Dubrovnik will truly have winter tourism this year, meaning tourism that will last 365 days a year, announced Dubrovnik's Mayor Mato Franković regarding the introduction of numerous international flight routes.

“This is what is important for Dubrovnik as a priority air destination with a focus on sustainability. The fact that counting arrivals and overnight stays, as well as the constant growth in numbers, cannot depict the sustainability of a destination. We need to turn to something else, such as the quality of service provided and the financial reach of the tourist season. That is what matters,” Franković stated.

He addressed the tourism challenges.

“We are aware of all the challenges we face and the need for certain legal changes regarding the further introduction of sustainable tourism, not only in Dubrovnik but throughout Croatia. The number of apartments is constantly increasing, regardless of the area. The quality of life is decreasing, young people are left without opportunities for housing due to short-term rentals, and this is something that needs to change in the future. It is important not only for the planned development of tourism but also for the survival of people in tourist cities,” said the mayor.

He expressed hope that the new Minister of Tourism, Tonči Glavina, will find answers to what is important.

“We are aware of the fact that things are dramatically changing worldwide, such as the protests in Barcelona. Everyone wants sustainability. People want quality of life, while of course respecting the main economic branch, which is tourism and tourist activity,” concluded Mayor Mato Franković.