Split City Struggles with Post-War Tourism

As tourism continues to flourish in destinations like Spain's Canary Islands, Venice, and Portugal's Sintra, concerns are mounting about its impact on local communities. A recent visit to Split, Croatia, revealed a city bustling with tourists, supported by an array of tour guides and information points. However, beneath its picturesque facade lies a troubling reality: tourists now significantly outnumber the local population, raising questions about the sustainability of this growth. Croatia, still recovering from the scars of the Croatian War of Independence, faces a unique challenge. The war, which ended in 1995, has left a lasting imprint on the nation, with memorials in cities like Split and Trogir honoring the young soldiers who sacrificed their lives. In the aftermath, cities transitioned from heavy industry to a tourism-centric economy, a shift that has brought both benefits and burdens. Conversations with locals reveal a growing sentiment that while tourism has been beneficial, it may be time to diversify the economy. Rising prices and increasing discontent among residents suggest that the influx of tourists, while economically advantageous, is also creating challenges that threaten the quality of life for locals. As Croatia stands at a crossroads nearly three decades post-liberation, the reliance on tourism appears increasingly precarious. What was once a necessary means of recovery now feels like a potential liability, prompting a reevaluation of the country’s economic strategies moving forward.