As mid-June marks the start of the main tourist season, Dubrovnik is experiencing mixed signals from the travel industry. May recorded a decline in both arrivals and overnight stays, partly attributed to fluctuations in religious holiday dates. The private rental sector, especially family accommodations, faces deeper challenges as the number of beds in private accommodation has increased by 5% compared to last year, leading to thinner spread of reservations. Official statistics show a slight decline of about 3% in arrivals and overnight stays. Experts emphasize that Croatia is now focusing on sustainable tourism rather than raw growth, which may be welcome news for overwhelmed destinations like Dubrovnik. The pressure is not limited to the city itself; rural parts of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County are also feeling the strain. While some property owners report downturns, others have better results than last year, highlighting ongoing challenges and imbalances in Croatia’s evolving tourism landscape.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning reports tend to emphasize the challenges faced by local communities and small private accommodation owners due to the saturation of private rentals and the uneven distribution of tourism benefits. They highlight the need for sustainable tourism policies that protect local interests and prevent over-tourism.
Center: Center-leaning coverage focuses on balanced reporting of the mixed results in tourism, acknowledging both the decline in arrivals and the growth in private accommodation supply. It stresses the shift in Croatia’s tourism strategy towards sustainability and managing growth to avoid overburdening popular destinations like Dubrovnik.
Right: Right-leaning narratives often highlight the entrepreneurial opportunities in the private rental market despite the challenges, emphasizing individual success stories and the importance of market-driven growth. They may downplay the negative impacts of saturation and focus on the benefits of tourism expansion for the economy.
