Low-Cost Carriers and Tourism in Emerging Destinations

This work elaborates, within a qualitative research design, how low cost airlines impact the development of the industry of tourism. The study was further integrated into a case study, and elaborated on the impacts and potential of LCCs within the destination of Montenegro. The aim was to outline the effects of LCCs on the tourism development as well as the business of airports. The research was conducted by selecting a number of high profile experts from the industries of aviation and tourism who have been asked about the impacts LCCs have on tourist destinations and airports, as well as the LCCs’ selection criteria for new routes. The findings reveal that LCCs predominantly affect tourism development and airports in a positive way by increasing the number of arrivals. The study also illustrates a few advises for destinations and airports in terms of being cautious of becoming overly dependent and dominated by LCCs. In the context of the destination of Montenegro, the study highlights a very positive impact of LCCs on tourism so far, and furthermore provides recommendations for the application of a more LCC-oriented strategy in order to secure short/long term tourism development.