Croatia is fighting the tourist chaos: new rules for Dubrovnik!

Croatia is fighting the tourist chaos: new rules for Dubrovnik!

Croatia faces the challenge of regulating immersive tourism in popular cities like Dubrovnik. The pressure on the crowded beaches and old towns is enormous, especially in the summer months when daily visitor numbers of up to 15,000 tourists are recorded in Dubrovnik. With only 40,000 inhabitants, the city is facing a massive influx, which experts believe requires urgent action. Reported against this background Mercury that new regulations will be introduced to direct the flow of holidaymakers and curb mass tourism. These measures are part of the “Respect the City” project, which aims to better manage visitor flows and protect the city’s cultural heritage.

One of the most drastic regulations concerns the cruise ships that are allowed to dock in the port of Dubrovnik. Mayor Mato Franković has limited the number to a maximum of three ships per day. In addition, they are not allowed to stay in the city for more than eight hours. By using cameras at the city gates, the number of visitors is recorded in real time, which enables online monitoring of tourist flows. These measures are intended to ensure that the city is not again overwhelmed by excessive crowds, as was the case in recent years due to the global success of the series “Game of Thrones”. The city can also already rely on over 45,000 guest beds, which is significantly too high in relation to the population of around 40,000.

Focus on sustainable tourism

Croatia not only wants to overcome the challenges of mass tourism, but also diversify its tourist offerings. The focus here is on promoting the inland region. So reported ZDF that the Međimurje region should continue to be given greater focus by, for example, offering overnight stays on farms. This region was even awarded the Green Destinations Award in silver. In addition, the aim is to expand cycling and hiking trails in order to offer travelers alternative experiences in nature.

The rising prices for holidays in Croatia are seen by many as an indicator of efforts to achieve higher quality tourism. In order to counteract the imbalance between tourism and population, Mayor Franković has also initiated a ban on the construction of new holiday apartments in apartment buildings in the old town. In order to keep and support young families in the city, the city buys real estate in the old town, which must remain in the city's possession.

The “Respect the City” project also encourages tourists to behave respectfully towards local residents, including banning swimwear in the Old Town. Particular attention is also paid to the use of rolling suitcases, which, according to the city administration, should be used quietly; However, an originally circulating ban on wheeled suitcases turned out to be a hoax. A video was also produced to inform tourists about appropriate behavior in Dubrovnik, which should contribute to a more harmonious coexistence between locals and visitors.