Montenegro Sees Increase in Tourist Arrivals but Decline in Overnight Stays

Montenegro experienced a significant rise in tourist arrivals in 2025, with a total of 2.73 million visitors recorded, according to preliminary data from Monstat. This figure marks an increase of 121,710 tourists, representing a growth of 4.67 percent compared to 2024. Despite this positive trend in arrivals, the number of overnight stays saw a decrease, totaling 15.36 million nights, down by 227,133 nights or 1.46 percent from the previous year.

The data indicates that foreign tourists accounted for a substantial majority of overnight stays, with 95.8 percent of the total. Domestic tourists made up the remaining 4.2 percent. Among international visitors, tourists from Serbia led the way, contributing 23.4 percent of the total overnight stays. They were followed by tourists from Russia at 16.4 percent and Bosnia and Herzegovina at 8.1 percent. Visitors from Germany, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom also made notable contributions, collectively accounting for 34.9 percent of stays.

Distribution of Overnight Stays by Location

In terms of geographical distribution, coastal areas attracted the most overnight stays, accounting for 92.6 percent of the total. Mountain resorts followed with 2.8 percent, while the capital city, Podgorica, represented 2.7 percent. Other locations contributed 2 percent of the total overnight stays.

Monstat’s report combines data from both collective accommodations, such as hotels and hostels, and private rentals. Information regarding tourist traffic in collective accommodation is gathered monthly through reports detailing arrivals and overnight stays. These reports are compiled based on guest registration records maintained by the reception services in various hospitality establishments.

This comprehensive research aims to provide insights into the trends of tourist arrivals and overnight stays across all types of accommodations in Montenegro. It offers a detailed view of the structure of foreign tourist arrivals based on their country of origin, highlighting the importance of international tourism for the Montenegrin economy.

With the rise in tourist arrivals amidst a decline in overnight stays, stakeholders in Montenegro’s tourism sector may need to assess strategies to enhance the overall visitor experience and encourage longer stays.