Here’s your quick look at the five most-read articles on The Dubrovnik Times this past week—covering record tourism, local charm, heritage protections, firefighting efforts, and sustainability in tourism.
1. Dubrovnik Hits Three Million Overnight Stays on Same Date as 2024
Dubrovnik surpassed 3 million overnight stays by August 23—matching last year's figure—highlighting a steady tourism trend. From January 1 to August 23, the city welcomed nearly 929,000 arrivals and 3,011,598 overnight stays. The airport also handled over 2.1 million passengers, a 5% increase year-on-year.
Read more: Dubrovnik Hits Three Million Overnight Stays on Same Date as 2024 The Dubrovnik Times
2. Dubrovnik to Ban Sitting on Jesuit and St. Blaise Steps, Announces Mayor Franković
Mayor Mato Franković revealed plans to amend city regulations to prohibit sitting on the iconic Jesuit Staircase and steps in front of the Church of St. Blaise—critical steps to preserve heritage and public order. Tour groups and casual visitors who treat these pathways like “living rooms” will no longer be permitted to linger on them.
Read more: Dubrovnik to Ban Sitting on Jesuit and St. Blaise Steps, Announces Mayor Franković The Dubrovnik Times
3. Dubrovnik Locals Surprise Tourists with Traditional Lunch on Šulić Beach
A heartwarming scene unfolded at Šulić Beach when local Dubrovnik residents surprised tourists with a traditional homemade lunch of meat and potatoes under the bell (ispod peke). Visitors were delighted, calling it a “10 out of 10” experience—a touching example of authentic local hospitality.
Read more: Dubrovnik Locals Surprise Tourists with Traditional Lunch on Šulić Beach The Dubrovnik Times
4. Croatian Firefighting Aircraft Tackle 69 Fires at Home and Abroad This Summer
Croatia’s aerial firefighting units were on overdrive this summer, handling 69 fires between June 16 and August 25—including six in Dubrovnik-Neretva County. The fleet flew nearly 3,000 missions, dropping over 14,000 tonnes of water and 13,000 litres of foam, while also assisting abroad in Israel, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
Read more: Croatian Firefighting Aircraft Tackle 69 Fires at Home and Abroad This Summer The Dubrovnik Times
5. Tourism Minister Glavina: Record Season, but Focus Must Shift to Sustainability
Tourism Minister Tonči Glavina confirmed another record-breaking season with 16 million arrivals and 83 million overnight stays—each up slightly from last year. However, he emphasized the need to shift toward sustainability, curb uncontrolled accommodation growth, and boost shoulder-season traffic to ease strain on infrastructure.
Read more: Tourism Minister Glavina: Record Season, but Focus Must Shift to Sustainability The Dubrovnik Times
