Kotor Under Cruise Ship Siege: City Not Ready for Tourist Chaos!
Kotor, the jewel of the Adriatic, is facing a problem that threatens to destroy its charm and the quality of life for its residents. Four cruise ships dock here every single day, and local experts and residents say – that’s way too many! The city is not prepared for such a massive influx of tourists, and the consequences are already showing.
Too Many Ships, Too Few Solutions Barbara Obradović Pajić, an andragogist and one of the organizers of the debate program at the Kotor Art festival, bluntly states: “Today there were four ships here, that’s too many. The city is definitely not ready for such a tourist influx.” Kotor is trying to find a balance between dynamic tourism and the everyday life of its citizens, but so far, no luck. Streets are overcrowded, infrastructure can’t handle it, and examples from Dubrovnik and Venice only show how problems pile up.
Residents’ Lives on the Edge Historian and publicist Dragan Marković points to similar issues in Split, where mass tourism is destroying quality of life. Residents face soaring real estate prices as homes turn into rental apartments, pushing locals to the outskirts. “The profit goes to those who rent, and we lose life in our streets,” says Marković. Kotor is on the same path.
Belgrade: A Case of Urban Chaos Writer Vladimir Arsenijević describes Belgrade as a neurotic environment plagued by pollution, traffic, and urban chaos. While Belgrade has its challenges, there is hope in positive energy and creative life – something Kotor clearly lacks due to overwhelming tourism pressure.
What’s Next? Kotor stands at a crossroads. Will it become another city victimized by mass tourism, or will it find a way to preserve its identity and quality of life? Debate programs like Pjaca Filozofa try to spark conversations about the city’s future, but urgent action is needed.
If you’ve ever been to Kotor and felt the crowd and chaos, you know what we mean. If not, imagine your streets flooded daily by thousands of tourists, your peace and daily life under threat. Is this the price of tourism? Or is it time for a change?
Share your thoughts – is mass tourism a blessing or a curse for cities like Kotor? Or maybe you have a funny idea on how to deal with this cruise ship tsunami? Comments are open, and we can’t wait to hear your ideas and jokes!
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