The steps for the opening of a direct air route between Sofia and Podgorica were discussed at a meeting in Sofia between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov, the Ministers of Tourism of the two countries Miroslav Borshosh and Simonida Kordić and the Minister of Transport of Montenegro Maja Vukicevic.
This marked the beginning of talks on Destination Balkans, the creation of a common tourism product and direct air connectivity between the two capitals. A working group from the four ministries will be nominated to actively work for the establishment of a direct air link between the two countries.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadzhov declared that he would provide full support and assistance for the launch of a direct air link between Sofia and Podgorica. ‘The European market is liberalised and we have all the conditions for an air link between us, and it would significantly contribute to the development of tourism and economic contacts,’ Deputy Prime Minister Karadzhov emphasised.
He noted that the aim is to attract more passengers so that the line is economically viable. ‚On the other hand, Sofia Airport offers price reductions for services when travelling between emerging destinations, which is a good incentive for companies,’ Grozdzan Karadzhov added.
Minister Borshosh stressed that cooperation between the Balkan countries is an important prerequisite for better positioning of the region and for building its positive image on the global tourism scene. ‘With the signing of the joint plan with Montenegro and the concept of Destination Balkans, we show that we can work together to create an integrated tourism product that will attract tourists from distant regions,’ he noted.
Minister Borshosh added that the Balkans are not just a geographical region - they are a bridge between cultures, history and traditions. Proof of which are the UNESCO monuments, of which there are 10 natural and cultural sites in Bulgaria alone.
There was a shared view that an integrated tourism product between the Balkan countries would benefit not only tourism but the overall economic development of the region as well. Destination Balkans aims to unite the efforts of the Balkan countries in offering common tourism packages aimed at attracting visitors from distant countries such as Japan, USA, China, India, Latin America, etc. In addition, the initiative to create air connectivity between the Balkan capitals, such as the opening of a direct Sofia - Podgorica route in 2025, will facilitate not only tourist travel but also business links, consolidating the region as a single, competitive and sustainable destination.
The Minister of Tourism of Montenegro, Simonida Kordić, stressed that authenticity, hospitality and contact with nature are only part of what the Balkan tourism product can offer to tourists. ‘Tourists need a digital detox that the Balkans can offer them,’ she said. ‘Air connectivity is very important for us and it is important for this to happen as soon as possible,’ stated Montenegrin Transport Minister Maja Vukicevic.
The meeting between the Ministers of Tourism and Transport of the two countries is an important step towards the realisation of the Destination Balkans vision and is a key component for the sustainable development of tourism in the region.
