Pljevlja, a municipality in Montenegro, is navigating the complexities of transitioning from a coal-dependent economy. While tourism is not expected to replace traditional energy sectors, it is seen as a complementary stabilizer that could help mitigate the impacts of this shift.
The region boasts significant tourism assets, including mountain landscapes and cultural monuments, along with its strategic location near borders with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although visitor numbers remain relatively low, niche tourists tend to stay for 2–4 nights, contributing daily expenditures of approximately €90–130, which helps retain economic benefits locally.
Employment opportunities in tourism are limited but on the rise, providing essential diversification as jobs in the energy sector decline. Current net wages in the tourism sector are modest, ranging from €750–1,000, yet this sector offers alternative income streams for residents facing economic restructuring.
While the fiscal contribution of tourism is currently minimal, its potential role in just transition strategies is noteworthy. By supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and enhancing community resilience, tourism could play a vital part in the local economy. A strategic investment of between €10–15 million in cultural and nature tourism infrastructure is proposed to better integrate Pljevlja into broader northern itineraries, thereby softening the adverse economic effects associated with the energy transition.
