Eco-tax for auto tourists
04.06.2008
Tourists who come to spend their summer holiday in Montenegro will have to pay ecological tax ranging from 10 to 150 Euro depending on the type of the vehicle. In order to protect the country’s environment, the tax foresees the sum of 10-80 Euro for automobiles, vans and buses, and 80-150 Euro for heavy-goods vehicles. The decree enters into force on June 15, media reported. Montenegrin Tourism and Environment official said the World Travel & Tourism Council and the European Union recommended the introduction of special fees aimed at funding the environment protection projects.
According to official sources, around 400,000 vehicles from Serbia entered into Montenegro in 2007. Similar numbers of arrivals are expected this year. Despite the new charge, the government does not feel tourism numbers will be affected. Tourism Ministry spokeswoman Jelena Paovic said: “We are expecting a slightly better tourism season than last year and no significant impact on tourist arrivals because of this tax.” Montenegro has seen a boom in tourism since in split from neighbouring state Serbia but holiday operators fear the tax will see a decrease in the number of tourists. Sasa Petrovic, owner of the turizamcg.com, a holiday booking website said: “Although 10 Euro is not much it is influencing tourists from Serbia negatively. We can see that from our day-to-day communication with them.” Drivers of foreign vehicles who pay the tax at the border will get a sticker for their vehicle as proof of payment which is valid for one year.
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