Kosovo's vision for sustainable tourism

The discussion had shared aspiration - to position Kosovo as an eco-tourism destination, drawing travelers from around the world to its unspoiled mountains and valleys. Yet the path to achieving that vision, as the panelists noted, requires careful navigation between economic aspirations and environmental preservation.

One of the strongest voices on this front was Gazmend Muhaxheri, the mayor of Peja, a city framed by the Rugova mountains, known for its sustainable touristic products and winding trails. Muhaxheri stressed that expanding tourism requires essential upgrades in municipal energy infrastructure, especially in popular areas like Rugova. Without such upgrades, he warned, the region’s ability to sustain growing tourist traffic could be compromised.

He underscored that strategic development could bring long-term economic benefits to the community. Yet, he voiced frustration over a lack of coordination with central government authorities and advocated for a review of protected zones, which he argued were stifling growth in some areas.

While local leaders pressed for structural improvements, voices from the central government emphasized policy reform. Lumturije Geci, representing the Ministry of Industry’s Department of Tourism, advocated for a modern legal framework tailored to support sustainable tourism. A core part of her proposal is introducing subsidies for private businesses to help them meet certification standards that would add credibility to Kosovo’s eco-friendly brand.

Kosovo’s transition to sustainable tourism is also tied to broader green initiatives within the government. Venhar Nushi, from the Office for Strategic Planning, introduced policies from the “Green Agenda” and outlined a three-year action plan that calls for sector-specific strategies. The goal, he explained, is a deliberate and phased transition that avoids overwhelming local businesses while steadily moving the country toward its environmental goals.

For businesses eager to join this green wave, access to financing remains a central concern. Nora Arifi, representing the Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund, presented new financing options for eco-conscious enterprises, such as “green loans” intended to support energy-efficient projects. But Arifi also pointed to a gap: many businesses lack the documentation banks require for sustainable energy loans, and she called for banks to engage more deeply with local businesses to ensure they’re prepared to adopt green practices.

“Energy efficiency isn’t just a cost-saving measure,” Arifi said. “It’s an investment in the future of Kosovo’s tourism, but we need to do more to help businesses get on board.”

The discussion wouldn’t be complete without hearing from those at the front lines of Kosovo’s tourism industry. Fidan Hallaqi, a local entrepreneur in the tourism sector, urged his peers to recognize the environmental footprint of their operations. He emphasized the need for sustainability awareness and commended recent government measures supporting energy-efficient practices, yet he believes more work remains.

As Kosovo leans into its green tourism aspirations, it faces a delicate balance — nurturing economic growth while ensuring that its wild beauty remains intact for generations to come. With initiatives like the Sustainable Tourism Conference, the country’s leaders are signaling that the journey, while complex, is well underway.

The conference was organized by the PPSE project and the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade. PPSE is a Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation project, implemented by Swisscontact and Riinvest Institute.