(ANSA) - PODGORICA - The number of tourists that have visited Montenegro in the first seven months of 2014 has exceeded its total population, according to data released by the Montenegro's National Tourism Board (NTO) during a reunion held in Podgorica.

More than 680 thousand tourists have visited Montenegro between the beginning of January and end of July, while the overall population counts merely 650 thousand inhabitants according to current estimates (620 thousand according to last census held in 2011). Tourism, the main economic sector of the country, has brought 800 million euros to Montenegrin public treasury - 6% more than in 2013 - an important figure when compared to the country's GDP of 3,3 billion Euros. NTO reported good results also in terms of overnight stays - a total of 4,5 million in the first 7 months of the year - 1,7% more compared to the same period in 2013. According to preliminary data, overall improved results were registered in august as well. The number of visitors has not grown compared to last year, is to be considered positive considering the bad weather and negative socio-economic and political global circumstances, NTO underlined. In particular, the tourism operators feared the negative effects of the Ukrainian crisis and the consequent sanctions to Russia on local tourism, where in the past years Russian and Ukrainian tourists were amongst the most numerous foreign visitors. (ANSA)