Connect with us

LIFESTYLE

Dubrovnik Becomes Tourist Mecca Thanks to Game of Thrones

Published

7 years ago

on

Source: Game of Thrones/HBO

The HBO hit Game of Thrones has made one European city so popular it may have to resort to turning tourists away.

Wow King's Landing in #dubrovnik for all of you die hard #gameofthrones fans ✨✨ @melissamale #kingslanding @visitcroatia

A post shared by Pretty Cities of Instagram (@theprettycities) on

The Croatian city of Dubrovnik has been heavily featured throughout the 7 seasons of Game of Thrones as the setting of the capital city King’s Landing where the titular Iron Throne sits.

Thanks to Game of Thrones fans, tourists helped pull Dubrovnik out of a recession in 2014, but tourism in the city has now exploded and the city may even be at risk of losing its World Heritage UNESCO designation if the overcrowding continues.
“We became too popular in the last couple of years,” local tour guide Ivan Vukovic told Money. “So many Americans and Canadians come here because of the show.”
Dubrovnik has also become a busy cruise ship port leading to heavy crowds in recent years. It is those crowds, thanks in part to the cruise ship passengers, that UNESCO cites as the main reason for putting Dubrovnik at risk of losing its World Heritage status.

The answer? According to Dubrovnik’s new mayor, Mato Frankovi, the only remedy is to limit the amount of tourists allowed inside the walled city.

#nofilter #dubrovnik #croatia

A post shared by Stevan.Vuk.Luboya (@agent_stevan) on

Speaking to the Telegraph Frankovi said over the next two years he plans to cap tourists allowed inside the city to 4,000 per day – half of the current 8,000 limit imposed by UNESCO.

“I am not here to make people happy,” Frankovi told the Telegraph. “Some of the cruise lines will disagree with what I’m saying, but my main goal is to ensure quality for tourists and I cannot do it by keeping the situation as it is.”
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE BELOW

Related Topics:
bonvoyaged.com

Welcome to Bon Voyaged, your gateway to a world of adventure, exploration, and cultural discovery. Whether you're an intrepid globetrotter planning your next big adventure, a travel enthusiast seeking inspiration for your bucket list, or simply someone looking to escape through the wonders of travel from the comfort of your own home, our platform is here to provide you with a wealth of information, tips, and inspiration. Join us in celebrating the beauty and diversity of our world as we share stories, recommendations, and a passion for wanderlust that knows no boundaries.