Smart Tourism Management Practices
As part of its innovative approach, Dubrovnik is introducing technology-driven measures to ensure sustainable tourism. The 'Respect the City' project aims to reduce the negative effects of overtourism by working closely with local partners to implement practical solutions. Meanwhile, the Dubrovnik Pass and visitor monitoring systems help manage crowds and regulate the number of day trips to the city. As a popular cruise destination, Dubrovnik limits the number of daily cruise visitors to 4,500 or two ships at a time, thus ensuring sustainable tourism growth while protecting the historic centre. These practices demonstrate Dubrovnik’s commitment to reducing the impact of mass tourism and keeping the city sustainable, while generating funds to support cultural life and restore historic sites.
The city’s approach to tourism is guided by community involvement and international standards. All decisions relating to site protection, sustainable development, tourism traffic management, and risk reduction are made in close collaboration with the local community. A key part of this approach is carrying capacity research, conducted with the University of Dubrovnik, which addresses infrastructure pressure, tourism sustainability and visitor patterns.
Urban Sustainability and Climate Action
Dubrovnik is strongly committed to investing in green spaces and climate resilience. Its projects include renovating public parks, greening roadsides and planting 150 mature trees to reduce urban heat and protect heritage landscapes. On Lokrum Island, where forest vegetation covers 90% of the area, careful maintenance helps to preserve biodiversity, improve air quality and support climate adaptation. The city is also setting an example in reducing plastic waste. As the first member of the Plastic Smart Cities initiative, which aims to cut plastic use and leakage by 2030, Dubrovnik has banned single-use plastics at city-sponsored events and in public institutions.
Dubrovnik is striving to become a more sustainable city by improving its transport, system, water infrastructure, and renewable energy sources. The city has introduced 68 new buses, including 14 electric ones, and most users can travel for free. Water projects are improving quality, flood protection, and coverage, while solar panels and seawater heat pumps at heritage sites are reducing emissions and saving money.
