Tourists flock to see shipwrecked Italian cruise liner Costa Concordia

PA

It may be an eyesore for the locals of Giglio, Italy who want their views of the Tuscan shore back, but six months after the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster, the shipwreck is attracting tourists who see it as a perfect photo opportunity.

Hundreds of holidaymakers fill the ferries that connect the island from Porto Santo Stefano every day and even with the hour-long journey and scorching hot roof deck, they still flock to see the Costa Concordia before reaching Giglio.

The ferry sails past the stricken ship's bow and once they get to shore, the tourists head to the dock to take more photos. But the islanders are growing tired of the shipwreck being a tourist attraction.

Celia Cavero, 87, who was born on the island, told msnbc.com: 'Every day I come here and that thing is there.' She added: 'It's heartbreaking. And those tourists come here for the day, take a picture and then leave.'

There are some residents that aren't bothered by the new attraction. Fisherman Italo Arienti said: 'It has now become a symbol of the island. But they forbid us to make souvenirs out of it.'

Giglio was once a hangout for rich visitors who came with their luxury yachts but the wreckage is blocking the tiny port where they used to dock and they have now been replaced by holidaymakers who are looking for a quick photo and something to eat.

On 1 July, a 1.50 euro entry fee was imposed by the Giglio authorities on tourists to reduce the number of day-trippers.

Tourism expert and journalist at Italian travel magazine Guida Viaggi, Mariangela Traficante, told German news website Deutsche Welle: 'People do not stay overnight here, they spend no money, and the hoteliers are not happy.'

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