Croatian city of Dubrovnik overwhelmed by mass tourism

Summary

Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has become a popular tourist destination, attracting over a million visitors last year. However, this surge in tourism is causing challenges, with locals feeling overwhelmed by crowds and suffering economic losses. The city’s mayor has implemented measures like counting visitor numbers and requiring advance booking to control the influx. While some locals appreciate the economic benefits of tourism, others are concerned about the impact on their quality of life and the potential loss of the city's heritage status. This complex situation highlights the delicate balance between tourism and local community needs.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Dubrovnik has been a UNESCO World Heritage site for nearly 40 years, emphasizing its cultural and historical significance.
• ✈️ In 2023, over a million tourists visited Dubrovnik, showcasing its popularity as a European travel destination.
• 📈 Tourism in Dubrovnik has surged, with visitor numbers increasing by 20% in the first five months of the year compared to 2016.
• 🏖️ The city's stunning coastal views and impressive city walls attract tourists, but have led to overcrowding issues.
• 🤔 Many tourists feel overwhelmed by the high volume of visitors, with some expressing disappointment at the crowded conditions.
• 🚦 Local residents are frustrated with the tourism management, claiming it is poorly organized and disruptive to daily life.
• 💰 Some local businesses benefit from tourism, but others, like art galleries, report a loss of revenue due to the overwhelming tourist presence.
• 🏘️ The local population has declined from 5,000 permanent residents to about 1,500, as many locals move away due to the noise and chaos.
• 📹 To manage crowds, the mayor has installed cameras to monitor tourist numbers entering the old city.
• 🔒 New regulations require tourists to book tickets in advance for entry, limiting their time to explore the old town.

Q & A

What recent additions were made to the UNESCO World Heritage list?

Strasbourg's German quarter and Britain's Lake District are the latest sites to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

How long has Dubrovnik been on the UNESCO World Heritage list?

Dubrovnik has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list for nearly 40 years.

What challenge is Dubrovnik currently facing due to its popularity?

Dubrovnik is facing the challenge of overtourism, leading UNESCO to threaten removing the old city from its World Heritage list.

What measures have been taken to manage tourist numbers in Dubrovnik?

The city has installed cameras at entrance points to monitor the number of visitors and has introduced a booking system for day trips to limit time spent in the old town.

What was the impact of tourism on local residents in Dubrovnik?

The influx of tourists has led to a significant decrease in the local population, from around 5,000 permanent residents 20 years ago to approximately 1,500 today.

How has the increase in tourism affected local businesses in Dubrovnik?

While some businesses benefit from high tourist traffic, others, like galleries, report losses due to the overwhelming number of visitors and competition for space.

What specific new restrictions have been implemented for tourists in Dubrovnik?

Tourists must now book tickets in advance for visits to the old town, and their visit is limited to four hours.

How did tourists respond to the new restrictions in Dubrovnik?

Some tourists expressed concerns that while the measures might be necessary, they also acknowledge the significant income tourism brings to the city.

What has been the trend in tourist figures in Dubrovnik so far this year?

Tourist figures in the first five months of the year were up by 20 percent compared to the same period in 2016.

What are some of the negative experiences reported by tourists in Dubrovnik?

Some tourists found the high number of visitors overwhelming and described the experience of entering the old town as 'mission impossible.'