Founded in 2023, the Camping Association of Montenegro is working to strengthen the country’s camping and glamping industry and establish it as one of the most sustainable and authentic forms of tourism.
According to Association President Veselin Bajčeta, Montenegro’s diverse landscapes and increasing interest in outdoor travel align with Europe’s wider shift toward nature-based and sustainable tourism experiences.
Tourism data indicate that European campsites hosted 92 million visitors in 2023, generating 407 million overnight stays and €7.8 billion in spending.
While Montenegro currently has around 40 registered campsites, there is no official record of visitor numbers.
Bajčeta believes the country holds “great, yet untapped potential” for camping tourism and that stronger coordination can enhance both its visibility and quality.
“Our goal is to raise the visibility of the camping offer through joint work, help campsites meet European standards, but also to influence the creation of a better business environment,” said Bajčeta. “We want Montenegro to become recognized as a country of authentic, green and family campsites.”
The association’s initiatives include helping rural households adapt their land for camping and glamping, and supporting infrastructure improvements.
Bajčeta said the sector is already seeing tangible progress—not only in the number of sites but also in the quality of services and guest experiences.
Many properties now feature outdoor recreation, locally sourced food, and community-centered hospitality. He added that Montenegro is increasingly viewed as a destination in its own right, rather than a stopover for campers traveling to neighboring countries.
The camping season typically runs from April to October, offering a longer operating period than many traditional tourism sectors. Bajčeta noted that occupancy remains strong in spring and autumn, highlighting potential for year-round activity.
Growth has been particularly notable in the central and northern regions, with new sites appearing near the Zeta and Morača rivers and around Lake Krupac in Nikšić.
However, Bajčeta pointed out that activity along the southern coast has declined due to urbanization and construction pressures.
Across Europe, the camping and glamping industries have continued to expand since the pandemic as travelers seek more flexible and nature-focused holidays.
Bajčeta said Montenegro is well-positioned to benefit from this trend, citing its proximity to major European markets such as Germany and Slovenia, its affordability, and its welcoming culture.
“Foreigners recognize this immediately—almost all the guests I have spoken to mention the warmth and spontaneity of Montenegrins, the coffee and brandy they receive as soon as they arrive. That is our real asset and something that cannot be copied,” he said.
According to a report by Vijesti, the Association plans to introduce new initiatives to boost visibility and visitor experience, including a digital and printed guide showcasing campsites and travel routes across the country.
It is also collaborating with regional associations from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Slovenia, and has recently become a full member of several global and European camping organizations. Bajčeta described this as “just the beginning of a good story,” emphasizing a focus on gradual, sustainable growth.
Campsite operators report that guests—mainly from Germany, Poland, France, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic—are extending their stays compared to previous years.
“Many plan to ‘just stay overnight,’ and end up staying for several days, which speaks best of the quality of the offer and experience that campsites in Montenegro provide,” said Bajčeta.
Infrastructure challenges remain, including congestion at border crossings, unreliable electricity, poor road access, and waste management issues. Bajčeta believes that local governments can play a crucial role in addressing these concerns.
For professionals in the outdoor hospitality sector, Montenegro’s emerging camping and glamping market demonstrates how smaller destinations can leverage natural beauty and authenticity to compete in Europe’s growing outdoor accommodation economy.
The country’s focus on extending the season, diversifying regions beyond the coast, and committing to sustainable development provides a model for other up-and-coming destinations.
Bajčeta concluded that stronger government involvement will be key to realizing the sector’s full potential. “A clear strategy, better regulation and more understanding of the specific needs of campsites are needed. If this framework is set wisely, camping can become one of the healthiest and most sustainable branches of our tourism,” he said.
