As Dubrovnik grapples with the challenges of overtourism, significant efforts are underway to restore the balance between maintaining the city’s cultural heritage and catering to visitors.
Dubrovnik’s Overtourism Challenge
Dubrovnik, a stunning coastal city in Croatia, has long been synonymous with overtourism. With a population of just 40,000, the influx of tourists—especially cruise ship passengers and fans of the acclaimed series “Game of Thrones”—has led to severe overcrowding. In 2016, UNESCO issued warnings that the continued surge in visitors could jeopardize Dubrovnik’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tourism Management Initiatives
To mitigate these issues, the city’s mayor, Mato Frankovic, has implemented several strategic measures since taking office in 2017. “Before 2017, life here was becoming untenable,” Frankovic explains. Grocery stores were inundated with customers, and streets were clogged with vehicles. The need for effective tourism management became a matter of preserving the local quality of life.
Key Changes in Cruise Ship Regulations
One of Frankovic’s most impactful changes is the regulation of cruise ship arrivals. Currently, no more than two cruise ships can dock simultaneously, and they must remain in port for a minimum of eight hours. This regulation allows tourists more time to explore beyond the Old City and encourages visits to surrounding attractions. Additionally, tour operators must now prebook their arrival slots in Dubrovnik, significantly controlling visitor numbers.
Implementing People-Counters for Sustainable Tourism
To ensure the city does not exceed its sustainable capacity, which is estimated at approximately 11,000 people within its historical walls, Dubrovnik has introduced a people-counting system. This year, the city has successfully maintained visitor numbers below 10,500, demonstrating the effectiveness of these measures.
Future Developments for Sustainable Tourism
Looking ahead, further enhancements are planned to continue tackling the challenges of overtourism. Next year, Dubrovnik will introduce a more streamlined version of the Dubrovnik Pass, a digital travel card that will require visitors to reserve specific time slots for popular attractions, such as the City Walls. This initiative aims to optimize traffic flow and enhance the visitor experience.
Additionally, the city is working to limit the number of short-term rental apartments in residential areas. The goal is to foster a vibrant local community by prioritizing long-term housing for residents over transient tourist accommodations.
Balancing Resident Satisfaction and Tourist Revenue
Frankovic acknowledges the delicate balance between satisfying local residents and catering to the tourism sector. “Initially, when I began implementing changes, many feared it would cripple our economy,” he admits. “However, the plethora of regulations we’ve enacted has ultimately made life in Dubrovnik more manageable.” While embracing tourism is important, Frankovic stresses that it must occur within the framework of strict regulations aimed at sustainability.
As Dubrovnik navigates the complexities of tourism management, the steps being taken offer a potential roadmap for other heavily visited cities grappling with similar challenges. Through collaborative efforts, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to sustainability, Dubrovnik is working towards a future where residents and tourists can coexist harmoniously.
