ADRIATIC SEA FORUM – Cruise Ferry Sail & Yacht

Dubrovnik: Respect the City campaign

Dubrovnik is one of the most famous and attractive tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, while the cruise industry is an extremely important segment of Dubrovnik’s economy. With the aim of smart and responsible management of cruise tourism, Dubrovnik has over the past years made a kind of turnaround and a noticeable breakthrough in the context of sustainable development and shaping a unique experience for visitors residing in a destination in the far south of Croatia, known as the pearl of the Adriatic. Thanks to continuous efforts, proactive and balanced destination policy, and the engagement of a number of local stakeholders, the international expert public has recognized thorough projects such as “Respect the City”, which has also achieved success in the future of cruise tourism and sustainable lasting category.

By implementing strategies, measures and solutions and with the cooperation and support of the Cruise lines International Association, Dubrovnik in a short time managed to develop and create a systematic, integrated and participatory common approach aimed at solving some of the most important issues such as problems with excessive tourism and large influx of cruise guests, which has gained a high reach in the implemented practice. Adjustments were made through various measures and careful planning of cruiser arrivals/departures daily, weekly and annually. Given the high daily concentration of passengers in a relatively limited city area, better and more concrete communication was achieved with cruise companies whose ships are entering the port, the organization on the ground is more efficient and results in a more appropriate timetable for cruise ships and controlling the flow of tourists.

These segments have ensured the preservation of the environment, the high quality of life of the local community and the unforgettable experiences of those who have the opportunity to visit Dubrovnik and enjoy its imposing cultural and historical heritage, the clean sea and the unavoidable monumental attractions in the old town center. In 2019, Dubrovnik became one of the 30 world destinations for which the Global Council for Sustainable Tourism conducted a destination assessment which included an assessment of the state of destination policy, inclusion and benefits of the community, management of cultural and natural assets, and management of environmental and natural resources. On their scale, which assesses the overall performance of destinations in sustainability, the City of Dubrovnik achieved an excellent 70 percent. This process confirms the serious and dedicated work that made Dubrovnik a top list of favorite cruise destinations.

An outstanding development perspective and even more meaningful tourist offer are the future construction of the new cruise terminal. By implementing this project, where the international association CLIA will be an advisory partner, Dubrovnik would take an important place on the map of homeport cities. This infrastructure investment, which includes components of the sustainable, harmonious and functional takeoff of the cruise industry in Croatia and Dubrovnik, will be guaranteed.
The mission and vision of this city administration is through the project “Respect the City” to create a place comfortable for life and stay, a city that develops on sustainable settings using modern digital technologies in an innovative and creative economy, efficient infrastructure, urban mobility, environmentally responsible tourism and the protection and preservation of valuable monument heritage.

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