Dubrovnik's Mayor, Mato Franković, is taking proactive steps to strike a balance between tourism development and the well-being of the city's residents. At a press conference, Mayor Franković outlined his plans to curb the proliferation of new tourist accommodations within residential areas of Dubrovnik.
Expressing his concern, the Mayor emphasized, "We must not allow capital to triumph over demographics, leading to a city without residents and its inhabitants pushed to the periphery." He pointed out that the rising trend of constructing buildings solely for short-term rentals is detrimental to the city's long-term stability.
The Mayor's proposals include strict limitations on new apartment openings in residential zones and the implementation of the upcoming Tourism Law, which provides municipalities with more control over their local accommodations.
Under the proposed measures, cities will be required to conduct studies on carrying capacity. Dubrovnik is already in the process of conducting such studies, with the first focusing on the historic city centre. This study will set the precedent for future capacity assessments in different areas of the city.
Mayor Franković clarified, "We must preserve tourism because it is the greatest blessing we have, while simultaneously ensuring the quality of life, preserving the environment, and protecting our cultural heritage." He acknowledged the challenges faced by young residents who aspire to live in the city but are hindered by the competitive real estate market, often dominated by property owners who rent multiple apartments at high prices.
The Mayor assured that these measures are not intended to infringe upon anyone's acquired rights but to better manage the number of units suitable for renting. Sustainability and capacity studies will determine where new accommodations can be established and where there is already an oversupply.
Currently, certain residential zones in Dubrovnik house very few or no permanent residents, despite an abundance of apartments. This situation raises questions about the balance between residential living and the tourist industry.
Mayor Franković also hinted at potential tax exemptions for individuals who genuinely share their living spaces, allowing them to temporarily rent out a part of their homes to tourists.
During the press conference, the Mayor shared data on the city's accommodations for the current season. Approximately 45,000 registered beds are available in Dubrovnik, with around 16,000 in private accommodations, an additional 3,000 extra beds, and 10,107 beds in non-commercial accommodation, such as weekend homes. Over 4,000 beds are in other hospitality establishments, including registered companies and hostels, while hotels offer 12,000 beds.