Dubrovnik Outshines Venice: Tourist Haven with the Highest Tourist-to-Resident Ratio

10.06.2023
Dubrovnik riviera

Dubrovnik outshines Venice, cementing its position as an exceptional tourist haven by boasting the highest tourist-to-resident ratio among European cities.

Following a surge in travel after the last two pandemic years, many cities worldwide are grappling with the challenges of over-tourism. In response, certain destinations have taken proactive measures, including implementing daily limits, to manage tourism influx. To shed light on the extent of over-tourism in Europe’s popular cities, Statista has published an informative graph that ranks the most over-touristed cities on the continent.

Using tourism data from 2019, the graph reveals the cities with the highest number of tourists per local resident. Topping the list is the Croatian city of Dubrovnik, with 36 tourists for every local resident. With a population of just over 41,000, Dubrovnik witnessed almost 1.5 million tourists in 2019, leading to a range of issues such as overcrowding, traffic congestion, strain on infrastructure, displacement of local residents in the Old Town, subpar tourist experiences, and a diminished quality of life for locals. The high demand caused by excessive tourism also resulted in soaring prices.

In response to these challenges, Dubrovnik took concrete steps in 2017 to enforce daily tourist limits. Surveillance cameras (116 in total) were installed, enabling authorities to monitor visitor numbers entering the city. Furthermore, in 2019, Dubrovnik was selected as one of the 30 global destinations to undergo a Destination Assessment and Action Plan by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). This initiative demonstrated the city’s commitment to steering tourism toward sustainability and shaping a sustainable future for the industry.

In Venice, Italy; Bruges, Belgium; and Rhodes, Greece, tied in second place with 21 tourists per resident, over-tourism has also been a significant concern. The presence of cruise ships has been particularly attributed to the challenges faced in Venice, leading to authorities banning them from the city center. Rounding out the top 10 are Dublin, Ireland, with 11 tourists per resident, and Tallinn, Estonia, with 10 tourists per resident.

These statistics highlight the pressing need for destinations to strike a balance between attracting tourists and preserving the quality of life for local residents, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry.

Dubrovnik outshines Venice even as a torist spot

Dubrovnik has earned a reputation as a must-visit destination, and positive experiences shared by past visitors contribute to its continuous popularity. Word of mouth, recommendations, and positive reviews on travel platforms have played a significant role in attracting more tourists to the city. Dubrovnik’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination also enhances its appeal among travelers seeking memorable experiences.

It also has well-established air connections, with the Dubrovnik Airport conveniently located nearby. This accessibility, along with an efficient transportation network, makes it easy for travelers to reach the city from various parts of Europe and beyond. The availability of direct flights and efficient public transport infrastructure contributes to Dubrovnik’s appeal and facilitates the influx of tourists.

Situated along the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik enjoys breathtaking coastal scenery. Its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and nearby islands contribute to its allure as a coastal paradise. The combination of historical charm and natural beauty makes it an irresistible destination for travelers seeking a blend of cultural exploration and beachside relaxation.

Dubrovnik outshines Venice as a city steeped in rich history and a well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s centuries-old walls, stunning architecture, and charming cobblestone streets create a captivating atmosphere that attracts history enthusiasts and culture seekers from around the world.

Dubrovnik’s combination of cultural heritage, UNESCO recognition, the Game of Thrones connection, natural beauty, and well-developed tourism infrastructure make it a vital tourist city for Croatia. Its popularity contributes significantly to the country’s overall tourism industry, attracting visitors from across the globe and generating economic benefits for the local community.

Anticipated developments in travel trends for specific destinations within the Dubrovnik-Neretva County include various forms of travel gaining momentum. These include short weekend getaways, conferences, active vacations, group travel, and event-driven trips. These particular types of travel are expected to be prominent during the pre-season and post-season periods, attracting tourists from non-European countries.

Projections indicate a slight increase in hotel occupancy in the upcoming year, while growth in household accommodations is also expected, albeit at a more moderate pace compared to hotels. Estimating the exact number of overnight stays for the next year is challenging due to several factors mentioned earlier.

However, there is hope to achieve approximately 8.4 million overnight stays in 2023, which would account for up to 93 percent of the turnover achieved in 2019. These predictions draw heavily from the information provided by Dubrovnik Airport, taking into account the carrier’s projections for 2023. They anticipate a 15 percent increase in flight operations to key markets in Western and Central Europe, with the potential for a greater rise in passengers from Schengen destinations following Croatia’s entry into the Schengen zone. Furthermore, announcements regarding capacity expansions on routes to the UK and the USA, which are crucial source markets, are also emphasized.

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Your CTC Team