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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — From Mobile, Ala., to Venice, Italy, the same debate on the cruise industry is heard: How can historic cities balance the economic benefits of the industry with impacts such as congestion and pollution?

This week, Charleston — where cruise ships have sparked headlines and lawsuits in recent years — will host an international conference on the topic. The event is called "Harboring Tourism: A Symposium on Cruise Ships in Historic Port Communities."

"Our interest is to raise the dialogue and to really understand how do historic ports manage cruise tourism, how do they do that effectively and what are some of the challenges they face," said Erica Avrami, research and education director for the World Monuments Fund, a sponsor of the event.