A session of the Tourism and Hospitality Committee of the Montenegrin Chamber of Commerce was held in Berane to discuss the municipality’s tourism potential, the summer season performance, and preparations for the upcoming winter season. Key participants included local officials, representatives of the Ministry of Tourism, National Tourism Organization, local tourist organizations, national parks, and ski resorts.
Tourism potential and infrastructure
Berane’s tourism potential remains underdeveloped. Mayor Đole Lutovac emphasized the need for a clear tourism strategy, beginning with infrastructure improvements, including road access to the Mokra and Cmiljevica mountains. One million euros from pre-accession funds is planned for these projects. The municipality plans to prioritize tourism and agriculture in future development.
The Director of the Berane Tourist Organization, Dražen Joksimović, highlighted opportunities in sports, mountain, religious, and rural tourism. By August, Berane received over 4,000 tourists and 9,000 overnight stays. Attractions such as Biogradska Gora National Park drew nearly 81,000 visitors this year, including organized groups from Azerbaijan, Abu Dhabi, and Turkey. Challenges include insufficient parking, illegal construction, poaching, and environmental concerns at Biogradsko Lake.
Experts stressed the need for sustainable development on Bjelasica Mountain, proper tourism infrastructure, and clearly defined ski resort and national park boundaries. A lack of accommodation was noted as a major limitation, with the largest hotel offering only 72 beds.
Tourism Indicators
According to Monstat, from January to July 2025, Berane recorded 1,500,795 tourist arrivals, a 4.3% increase over 2024, but overnight stays decreased by 4.3%. Most tourists came from Serbia, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, and Ukraine, with notable growth from China, Azerbaijan, and Israel, signaling the need for diversified offerings.
Airport traffic increased by 5% in the first eight months of 2025, while police records show a slight decline in passenger crossings. Industry representatives expressed concern over declining revenues, service pricing, and the slow preparation for the winter season, emphasizing persistent challenges in infrastructure, artificial snow systems, and parking facilities.
The committee concluded that strategic infrastructure investment, diversification of tourism products, and better promotion are essential for Berane to strengthen its position as a competitive destination year-round.
