Kotor's Hidden Struggle: Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Concerns

The UNESCO World Heritage town of Kotor in Montenegro is grappling with a surge in tourism, which is leading to traffic jams, increased housing costs, and environmental concerns. The local community is advocating for higher fees for cruise ship visitors to manage the influx and its associated problems.

Situated on a scenic Adriatic bay, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Kotor, Montenegro, is facing challenges from a tourism surge. The influx of visitors, arriving mostly via boats and cruise ships, is clogging its narrow streets and raising environmental issues. Locals are calling for higher entry fees for cruise ship passengers.

The number of cruise ship arrivals has increased steadily over the past decade. This year, around 500 ships are expected, with four docking on Wednesday alone, bringing in about 5,000 tourists. While tourism is crucial for Montenegro's economy, Kotor's 23,000 residents are feeling the strain.

Residents complain that the tourism boom is driving up housing costs and causing congestion, making life difficult. Local officials support increasing visitor fees, similar to other European destinations. Environmental experts warn that the surge is also impacting the marine environment, urging for studies to assess the maximum load.

(With inputs from agencies.)