Porto Montenegro and the Adriatic overall have experienced a stellar summer season in terms of superyacht traffic this year. To date, the marina has seen an 11% increase in the number of arrivals as compared to 2016 and a 17% increase in the number of yachts calling on the marina in the 50 meters+ category. These numbers are in line with the increased traffic patterns overall in the Adriatic this year.
The Adriatic Sea Tourism Report’s most recent study looked at over 330 structures currently operational in the Adriatic Sea which has a capacity of approximately 80,000 moorings. While the majority of these berths are earmarked for vessels under 20 meters, they do provide key insight into the sustained increase in traffic during the last two years (following the drop in 2014). This is the highest positive variation in all of the Mediterranean.
In the current socio-political and economic climate the industry is facing today and in particular with new tax regulations facing the yachting industry, superyacht captains and brokers are looking further afield for cruising regions that are promoting strong yacht-friendly tax legislation while offering facilities that tend to the complex needs of the superyacht industry. Tony Brown, the Marina Director of Porto Montenegro, spoke to us today about this year’s traffic.
“We’ve witnessed increased footfall in the marina and a surge in the quality of superyacht charters this year. Porto Montenegro is continuing to lead the industry and set new benchmarks in marina services and standards, and the increase in traffic confirms that the Adriatic region, on the whole, is arguably one of the most talked about cruising grounds in the Mediterranean today. In addition to our facilities, our geographic location near 1000 islands to our north in Croatia and the growing popularity of that region mean that the entire Adriatic is experiencing consistently stronger interest. This is coming from the charter sector in addition to yachts selecting the area as their home port for the winter.”
The marina will be hosting the 3rd edition of the MYBA Pop-Up Superyacht Show from September 8th to the 10th, and in the final weeks leading up to the show registrations are strong and accommodation in the area are almost now at capacity. “Porto Montenegro will once again provide an ideal platform for owners, agents, and captains to showcase their prestigious superyachts and promote the scenic itineraries they have on offer. Brokers can also take full advantage of all the premium B2B opportunities that will be available to them throughout the show,” Tony also told us.
The list of participants already includes industry heavyweights such as Fraser Yachts, IYC, Ocean Partners, YPI, CharterWorld, Camper & Nicholsons, TWW Yachts, and CSO to name a few. The Show kicks off on the morning of September 8th with yacht viewings and will end with a spectacular closing party set against the backdrop of the scenic Bay of Kotor on the eve of September 10th. With a packed itinerary of guided tours, yacht hops, and seminars on the region from industry experts, attendees will walk away with a wealth of knowledge on not only the cruising opportunities but they will also learn about the fiscal and regulatory issues that demonstrate how Montenegro is working to support this burgeoning industry in the area.
Registration is now open for international brokers, agents, suppliers, and service providers via the MYBA website.
Further information is available via email at mybapm@portomontenegro.com
About Porto Montenegro
Porto Montenegro is the Mediterranean’s leading luxury yacht homeport and marina village. The state-of-the-art facility has been designed to cater to the advanced needs of all yachts, their owners, guests, and crew with specific infrastructure for the largest yachts afloat. The marina currently has 450 berths, 228 sold-out luxury apartments, as well as 55 units of ground floor retail made up of restaurants, bars, cafes, shops, and amenities. The five-star Regent Hotel on the marina property has over 80 luxury suites and apartments.