulgaria and Montenegro, Evtim Miloshev and Simonida Kordic, signed in Podgorica a plan for joint actions in tourism in the 2025-2027 period, the Ministry of Tourism said on Monday. With this document, the two countries pledged to strengthen cooperation in key tourism areas, including winter, cultural, wine, pilgrimage and spa tourism, and expressed a will to ensure air connectivity between the Balkan capitals, with a direct air service between the two capital cities expected to be launched in the spring of 2025.

The signing of the plan, proposed by the Bulgarian side, is the result of the invitation for a visit by Minister Kordic to Minister Milosev during their meeting in Japan in September 2024. The focus of talks between the two ministers was the idea to create an integrated tourism product Destination Balkans, which will enable the development of common tourism packages targeting tourists from remote destinations such as Japan and the US.

"It is bad idea for us, the Balkan nations, to compete in the field of tourism. The world and tourists from remote destinations accept us as one destination - a region with a unique culture, impressive historical heritage, delicious food and fine wine. Overseas tourists want to visit several countries in one trip. If we create a common integrated product, the Balkans will be significantly more attractive on the world tourism map," said Minister Miloshev.

Minister Kordic stressed the importance of the plan, saying that it is important to have a formal framework for successful cooperation. "I hope that we will soon take concrete steps to bring Montenegro and Bulgaria closer together and present ourselves to tourists from further afield. It is essential that we demonstrate political will and provide opportunities for economic cooperation to the benefit of both countries. Tourism is a bridge, tourism is an entry point, and when this bridge is opened, many economic activities flow across it."

The signing of this plan is an important step towards the implementation of the Destination Balkans vision and is a key element for the sustainable development of tourism in the region, the Bulgarian Tourism Ministry said.