Yumi
Active member
KOTOR, Montenegro, Aug 9 (Reuters) - A UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled on the edge of a picturesque Adriatic bay, the town of Kotor in Montenegro is struggling to cope with a surge in tourism that is clogging its narrow streets and raising environmental concerns.
Many visitors arrive on the hundreds of boats, yachts, and cruise ships that dock daily in Kotor's harbour, leading some people to call for a hike in the 1-euro ($1.09) fee that visitors from cruise ships are charged to enter the town.
The number of annual cruise ship arrivals has risen steadily over the past decade, with about 500 expected this year. On Wednesday alone, four cruise ships carrying about 5,000 tourists moored in the town, which featured in the 2006 James Bond film "Casino Royale".
While tourism contributes roughly a quarter of Montenegro's economic output, Kotor's 23,000 inhabitants are feeling the strain.
"Traffic jams are huge," said Doris Dajkovic, who works in a local souvenir shop.
Many visitors arrive on the hundreds of boats, yachts, and cruise ships that dock daily in Kotor's harbour, leading some people to call for a hike in the 1-euro ($1.09) fee that visitors from cruise ships are charged to enter the town.
The number of annual cruise ship arrivals has risen steadily over the past decade, with about 500 expected this year. On Wednesday alone, four cruise ships carrying about 5,000 tourists moored in the town, which featured in the 2006 James Bond film "Casino Royale".
While tourism contributes roughly a quarter of Montenegro's economic output, Kotor's 23,000 inhabitants are feeling the strain.
"Traffic jams are huge," said Doris Dajkovic, who works in a local souvenir shop.