What do UNESCO World Heritage sites, crystal-clear water, luxury marinas, and cruise ships have in common?

You’ll find them all in Boka Bay, Montenegro.

Last year, our second-year BSc Tourism students travelled to this stunning coastal destination for their International Field Project (IFP). But they weren’t just there to admire the scenery. Together with local tourism stakeholders, they explored an increasingly important question:

How prepared is Boka Bay’s tourism sector for climate change?

During two weeks of fieldwork, the students travelled across Kotor, Perast, Tivat, and Dobrota, interviewing hotel managers, restaurant owners, tour guides, travel agencies, tourists, and local businesses. By combining these conversations with observations and a tourism value chain analysis, they investigated how climate risks affect every stage of the visitor experience—from booking a holiday to enjoying activities along the bay.

What they discovered was both fascinating and concerning.

Many stakeholders already notice the effects of climate change. Hotter summers, more frequent heatwaves, flooding, rising sea levels, and changing weather patterns are beginning to affect tourism businesses, outdoor activities, and even the region’s famous cultural heritage. Smaller, locally owned businesses often face the biggest challenges, as they have fewer resources and less support to prepare for future climate risks.

 

At the same time, Boka Bay continues to welcome millions of visitors every year. Tourism is one of Montenegro’s most important economic sectors, making it essential to find ways to protect both the destination and the livelihoods that depend on it. The research highlights that stronger collaboration between tourism businesses, local authorities, and policymakers will be key to building a more climate-resilient future.

 

Beyond the findings, this project was also an opportunity for students to experience what tourism research looks like in practice. From conducting interviews in the streets of Kotor to exploring the bay by boat and speaking directly with local stakeholders, the International Field Project transformed the destination into a living classroom.

Because sometimes the best way to understand tourism… is to experience it yourself.

Curious to learn more? Read the full research paper HERE.