Croatia, a small country with a population of just over 3.8 million, has become a tourism powerhouse, welcoming over 20 million visitors in 2023. Early indicators suggest that this year’s tourist influx will surpass that record, fueled by strong visitor numbers during the spring months. While Croatia’s tourism industry is booming, it faces the challenge of managing this growth sustainably.
Minister of Tourism and Sports, Tonci Glavina, has highlighted the importance of balancing economic success with environmental protection and the well-being of residents. He acknowledges that unchecked tourism growth can lead to negative impacts, such as environmental degradation, overcrowding, and rising living costs. To address these concerns, Glavina emphasizes the need for thoughtful planning and sustainable tourism strategies.
Dubrovnik, a popular tourist destination renowned for its stunning beauty and its role as a filming location for Game of Thrones, faces significant challenges due to its popularity. The influx of visitors, particularly cruise ship passengers who often only spend a day in the city, has led to concerns about overcrowding and limited economic benefits for locals. To manage the tourist flow, Dubrovnik has implemented measures such as daily visitor limits for its Old Town and a ban on new rental permits within the historic area.
Across Croatia, locals are feeling the pressure of rising prices in tourist areas, as well as a shrinking availability of affordable housing. The surge in short-term rentals, driven by the booming tourism sector, has contributed to rising real estate prices, making it challenging for young people to find affordable places to live. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Spatial Planning, Branko Bačić, advocates for prioritizing housing for residents over short-term tourist accommodations to address this issue.
While Croatia has not yet seen the kind of anti-tourism protests witnessed in other European countries like Spain and Greece, concerns about the impact of tourism are growing. Tourism remains a cornerstone of the Croatian economy, contributing about 25% of its GDP, playing a vital role in its post-pandemic recovery. However, Croatia is actively seeking to diversify its economy and create a more sustainable future for its people.
The country has benefited significantly from EU funding, which has been invested in infrastructure development, digital transformation, and green initiatives. These investments aim to create a more resilient economy by diversifying its sectors, fostering job creation, and promoting sustainability.
As Croatia continues its tourism boom, the challenge of balancing economic growth with sustainability will remain a priority. The country must implement strategic policies that safeguard its natural and cultural heritage while fostering a thriving economy that benefits both residents and visitors. This balance is crucial to securing a prosperous future for Croatia, where economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment or the quality of life of its people.
