Berane is navigating an economic landscape marked by industrial decline and reliance on the public sector, prompting the search for new avenues of development. While tourism cannot fully compensate for the loss of industrial capacity, it is positioned as a potential re-anchoring sector, particularly when integrated with cultural elements, aviation history, and soft adventure offerings.
The municipality boasts valuable resources such as mountainous areas, river valleys, monasteries, and a distinctive aviation legacy linked to its former airport infrastructure, which continues to influence local identity despite its current inactivity. The local tourism experience is primarily driven by cultural and memorial visits associated with religious sites and historical narratives.
Although tourism activity remains limited, visitors are increasingly opting for average stays of 2–3 nights, particularly among those interested in cultural and regional experiences. Daily visitor expenditures are estimated between €90–120, with a notable retention of spending within the local economy due to the presence of few external operators. While the employment impact from tourism is relatively modest, it plays a crucial symbolic role by offering alternatives to public-sector jobs.
The municipality’s financial gains from tourism are marginal; however, its strategic significance lies in fostering option creation. The growth of tourism can enhance service-sector competencies, stimulate small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) development, and facilitate the monetization of cultural assets. Over time, this could pave the way for a multi-sector recovery, reducing reliance on a single industry.
Challenges that hinder Berane’s tourism potential include subpar accommodation quality, ineffective destination branding, and underutilized infrastructure. A public investment ranging from €10–15 million aimed at enhancing cultural assets, improving river access, and providing incentives for small-scale lodging could significantly elevate Berane’s tourism profile. The municipality’s long-term prospects hinge on a strategy of hybridization, rather than focusing solely on tourism specialization.
