They believe that the fence will be punctuated by gates that will allow swimmers and boatmen to access the river ahead of the next tourist season. Workers in the tourism industry do not believe that tourists are likely to stroll along the fence in search of a gate. They wonder who will have the key to the gates and who will monitor the whole process. They believe that tourism along the Kolpa is dead. Many are considering returning their licenses that allow them to work in tourism.

Austrians also putting up fence
Austrian authorities are looking to erect a fence on the Austrian side of the Šentilj/Spielfeld border crossing. Lorries carrying rolls of razor wire fence have been spotted in the border town, and Austrian troops have started installing a 4 km long fence along the border with Slovenia. According to Austrian media, the chain-link fence is about 2 m high. The authorities have yet to strike a deal with all local property owners.

The Austrian state broadcaster ORF reports that preparation works started more than a week ago. The fence is expected to be completed by Christmas.

The border fence project was approved by the Austrian coalition government in mid-November. Their goal is to regulate the flow of migrants by closing the 'green' border. The fence will cost 1.2 to 2 million euros.

Al. Ma., P. D., T. H.; translated by D. V.