Tourism on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast has long driven economic growth, transforming the region into one of the Adriatic’s most popular destinations. Known for its stunning coastline, historic cities, and idyllic islands, the coast attracts millions of visitors annually. However, this influx of tourism is imposing severe environmental and cultural costs, threatening the region’s long-term sustainability.
The Environmental and Cultural Impact of Mass Tourism
The rapid growth of tourism in the Dalmatian Coast has placed immense pressure on the local ecosystem. Overcrowding, particularly from cruise ships and island-hopping tourists, has led to significant pollution, which is harming marine biodiversity. Fragile ecosystems in protected areas, such as Kornati and Krka National Parks, are under severe threat from the increased waste and environmental degradation brought on by mass tourism. Pollution from boats and the accumulation of plastic waste have disrupted these once pristine natural environments.
Historic cities like Dubrovnik have been hit hard by overtourism. Dubrovnik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has suffered extensive damage from the constant flow of tourists. The ancient city’s infrastructure is crumbling under the weight of heavy foot traffic, especially from the cruise ships that dock daily during the high season. This has led to erosion of the city’s medieval walls and streets. Additionally, many smaller towns and islands in the region are struggling to meet the growing demands for water, energy, and waste management.
The cultural costs of mass tourism are also mounting. Local traditions and ways of life are being commercialized to cater to tourists, threatening the unique cultural identity of the Dalmatian Coast. The commercialization of the region’s heritage risks eroding the very charm that draws visitors in the first place.
EUSAIRs Blue Growth: A Sustainable Future for the Region
In response to these challenges, the EU Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR) Forum, held in May 2024, showcased Blue Growth as a promising strategy to align tourism with environmental preservation. This approach emphasizes eco-friendly practices, smarter resource management, and stricter controls on visitor numbers in delicate areas like national parks. By promoting rural tourism, it aims to spread the economic benefits across lesser-known areas, easing the burden on overcrowded hotspots like Dubrovnik, while also safeguarding natural treasures for future generations. In short, Blue Growth offers a roadmap for sustainable prosperity, blending economic growth with environmental responsibility
Sustainable Hospitality and Inclusive Tourism
An example of sustainable practices in action can be seen in BioMania’s hospitality model. BioMania has implemented a circular economy approach that prioritizes local sourcing, responsible water use, and waste reduction. By working closely with local suppliers and managing resources carefully, BioMania demonstrates that sustainable tourism is not only possible but economically viable. This model of inclusive tourism ensures that the economic benefits of tourism are widely distributed across the community while minimizing the environmental impact.
Such sustainable initiatives are vital for the Dalmatian Coast’s future. They provide a framework for tourism that respects both the local environment and the cultural heritage of the region while supporting economic growth. However, achieving this balance requires collective action from governments, businesses, and communities alike.
Looking ahead to 2030, sustainability is poised to become standard practice in tourism, with both travelers and the industry collaborating to foster more regenerative and positive impacts on the planet.
Sources
1. World Economic Forum, “How we make travel and tourism inclusive and sustainable”.
2. World Economic Forum, “Tourism is bouncing back but can we make travel sustainable?”
3. Euronews, “The future of tourism: different and sustainable”.