Dubrovnik, Croatia, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is facing a severe over tourism crisis, as revealed by a recent report from a German holiday rental website. The study, utilizing 2023 data from Euromonitor, highlights the city’s staggering tourist-to-resident ratio, with a remarkable 27 visitors for every inhabitant, the highest in Europe.
Dubrovnik’s allure has long been a magnet for travelers, but its popularity has intensified in recent years, fueled by the rise of cruise tourism and the cultural impact of the popular TV series ‘Game of Thrones’, which prominently featured the city’s iconic Old Town. This influx of visitors has reached unprecedented levels, creating a pressing issue for Dubrovnik’s residents and local authorities.
The surge in tourism is not unique to Dubrovnik. Across Europe, popular tourist hotspots have witnessed a steady increase in visitor numbers, a trend briefly halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with travel restrictions lifted, these cities are once again experiencing the strain of over tourism.
In response to growing concerns, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board has implemented several measures aimed at managing the overwhelming tourist traffic. These include a predictive visitor management system designed to anticipate and control tourist arrivals and restrictions on cruise ship arrivals, limiting them to two per day to alleviate the strain on local infrastructure. Early indications suggest that these measures are showing positive results, with a more balanced distribution of tourists throughout the year. Nevertheless, the challenge of over tourism remains a significant concern for Dubrovnik, as the city strives to preserve its cultural heritage while accommodating the demands of global tourism.
Dubrovnik is not alone in facing the challenges of over tourism. The report also identifies other European cities grappling with similar issues. Following Dubrovnik, the Greek island of Rhodes ranks second, with 26 visitors per inhabitant. Despite suffering devastating wildfires last summer, Rhodes remains a popular destination, attracting nearly as many tourists as Dubrovnik.
Venice, Italy, ranks third on the list, with 21 visitors per resident. The city’s popularity has had severe consequences, not only in terms of overcrowding but also environmental impact, as Venice continues to sink into the muddy bottom of its lagoon. In response, city authorities have implemented a controversial pay-per-visit scheme to manage tourist numbers and generate revenue for preservation efforts.
Heraklion, Crete, comes in fourth, with 18 tourists per inhabitant. As a common gateway to the Greek island, Heraklion experiences significant tourist traffic, contributing to the overcrowding issue. Rounding out the top five is Florence, Italy, which sees 13 visitors per resident. The city’s rich cultural heritage and artistic treasures draw millions of tourists each year, exacerbating the challenges of managing large crowds and preserving its historic sites.
As over tourism continues to impact cities across Europe, local authorities are increasingly focused on finding sustainable solutions that balance tourism with the needs of residents and the preservation of cultural landmarks.
