Nestled along the Adriatic bay, the town of Kotor in Montenegro is facing a dilemma as it grapples with the consequences of a tourism boom that is overwhelming its narrow streets and threatening its environmental integrity.
The town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnet for tourists, many of whom arrive on an array of boats, yachts, and cruise ships that dock daily in Kotor's harbour. The 1-euro fee charged to visitors from cruise ships may soon see an increase as the number of annual cruise ship arrivals continues to rise steadily, with an estimated 500 expected this year alone. The surge in tourism has put a strain on Kotor's 23,000 residents, who are grappling with issues like traffic congestion and escalating housing costs.
Amid concerns about the negative impact of mass tourism, protests have erupted in other popular European destinations including Venice, Barcelona, and Santorini. Local residents in Kotor highlight how the influx of visitors is pricing them out of the housing market and causing environmental problems, prompting calls for stricter regulations.
Jovan Ristic, director of the local tourist organisation, advocates for an increase in the cruise ship visitor fee, emphasizing the need to manage the tourist influx more effectively. Drawing inspiration from Venice's innovative approach, there is a growing conversation around introducing measures to control visitor numbers and mitigate environmental impacts.
In addition to the strain on infrastructure and housing, the surge in tourism is also taking a toll on the local marine environment. Milica Mandic, a scientific advisor at Montenegro's Institute of Marine Biology, underscores the necessity of conducting a study to assess the environmental impact of the increasing number of cruise ships visiting Kotor.
As Kotor grapples with finding the delicate balance between welcoming tourists and preserving its cultural heritage and natural environment, it serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many popular tourist destinations around the world.