Thousands of tourists face potential disruptions as Croatia's holiday destinations consider drastic steps
In the heart of Croatia, the city of Split is facing a unique challenge. Compared to previous years, prices in the city have skyrocketed, a direct result of its growing popularity among young travelers seeking a vibrant nightlife and continuously open bars.
While Split has been gaining traction as a must-visit destination, it's not all sunshine and sea breezes. The city is grappling with issues of nightly chaos caused by drunken tourists. Residents have expressed frustration due to partygoers, citing quick incidents that police can't handle promptly.
To address these concerns, the city government has deployed more security personnel and municipal inspectors to curb excessive noise, alcohol consumption, and public urination. Split is taking cues from European cities like Barcelona and Prague, which have already successfully tackled "alcohol tourism."
Mayor Tomislav Šuta has presented a comprehensive destination management plan to revolutionize Split's tourism model. The plan aims to attract tourists more evenly throughout the year, which is an important step for locals whose income is heavily dependent on the season. The goal is to replace the current form of tourism with something more sustainable.
The city council in Split proposes creating incentives for other tourist groups to replace the current form of tourism. One such initiative is the "Respect & Enjoy" campaign, which aims to support hotels and travel agencies in promoting responsible tourism in Split.
However, the plan requires approval from the Croatian parliament, and as of now, the president of the Croatian Parliament who is needed for the legislative package to implement the tourism revolution plan in Split is not explicitly named. The president of Croatia as of 2025 is Andrej Plenković, suggesting leadership continuity but not the parliamentary president's name directly.
Meanwhile, a small Croatian island is notably quieter than Split, according to an unspecified source. Whether this quieter island could serve as a model for Split's future tourism remains to be seen.
Establishments in Split have been serving alcohol around the clock, which displeases locals. Split hopes for a more balanced form of tourism that respects residents and their quality of life, and it remains to be seen if the proposed changes will bring about the desired balance.
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