More than €2.2 Million in Grant Funding Enables Hotels Across Montenegro to Improve Energy Efficiency

Tourism and energy, two of Montenegro’s key economic sectors, are continuing their joint efforts to develop sustainable energy sources, improve energy efficiency and protect the environment, with the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of Montenegrin tourism and supporting year-round destination development.

More than €2.2 million in grant funding, secured through a partnership between the Ministry of Tourism, the European Union, the Ministry of Energy and Mining, the Eco Fund and other partners, has enabled hotels across Montenegro to invest in measures related to energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and enhance the quality of the country’s tourism offering.

“The European Union, through its Energy Support Package, has helped the tourism sector invest in sustainable business models that will deliver long-term benefits and strengthen the competitiveness of Montenegrin tourism,” said the Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler.

He noted that the project demonstrates that sustainability and successful business performance go hand in hand.

Additional support for the tourism sector will follow as early as September, when the Ministry of Tourism launches a new public call worth €500,000 to support further improvements in energy efficiency in tourism, under more favourable conditions that will enable a larger number of tourism businesses to participate.

Minister of Tourism Simonida Kordić emphasised that the project’s objectives extend well beyond providing individual financial support to beneficiaries.

“Today, energy efficiency is not only an environmental issue but also a matter of competitiveness. Hotels that invest in green technologies reduce their operating costs, improve service quality and create better conditions for their guests. At the same time, we are safeguarding our most valuable tourism assets and building a sustainable tourism sector that thrives throughout all 365 days of the year,” said Kordić.

Minister of Energy and Mining Admir Šahmanović stated that energy efficiency is one of the key priorities of the ongoing reform of the energy sector.

“Energy security is becoming one of the most important development issues. Montenegro has the opportunity to build a sustainable and competitive energy system through the use of renewable energy sources, harmonisation with European legislation, and investment in new generation capacity. Such a system will provide strong support for the development of both the economy and tourism,” said Šahmanović.

Milutin Đukanović, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Montenegro’s Electric Power Company (EPCG), highlighted that energy and tourism are two of the country’s most important development sectors.

“A successful tourism industry depends on a clean environment, while the green transition is one of the fundamental prerequisites for its continued development. Energy efficiency projects in the hotel sector, together with investments in renewable energy sources, contribute to a more sustainable and competitive tourism product for Montenegro,” added Đukanović.

Nemanja Peković, Assistant Director of the Eco Fund, said that the project confirms the importance of institutional partnerships in delivering the green transition.

“Through its various programmes, the Eco Fund has supported more than 8,000 beneficiaries. Investments in the tourism sector and energy efficiency projects generate multiple benefits – from reducing energy consumption to meeting Montenegro’s obligations on its path towards membership in the European Union. Such investments also make an important contribution to closing Chapter 27,” Peković said.

During the event, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Tourism and Montenegro’s Electric Power Company (EPCG), establishing a framework for promoting and advancing the installation of solar photovoltaic systems in tourism facilities. The initiative aims to increase energy efficiency, reduce operating costs and strengthen the competitiveness of the tourism sector.