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Dubrovnik Fights Tourist Overcrowding
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stephenhoban
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Dubrovnik, Croatia's picturesque coastal city, has become a victim of its own success as a tourist destination, largely due to its starring role in the hit TV series Game of Thrones. As reported by Bloomberg, since the show's 2011 premiere, Dubrovnik has seen an annual tourism increase of 9 to 12 percent, transforming this UNESCO World Heritage site into Europe's most overcrowded tourist spot. With 36 tourists for every local resident, the city now grapples with the challenges of overtourism, prompting officials to implement measures to reclaim Dubrovnik for its inhabitants while maintaining its allure for visitors.
Extent of Dubrovnik Overtourism
dw.com
With a population of just over 41,000, Dubrovnik welcomed nearly 1.5 million tourists in 2019, resulting in a staggering ratio of 36 tourists per resident
1
. This influx has led to numerous challenges:
- Traffic congestion and damage to infrastructure
- Steep increase in prices and lower quality of life for residents
- Overcrowding of narrow streets, particularly in the Old Town
- Potential damage to fragile environments and landmarks
- Bottlenecks and half-hour queues to enter the old town2
2
. This surge in tourism has put significant strain on Dubrovnik's resources and infrastructure, prompting concerns about the sustainability of its tourism industry.2 sources
Contributing Factors
lonelyplanet.com
Several factors have contributed to Dubrovnik's overtourism problem:
- Pop culture influence: The city's role as King's Landing in HBO's "Game of Thrones" significantly boosted its popularity among fans12.
- Cruise ship industry: Dubrovnik is a popular cruise destination, with thousands of passengers disembarking daily3.
- UNESCO World Heritage status: The city's Old Town, designated as a UNESCO site, attracts millions of visitors annually4.
- Social media exposure: Increased visibility on platforms like Instagram has drawn more tourists seeking picturesque locations2.
- Affordable travel options: Low-cost airlines and accommodations have made Dubrovnik more accessible to a wider range of travelers5.
5 sources
Impact of Game of Thrones
screenrant.com
The HBO series played a pivotal role in Dubrovnik's tourism surge, attracting over 244,000 visitors between 2012 and 2015 who spent approximately 126 million euros
1
. Annually, about 60,000 people visit the city solely due to its association with the show, contributing to an estimated €180.7 million in tourism revenue for Croatia from 2013 to 20182
. The series' impact is evident in the tourism landscape, with roughly half of all tours in Dubrovnik now Game of Thrones-themed3
. This film-induced tourism phenomenon has significantly altered the city's economy and infrastructure, driving about half of Dubrovnik's 10% annual tourism growth as of 20154
.4 sources
Measures to Combat Overtourism
scmp.com
To address the challenges of overtourism, Dubrovnik has implemented several measures:
- Installation of 116 cameras in 2017 to count and limit daily visitors to 8,000, following UNESCO recommendations1
- Restriction of cruise ship passengers to 4,000 at a time, implemented in 20182
- Plans to ban new rental permits in the Old Town and surrounding areas starting April 20243
- Purchase of apartments to offer young families on 10-year leases3
- Proposed requirement for tourists to carry wheel-along suitcases to reduce noise, with fines for non-compliance4
- Development of a luggage drop-off system at the entrance of the historic center, with electric vehicles delivering luggage to accommodations4
- Imposition of noise level limits for street musicians, bars, and restaurants during evening hours4
4 sources
Related
What are some successful strategies other cities have used to manage overtourism
How do Dubrovnik's new regulations impact local residents' quality of life
Are there any economic benefits to Dubrovnik's overtourism despite the challenges
How effective are the daily tourist limits and camera systems in Dubrovnik
What role does UNESCO play in advising cities about overtourism