Yugoslavia aims to win back tourists

Montenegro used to attract 60,000 tourists a year

The Yugoslav republics of Serbia and Montenegro have both launched campaigns to market themselves as prime tourist destinations for British holidaymakers.

The Mediterranean regions, which were popular with Britons before the outbreak of civil war, hope to tempt back the crowds with their range of historic cities, spa towns and ski resorts.

Tourism is very much the way forward to stabilise the economy

Russell Stenhouse

The move by the national tourist organisations in Serbia and Montenegro follows Britain's announcement that it intends to restore diplomatic relations with Yugoslavia following the ousting of former president Slobodan Milosevic.

Tourist chiefs used the World Travel Market at Earls Court exhibition centre in west London to remind British travel companies that until 1998, up to 6,000 UK tourists flocked to the country each year.

Natural assets

Russell Stenhouse, a spokesman for the national tourist offices in both republics, said: "Serbia and Montenegro feel tourism is very much the way forward to stabilise the economy, to bring much needed foreign exchange and create jobs."

UK tour operators Steppes East, Ultimate Travel and Gulliver's Travel Agency have already agreed to run holidays to Montenegro, with tourism officials hoping British holidaymakers will start flooding in from May 2001.

Britain wants to restore relations after the ousting of Slobodan Milosevic

In the 1980s, 60,000 UK tourists a year visited Montenegro's coastline, including the fashionable medieval village of Sveti Stefan on the Montenegrin Riviera, once a favourite haunt of Princess Margaret, Sylvester Stallone and Sophia Loren.

Among Serbia's assets are historic cities, 53 health spas, and the Kaopanik national park.

Direct flights have recently been restored to Serbia, although they are not expecting a real volume of British tourists until 2002.

Travel warnings

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) warns British visitors not to draw attention to themselves or get caught up in political discussions in the wake of Nato's bombing campaign against the country.

And visitors to the FCO's travel advice website are told that hospitals throughout the country are suffering widespread shortages of essential medical supplies, power cuts are common and travel is subject to severe disruption.

However, Mr Stenhouse played down any safety fears.

"Things are changing very fast and I think both republics are safe for tourists," he said.

"People are very pleased to welcome tourists back."