The New President of Montenegro is a Game Changer for Tourism

Jakov Milatovic was just elected president in Montenegro. Tourism leaders have a big reason to celebrate – and here is why.

After three decades in power, the tides are changing in Montenegro with a new young president taking leadership of a country breezing tourism as an economic driver.

The 36-year-old Sagittarius, and father of 4, Jakov Milatovic, was just elected president of the Republic of Montenegro.

Born on December 7, 1986, he served as the Minister of Economy of this young European country from December 4, 2020 until April 28, 2022. Tourism was part of the portfolio of the Minister of Economy in this beautiful country on the Adriatic sea.

President-Elect Milatovic Studied economics at the University of Montenegro and graduated with the highest possible average grade of 10. He finished his Masters at Oxford University.

He was awarded scholarships from the United States, Austria, and Italy. 

Under his leadership for tourism, Montenegro has produced the National Strategy for tourism up to 2025.

It was the first time the Government of Montenegro produced its national tourism strategy without engaging external experts.

The tourism strategy was recognized in the region and by UNTWO. The president-elect served as the Minister of Economy in the previous Government. His ministry also covered tourism.

The current tourism Director Aleksandra Gardasevic-Slavuljica served as a team leader when the strategic tourism plan for the country was developed.

Aleksandra, who was awarded the tourism hero title by the World Tourism Network during the COVID pandemic, and also serves on the executive board of the World Tourism Network, told eTurboNews after today’s election:

President-Elect Milatovic is an honorable, skilled, and very good-hearted young man. I met president-elect Milatovic for the first time for my job interview.

This man works on the principle of meritocracy. Meritocracy is a political system in which economic goods or political power are vested in individual people based on talent, effort, and achievement rather than wealth or social class.

This is the first time in the history of the Montenegrin Government, and hopefully not the last, that at the positions of deputy ministers (director generals), only professionals, based on experience and knowledge, are employed.

Jakov Milatovic came back to Montenegro after his study abroad. He promised he would bring back other young people who left the country.

Knowing many young people leave Montenegro for better jobs abroad, I will never forget his words at the final Convention of the presidential campaign.

I know how it is when mothers cry while children are leaving the country. Mother, I came back, and I want to bring back other children, students, to live and work in the most beautiful country in the world – Montenegro.” 

Montenegro President Elect Jakov Milatovic

On a personal note, Aleksandra added:

I trust Jakov will bring back my sons, one from Switzerland, and the other from Vietnam, even though they have great carriers there. The sun is never as warm as in the homeland.

Montenegro can go beyond the limits led by this young man.  

A proud director of tourism Aleksandra Gardasevic-Slavuljica told eTurboNews shortly after the confirmation Sunday night:

Under Jakov Milatovic’s leadership, Montenegro was awarded two “best tourism villages.” eTurboNews reported in December 2021:

While congratulations are pouring in from around the world also, Juergen Steinmetz, chairman of the World Tourism Network, congratulated the president-elect and offered the full cooperation of WTN, its resources, and its network to the success of his office.