On the border between Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the municipalities of Plužine and Foča are developing a new dimension of cooperation, aiming to create a unique tourism offer based on the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. This joint approach increases the destination’s visibility, attracts more visitors, and strengthens the foundations of sustainable tourism.
Piva Lake, the River Drina, and magnificent mountain landscapes are becoming the focal point of a new tourism offer, that includes an adventure park, landscaped viewpoints, and improved tourist signage to help visitors get around and discover lesser-known sites. Digital tools contribute to a more modern presentation of the destination, bringing the region closer to contemporary travellers’ needs.
The Project Manager of the Municipality of Plužine, Božidar Knežević, points out that necessary steps have already been taken: electric bicycles have been procured to develop MTB tourism in both municipalities, water rescue equipment has been secured, and a joint field exercise of local search and rescue teams has been organised. In the coming period, we plan to organise a promotional tour for tour operators, media representatives and influencers. Also, we plan a joint presentation at the Belgrade Tourism Fair in 2026. Special emphasis is placed on search and rescue services. By strengthening their capacities, we will increase visitor safety and contribute to better preservation of natural heritage, a key resource for both municipalities.
The Director of the Foča Tourist Organisation, Spomenka Popadić, stated that the project is already bringing visible changes to Foča. The illumination of bridges and the Clock Tower highlights the historical heritage, while electric bicycles, already in use, promote sustainable and active tourism. As someone who lives in Foča, she says that the project is transforming the city’s everyday environment and aligning it more closely with modern tourism trends.
By creating new tourist products and upgrading existing ones, the project will enrich the tourism offer in the cross-border region and contribute to increased numbers of tourists and visitors, as well as higher revenues for the local and national economies.
The project includes investments such as the building of an adventure park in Plužine, LED lighting for key tourist attractions in Foča, and the procurement of e-bikes in both municipalities. All activities will be aligned with an integrated tourism development strategy for Plužine and Foča, which will be developed as part of the project. The installation of signage and viewing platforms at key tourist locations in both municipalities, together with solar benches for charging mobile devices, will make visitors’ stays more pleasant and engaging. In addition to activities that contribute to a new and more enjoyable experience, the project has also taken visitor safety into account, enhancing it through the procurement of rescue equipment on Piva Lake and the River Drina, as well as through the organisation of exercises and improved coordination of services.
The project is financed by the European Union under the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027, and its implementation runs from 1 December 2024 to 30 November 2026. It is implemented by the Municipality of Plužine, in cooperation with the Municipality of Foča, the Foča Municipal Tourist Organisation and the Piva Nature Park. The total value of the project is just under €530,000. The value of EU support exceeds €447,000, while the budget for Montenegrin partners is slightly over €268,000.
Authors: Directorate for Bilateral Cross-Border Programmes and Antena, Nikšić
This text was published in the 17th issue of Eurokaz magazine.
