Partner Search – Sustainable Tourism

Dear Partners,

On behalf of the Municipality of Berane, Montenegro, I am writing to express our strong interest in joining project partnerships and consortia focused on sustainable tourism and the development of innovative, inclusive and environmentally friendly tourism models within the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation framework.

The Municipality of Berane is particularly interested in participating as a project partner in initiatives addressing sustainable tourism, agri-tourism, rural tourism, valorisation of local agricultural products, nature-based tourism, cultural and natural heritage, and the development of sustainable tourism experiences in rural and mountainous areas.

Berane is situated in northeastern Montenegro and covers an area of 496 km², encompassing 66 settlements. According to the 2023 Census, the municipality has 24,645 inhabitants, with a significant share of the population living in suburban and rural areas. The municipality is located in the Berane Basin, surrounded by the Bjelasica, Cmiljevica, Tivran and Previja mountains, with the Lim River running through its centre. Its diverse natural landscapes, mountainous areas, rural settlements, agricultural potential and cultural heritage provide a strong basis for the development of sustainable and nature-based tourism.

The Municipality of Berane has recently adopted its Strategic Development Plan 2025–2031, which identifies tourism development, sustainable management of natural resources, environmental protection, sustainable mobility and the improvement of public infrastructure among its important development priorities.

We see considerable potential for developing stronger links between agriculture and tourism, particularly through the promotion of local producers, traditional agricultural products and food, rural households, local gastronomy and authentic tourism experiences. We are also interested in initiatives that support local communities, young people and rural entrepreneurs in creating new sustainable tourism products and services.

The Municipality of Berane has extensive experience in EU-funded projects and international and cross-border cooperation, including participation in programmes such as URBACT, IPA ADRION and Interreg Europe. Our experience in transnational cooperation, stakeholder engagement, project implementation, dissemination and local-level coordination enables us to contribute actively to international project partnerships.

As a project partner, the Municipality of Berane can contribute through:

identification of local needs, challenges and potential pilot locations;
cooperation with local communities, farmers, tourism stakeholders and businesses;
involvement of relevant municipal departments and local institutions;
participation in the development and implementation of pilot activities;
testing and demonstration of sustainable tourism solutions at local level;
promotion and valorisation of local agricultural and traditional products;
dissemination and communication activities;
exchange of knowledge and experience with international partners.
We are particularly interested in joining existing project concepts as well as developing new project ideas together with municipalities, public authorities, NGOs, development agencies, universities, research institutions, tourism organisations, agricultural organisations and other relevant stakeholders from the Euro-Mediterranean region.

We believe that Berane’s combination of natural resources, rural areas, agricultural potential and experience in international cooperation can provide valuable added value to projects aimed at creating more sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism destinations.

We would be pleased to discuss potential cooperation and are fully available for an online meeting to explore possible project ideas and partnership opportunities.

We look forward to establishing cooperation with interested partners.