Montenegro Solidifies Status Among World’s Leading Destinations Following World Tourism Film Awards

Published on December 7, 2025

A profound international acknowledgment has recently been bestowed upon the burgeoning European travel hotspot, Montenegro, effectively cementing its standing among the world’s most sought-after destinations. This significant elevation in global profile was formally realized when the promotional feature commissioned by the National Tourism Organization of Montenegro (NTOCG) achieved a remarkable result at a premier international cinematic event. The acclaimed tourist film, titled Uncover Your Wild Side, was distinguished with a high second place at the 37. festivalu World Tourism Film Awards – The Festival of Festivals, an event of immense prestige convened in Guimaraes, Portugal. This recognition is not merely a regional success; it is regarded as the highest possible level of international evaluation achievable within the realm of tourism filmmaking, acting as the culmination and finale of the revered CIFFT global ranking system.

The dedication and strategic vision employed by the National Tourism Organization of Montenegro (NTOCG) in crafting the narrative and visual presentation of the country were duly rewarded, demonstrating that even a nation of modest size can command attention on the world stage. The core message and artistic execution embedded within the film, Uncover Your Wild Side, resonated powerfully with the international jury and industry experts. The consistent, focused effort invested in building a recognizable global brand for Montenegro has yielded substantial dividends, affirming that striking and contemporary visual narratives are critically effective tools in the modern marketing landscape. The positioning achieved is reflective of years of committed work toward showcasing the country’s unparalleled appeal, which is now formally recognized within the global tourism industry. This momentous second-place finish in a fiercely competitive global environment is celebrated as the country’s most significant triumph in this specialized promotional domain to date.

The Apex of Global Recognition: Decoding the CIFFT Triumph

The triumph of the Montenegrin film is given immense weight by the organizational structure of the competition itself. The International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT) network is recognized as the leading body for prestigious and influential tourism film festivals globally. This network operates the sole official global ranking system for this field, lending unparalleled authority to its final determinations. Throughout the calendar year, tourism films from across the globe accrue points based on their performance at officially sanctioned CIFFT festivals. Only the top five ranked films are granted entry into the finals, positioning them as candidates for the coveted title of the world’s best tourism film. The exceptional placement achieved by the film Uncover Your Wild Side firmly positioned it as the second-best tourist film worldwide within this rigorous and elite ranking mechanism.

Such an outstanding achievement through the CIFFT recognition process ensures that Montenegro is securely placed among the TOP 5 elite global producers of tourist films in the highly competitive “Tourist Destination – Country” category. The distinction of being ranked immediately behind Switzerland, a nation long established as an international benchmark for tourism quality and promotional excellence, speaks volumes about the quality and impact of the NTOCG’s creative output. This elevated standing translates directly into improved international visibility and heightened prestige for the entire tourism sector of the nation. The success in Guimaraes, Portugal, represents the culmination of a string of victories that have been systematically accrued across three continents throughout the year.

A Year of International Acclaim and Triumphs

Prior to the grand finale in Guimaraes, Portugal, the NTOCG’s film, Uncover Your Wild Side, had already amassed a remarkable collection of accolades. A total of seven awards were secured within the rigorous CIFFT network across various prestigious international film festivals. These festivals, strategically located in major global hubs and regional centers of influence, included New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Tortosa, Zagreb, and Cannes. Each of these awards contributed crucial points to the overall CIFFT ranking, allowing the film to maintain its leading position and qualify for the final global showdown. The consistent recognition across such a diverse geographical range confirms that the narrative crafted for Montenegro possesses universal appeal and strong resonance with varied international audiences. This sustained track record of excellence in presentation and storytelling effectively affirms that a recognizable and highly desirable international identity is being successfully built for the country through striking and modern visual communications.

Strategic Vision and Creative Execution

The creative and strategic foundation of this award-winning campaign was thoroughly detailed during the festival’s accompanying conference program. The presentation was conducted by Aleksandra Maksimović on behalf of the NTOCG, addressing an audience comprising communications and film experts, as well as industry leaders who are actively shaping the future direction of global travel. The strategic objectives, the core creative concept, the narrative arc, and the production team responsible for the film ‘Uncover your wild side’ were all comprehensively outlined during this session.

The Long-Term Impact on Montenegro’s Tourism Profile

The widespread media coverage and the resultant industry recognition generated by this award are expected to have profound and lasting positive effects on Montenegro’s tourism profile. The international market perception of the country is immediately enhanced, shifting its status from a hidden gem to a formally recognized leading destination. This increased recognition aids in attracting higher-spending clientele and encourages investment into the country’s tourism infrastructure, particularly in developing the year-round offerings that were the focus of the film’s strategic objectives. The success also serves as a tremendous morale booster for the entire national tourism ecosystem, from hoteliers and tour operators to cultural institutions and local communities.