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Dubrovnik, Croatia is grappling with severe over tourism, according to a recent report by a German holiday rental website.

The study, which utilized 2023 data from Euromonitor, reveals that the city now faces the highest tourist-to-resident ratio in Europe with 27 visitors for every inhabitant.

Dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik has long been a sought-after destination.

Its allure has only intensified over the years, particularly with the rise of cruise tourism and the cultural impact of the popular TV series Game of Thrones, which featured the city’s iconic Old Town.

As a result, the influx of tourists has reached unprecedented levels, making over tourism a pressing issue for the city’s residents and local authorities.

The surge in tourism is not unique to Dubrovnik. Across Europe, popular tourist hotspots have seen a steady increase in visitor numbers, a trend that was briefly halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, with travel restrictions lifted, these cities are once again feeling the strain of over tourism.

Dubrovnik’s Response to Over tourism

In response to the growing concerns, the Dubrovnik Tourist Board has initiated several measures aimed at managing the overwhelming tourist traffic.

Among these efforts is the implementation of a predictive visitor management system, designed to anticipate and control the number of tourists entering the city.

Additionally, the tourist board has introduced restrictions on cruise ship arrivals, limiting the number to two per day to reduce the strain on local infrastructure.

Early indications suggest that these measures are beginning to yield 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 seeks to preserve its cultural heritage while accommodating the demands of global tourism.

Other European Cities Affected by Over tourism

Dubrovnik is not alone in facing the challenges of over tourism. The report also highlights other European cities that are struggling 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 help 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.