As part of the gReen Eyes croSs bordEr rouTe (RESET) project, implemented by the Municipality of Nikšić in partnership with the Regional Tourism Organization of Sandžak within the Cross border cooperation Programme Serbia – Montenegro 2014-2020, the conference “Lake Tourism: Challenges, Opportunities, and Sustainable Development” was in Žabljak on April 8, 2025.
The event brought together leading experts, representatives of local governments, and tourism organizations to develop new strategies for lake tourism and promote sustainable tourism models.
In the opening segment, attendees were welcomed by Mitar Barać, Director of the Nikšić Tourism Organization; Elvir Bogućanin, Director of the Regional Tourism Organization of Sandžak; Stojan Abazović, Director of the Žabljak Tourism Organization; and Maja Radoičić, Project Coordinator for RESET.
Through four dynamic sessions, renowned experts addressed key aspects of lake tourism development. Prof. Dr. Goran Barović opened the conference with an analysis of lake tourism valorization, highlighting the potential and perspectives of these natural treasures. Prof. Dr. Rade Ratković examined sector development challenges and proposed strategies to overcome obstacles.
A special focus was placed on the link between lake tourism and sustainable development. Miloš Džiknić, a specialist in biology and ecology, emphasized the importance of preserving natural resources and the role of local communities in this process. The final speech was delivered by Kirsi Hivarinen, an expert in sustainable tourism, who provided an inspiring lecture on the key principles of sustainable tourism and their practical application.
The conference was not only an opportunity for exchanging ideas but also a crucial step in strengthening cross-border cooperation. The new tourism concept connects the destinations of Nikšić, Šavnik, Žabljak, Pljevlja, Prijepolje, Nova Varoš, Sjenica, and Novi Pazar, offering a unique experience of exploring natural beauty and cultural heritage.
A key moment of the event was the signing of the Memorandum on the Formation of the Cross-Border Tourism Network “RESET”, officially establishing collaboration among local tourism organizations and municipalities. The aim of the Memorandum is to create a cross-border tourism network that fosters cooperation among key tourism stakeholders, promotes sustainable development models, and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and best practices.
The conference reaffirmed that lake tourism holds immense potential—and that together, innovative development models can shape the future of tourism in this region.
