Residents along the shores of Lake Skadar, the largest lake in the Balkans and one of Montenegro’s top natural assets, say that beauty alone is not enough to unlock its tourism potential. Despite the lake’s promotion as a national gem, locals report a lack of basic infrastructure, inadequate promotion, and an absence of strategic support from the state.
Two residents, Saša Brnović from the village of Bobija and Rajko Radulović from Karuč, told Pobjeda that Lake Skadar could become a cornerstone of Montenegro’s tourism, but without a clear vision and government backing, the opportunity is being missed.
Brnović pointed out that even in 2025, villages along the lake remain without water, reliable electricity, internet, or legal security for private investments. He noted that despite the stunning natural scenery and positive reactions from international tourists, the region suffers from neglect.
Brnović said that although his village is located near a major water supply line serving the Montenegrin coast, they still don’t have access to potable water. Power outages are common, internet access is unreliable, and basic infrastructure is missing, making it hard for residents to invest or plan for the future.
Many guests are stunned by the natural beauty and simplicity of life on the lake, he said, but they struggle to understand why basic services are lacking. The lack of a strategic development plan, urban planning, and legal guarantees makes potential investors wary. He believes Lake Skadar could become what Lake Ohrid is for North Macedonia—an all-year destination with deep cultural and ecological value—but only if the state gets involved.
Radulović echoed similar frustrations, criticizing national tourism authorities for lacking both knowledge of and passion for the area. He noted that this year’s tourist season was weak, with guests arriving on limited budgets and local businesses struggling to stay afloat. Many who invested heavily in infrastructure and services are now facing serious financial losses.
He emphasized that tourism on Lake Skadar could operate year-round and offer a wide variety of activities—from boat tours and fishing to gastronomy and nature photography—but only with proper planning, laws, and government support. Without that, the area remains full of potential, but ultimately underdeveloped.
Both residents stressed that what Lake Skadar needs is not more concrete, but thoughtful, sustainable development. Tourists, they said, are not seeking luxury but authenticity—clean nature, local food, peace, and cultural experiences. However, visitors also expect a basic level of security, regulation, and infrastructure from the host country, which remains absent.
They called for the government to recognize the lake’s potential and invest in roads, utilities, and legal frameworks that would encourage responsible tourism and protect the natural environment. Without such measures, they warned, Lake Skadar will remain a missed opportunity for Montenegro’s tourism industry.
