The Ada Bojana Association has stated that if the Government does not retract its decision to call for tenders for leasing bathing areas and facilities in the coastal zone, protests are unavoidable.

“We firmly condemn the Government’s rushed decision to initiate a tender for leasing bathing areas and facilities in the Morsko Dobr zone through an electronic session—reportedly via a Viber group. This decision has unforeseeable consequences for the citizens of coastal municipalities and represents a direct blow to Montenegro’s economy,” the Association expressed in a statement.

It is noted that this decision was made despite the unanimous opposition from all the mayors of coastal municipalities.

“Local leaders, who have the clearest understanding of the current economic and tourism situation, agreed that for the upcoming season, tenants should renew their contracts based on the previously established price list, rather than the new, drastically increased rental fees. The Government’s decision to raise initial fees by up to 300% compared to previous years threatens not only tenants but the broader tourism sector,” the Association assessed.

They argue that the significant hike in rental prices will inevitably lead to increased costs of beach furniture, services in beachside restaurants and bars, further inflating accommodation prices along the Montenegrin coast.

“Such developments will deter tourists from Ulcinj and other coastal towns, making them prohibitively expensive relative to competing destinations in the region. Additionally, the increased initial fees for restaurants, beach huts, and other facilities on Ada Bojana could jeopardize its status as a tourist hotspot. Rather than preserving the unique ambiance of Ada Bojana, this decision threatens to alienate both tenants and visitors, undermining one of Montenegro’s most recognizable tourist brands,” the statement continued.

Members of the association, along with other business and civic groups, contend that this represents the most significant economic blow Ulcinj has ever faced.

“While past incidents, such as the demolition of the Galeb and Lido hotels, have been detrimental to tourism development, this rent increase directly jeopardizes the livelihoods of thousands of families reliant on tourism. Therefore, we urge Prime Minister Milojko Spajić to rescind this ill-considered and harmful decision, as it adversely impacts not just the citizens of Ulcinj but the entire Montenegrin tourism industry,” the statement reads. The Association also calls on JP Morsko Dobro to refrain from advertising public calls for leasing locations in the Morsko Dobro zone until a comprehensive review of this decision, especially regarding economic and tourism aspects, is conducted.

“Furthermore, we strongly denounce the Board of Directors of JP Morsko Dobro’s decision to omit a requirement in the tender that obligates tenants to provide a certificate indicating no legal proceedings are pending against them. This creates an opportunity for individuals from criminal backgrounds to participate, directly endangering the integrity and security of Montenegro’s tourism sector,” the Association emphasized.

The Minister of Spatial Planning, Urbanism and State Property, Slaven Radunović, attempted to justify the Government’s decision through media statements, alleging a history of corruption in the Morsko Dobr leasing sector and suggesting that the tender was a means to restore order.

“However, the fact is quite the opposite. The Association believes that such unprecedented decisions have effectively opened the floodgates to criminal activity. Instead of establishing order, this decision is enabling individuals from criminal backgrounds to secure tenders. Previous tenants, who have diligently invested in facilities and enhanced tourism for years, have seen their points based on prior usage minimized. This policy change now allows new tenants to be individuals with questionable backgrounds, as the tender does not require proof of a clean legal history or absence of court proceedings,” the statement clarified.

The Association also responded to Radunović’s comment that “old tenants acted as if contracts were made with their ancestors.”

“This assertion is grossly disrespectful to those who have invested their resources in beach facilities for decades, improved the tourism offering, and generated revenue for the state and local communities. The Association stresses that allegations of corruption in Ulcinj are unfounded. Radunović’s claims that tenants paid rent for beaches that were twice the size of actual square meters are not substantiated. If any irregularities exist, it is imperative that the appropriate authorities investigate and hold accountable those responsible instead of punishing the entire sector with reckless rent hikes,” the Association argued.

They further contend that the argument claiming increased revenues for Montenegro is flawed.

“The minister asserts that Montenegro will accrue over 30 million euros from this tender. This misrepresents the situation, as the increased rents will lead to numerous bars and beaches being left without tenants, resulting in decreased tourism revenue and heightened unemployment in coastal municipalities. Moreover, higher service prices will likely reduce income to the Montenegrin budget, as tourists will seek more affordable alternatives in the region,” the Association alleged.

The Association expressed disagreement with Radunović’s assertion that reinstating Morski Dobro under municipal jurisdiction would be “catastrophic.”

On the contrary, they argue that it is catastrophic that JP Morsko Dobro is making decisions that conflict directly with the interests of citizens and the local economy.

The statement concludes that the Ada Bojana Association, in collaboration with other NGOs, is in constant communication and united in their resolve not to passively accept harmful decisions. “We will act within the law and take all necessary measures to highlight the unconstitutionality of these hasty decisions and to inform all international institutions about the serious implications for the Montenegrin tourism sector. Protests will be organized in all coastal municipalities to voice our discontent with this decision and spotlight its disastrous effect on citizens and the economy.”

“This is not merely a dispute between tenants, service providers, and business owners—this is a critical struggle for the survival of tourism in Montenegro and for the rights of all citizens who depend on it. Should the Government fail to revoke this decision, protests will undoubtedly follow,” the statement concluded.

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