site.btaTourism Minister Borshosh Meets Montenegrin Counterpart Kordic to Boost Regional Cooperation

Tourism Minister Miroslav Borshosh met with Montenegrin Tourism Minister Simonida Kordic in Montenegro during an official visit by a Bulgarian government delegation, the Ministry of Tourism said on Monday. 

Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov led the delegation, which also included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadjov and Health Minister Silvi Kirilov.

Borshosh and Kordic noted the traditionally strong and friendly relations between Bulgaria and Montenegro, rooted in cultural, historical, and European ties. They identified tourism as one of the sectors with the greatest potential for cooperation, contributing both to economic development and to bringing the two nations closer together.

A central topic was the Destination Balkans initiative, which seeks to develop integrated tourism routes in Southeast Europe, showcasing UNESCO sites and the region’s diverse cultural heritage. Borshosh and Kordic underscored the need for private sector participation in creating joint offerings aimed at attracting tourists from long-haul markets, including Japan, China, the United States, South Korea, and Latin America.

The meeting also reviewed progress on the Joint Action Plan for Tourism for 2025-2027, signed in October 2024, which sets the framework for cooperation between the two countries.

Statistical data indicate growth potential: in 2024, Bulgaria received 6,648 tourists from Montenegro, and the first half of 2025 recorded an increase of nearly 26% compared to the same period in 2024.

The most frequented destinations for Montenegrin tourists in Bulgaria are urban centers, coastal areas, and mountain resorts.

Borshosh and Kordic confirmed their willingness to engage more actively in joint initiatives within UN Tourism, where Montenegro holds the chair of the Regional Commission for Europe until 2027 and Bulgaria serves on the Executive Council through 2027.

The meeting was an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership in tourism and developing joint initiatives to commemorate the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and Montenegro in 2026.

Kordic will participate in the ministerial panel at the 9th UN Tourism Global Conference on Wine Tourism, The Art of Wine Tourism, scheduled for October 6-7, 2025, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. She commended Bulgaria’s upcoming role as host, noting its significance in establishing the country as a key destination in global wine tourism.

At a joint briefing and signing ceremony in Podgorica on Monday, Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov reaffirmed Bulgaria’s steadfast backing for Montenegro’s EU path, arguing that Podgorica has met the negotiating-chapter requirements and could complete accession as early as end-2026; he noted there are no outstanding bilateral issues and, as NATO allies, both countries align on regional and European priorities. Zhelyazkov prioritized “connectivity” (quick wins via air links, multi-country route packages with carriers from Turkiye, Armenia, Georgia, Greece and Romania) and a common digital/energy market leveraging the Italy–Montenegro subsea cable and new infrastructure. Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic said all chapters should close by end-next-year and accession by 2028 would be historic, citing 70-80% public support and calling for easier two-way travel; he also argued euro adoption would benefit Bulgaria. Montenegro has been an EU candidate since 2010, with talks since 2012.