Croatia, a gorgeous country located in the Balkans, is a popular tourist destination. It was one of the primary locations for Game Of Thrones shooting. The vibrant beauty, rich history, beautiful coastline, etc. make the place a perfect European getaway! Croatia has witnessed a rise in tourism, however, people are concerned about it.
Tourism Is Rising In Croatia
According to the Tourism Ministry, Croatia is once again a very popular tourist destination, with visitor numbers this year predicted to surpass the record set in 2019. The rise in tourism in 2023 happened due to many reasons. Since January, when Croatia joined the Schengen area, many European tourists entering the nation are no longer subject to border checks. Additionally, Croatia has replaced its previous currency, the kuna, with the euro, facilitating transactions for visitors.
A ministry spokeswoman stated that they have seen increased tourist numbers in the first half of 2023 compared to previous years and the pre-pandemic period. He claimed that people are finding it simpler to visit Croatia for a weekend getaway or city break because of the Schengen travel freedoms. A significant portion of Croatia’s GDP—up to 20 per cent—is already generated by tourism, which is also a major economic driver, particularly in the coastal areas.
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A Matter Of Concern For Everyone
Croatia is becoming the most sought-after destination thanks to cities and islands like Dubrovnik. However, this can lead to becoming a major concern for the environment. For instance, the northern Istria region witnesses a vast number of tourists every year. Conservationists working with non-profit organisations are concerned about the development.
There are several effects of mass tourism. Local infrastructure, such as services for recycling and rubbish collection, may become overburdened. According to Dunja Mickov of Zelena Istra, it may also encourage the unauthorised construction of vacation destinations that may sit empty for months or the privatisation of beaches that exclude people.
Another Croatian environmental organisation, Sunce, is working to improve the sustainability of the nation’s tourism sector. A representative said that Croatia’s tourism sector experienced significant growth in recent years, adding that it was difficult to strike a balance between the influx of tourists and the requirement to preserve Croatia’s natural and cultural heritage.
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The Dalmatia Green initiative certifies particularly sustainable tourist hotels in the area.
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