The Tivat Municipal Assembly (MA) completed its 21st regular session today after just over three hours of discussions. The meeting had been postponed twice prior due to insufficient quorum, as the ruling coalition was lacking its councilors, while opposition members arrived late.

Following extensive debates, the Municipal Assembly adopted the Work Program for the Tivat Tourist Organization, which includes a substantial financial plan of 1.015 million euros for 2025.

The discussion was notably influenced by Tivat TO director Nina Lakičević (Pokret Evropa Sad – PES), who expressed her frustrations about the lack of cooperation from employees in the local municipal company. She claimed that many employees deliberately evade their responsibilities and undermine her efforts to lead the TO effectively.

“Despite the challenges posed by the staff left in the Tivat Tourist Board and my experience with them, what we’ve accomplished is the absolute maximum we can do. Due to your actions in 2018 concerning the concerts at Pini, we are now dealing with a lawsuit from PAM and a compensation claim of 300,000 euros for unpaid music authors’ rights,” Lakičević told Liberal Party (LP) councilor Vatroslav Belan, who heavily criticized the Work Plan and Program for 2025, likening it to “a seminar paper by a tourism student.”

“Our overall profit during the pre-season is declining as we are reliant on weather conditions and lack a compelling tourism product to attract visitors regardless of bad weather. You haven’t provided a solid response to the challenges posed by global and regional political instability or by extensive infrastructure projects that detract from guest experiences. The statement in this document mentioning uncertainty regarding which tourism fairs you’ll attend during 2025 indicates poor planning and a lack of knowledge about our key source markets. This suggests we are already too late to effectively promote the next season in 2026,” Belan commented.

In response, Mayor and Assembly President Željko Komnenović (The People Win) urged attention to important aspects, referencing the Work Program and Financial Plan that indicated consistent revenue growth and increased tourist attendance for Tivat TO.

“Based on all indications from tourism professionals, airports, and other elements of the tourism industry, this season is expected to be successful and possibly exceed the already record-breaking results of 2019,” stated Komnenović.

Igor Petković (Social Democrats – SD) raised concerns about potential corrupt practices involving the procurement and installation of a multimedia info-totem outside Tivat TO premises, which was delayed past the agreed deadline. He mentioned that his findings suggested possible “shady dealings” favoring a company linked to the Democrats.

Both Lakičević and Komnenović dismissed his allegations.

The TO director acknowledged that the totem pole delivery was delayed, but stated that this was balanced by a discount on the payment for the software utilized by the device. Komnenović challenged the SD councilor, stating that “during your administration, Mr. Petković, nothing was transparent, which is why we are in power now while you are in opposition.”

Dubravka Nikčević (Democratic Party of Socialists – DPS), a former long-serving director of Tivat TO, criticized Lakičević for her remarks about her staff, emphasizing that “it’s disrespectful to label your colleagues as unfit” and that “a successful director is one who builds a strong team.”

Lakičević countered that this was only applicable when a director can form their own team, rather than succeeding individuals who were appointed based on political affiliations.

Her stance was supported by ruling coalition councilors, who criticized certain TO staff members for their lack of accountability regarding their responsibilities.

Tonći Janović (PES) suggested that the authorities should look into the frequent sick leaves taken by some TO employees.

“TO staff often take sick leave during the peak season, only to be seen working as tour guides in Kotor and Budva, which represents a significant violation of professional duties. This kind of working attitude would lead to immediate dismissal in any private company, and it is essential that Tivat TO adopts similar principles, notwithstanding any claims of political retribution,” Janović stated.

The councilors also approved, by majority vote, the Annual Program for Utility Services by DOO “Parking Services” Tivat along with its financial plan for 2025.

This municipal enterprise expects total revenues of 887,200 euros in 2025 and aims to maintain positive financial operations.

Director Snežana Vukosavović-Novosel remarked that preliminary data suggested “Parking Services” ended the 2024 fiscal year with a profit of approximately 140,000 euros before taxes.

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