Today, I want to reflect on my experiences as a tourist living in a popular destination that has been named a World Heritage Site. In this section of the blog, I hope to illustrate the challenges faced by destinations that attract high volumes of visitors while attempting to preserve their natural beauty and local culture.
I want to begin with an image of the cathedral where Susan and I attended mass. This image is that of the Cathedral of St. Tryphon, a saint who is venerated by both Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians. From this image, you can see a panoramic view of the mountainous background behind one of the cathedral's twin towers. The cathedral was consecrated in the 12th century. It is an attraction for tourists. When Susan and I arrived to attend mass, we met several individuals who were stationed at the door to fend off tourists who wanted to visit the interior during mass. As mass was ending, these same individuals had to restrain tourists who wanted to enter the cathedral while the congregation ended their devotions.