Dubrovnik moves to Curb Overtourism Fueled by ‘Game of Thrones‘ Fame
Dubrovnik, Croatia – The Croatian city of Dubrovnik, famed for serving as King’s Landing in the HBO series Game of Thrones, is implementing measures to limit the influx of tourists and prioritize sustainable tourism. The move comes as the city grapples with overcrowding following a surge in visitors after the show’s popularity.
Dubrovnik experienced a dramatic increase in tourism after being prominently featured as the setting for Westeros’ capital. Marketed as the “Adriatic Pearl,” the city has struggled to manage the growing number of visitors, leading to dissatisfaction among both tourists and residents.
mayor Mato Frankovic announced a series of changes aimed at controlling visitor numbers, as reported by The Independent. Key measures include:
Mandatory pre-booking for visits to the city walls, starting next year.
Limiting cruise ships to a maximum of two per day, with a minimum stay of eight hours. Regulations are also being applied to bus tours.
Reviewing rental housing and purchasing apartments to provide affordable housing for local families. The city is also assessing the number of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops.
Frankovic stated that tourists have expressed concerns about overcrowding and the city aims to improve the quality of service. “We want to achieve a higher quality of service and provide the best possible experience,” he told The independent*. He also noted that in 2017, cruise ship visits were often limited to just four hours, with passengers quickly taking photos and departing.
While tourism accounts for 80 percent of Dubrovnik’s revenue, the city recognizes the need for a more sustainable approach. “The cities that are prepared for sustainable tourism will be leading,” Frankovic said. “Our main goal is for Dubrovnik to live.”