Dubrovnik in BBC Podcast: A Model of Successful Response to Overtourism
Mayor Mato Franković and colleagues present measures to protect life in the historic core and encourage young families to stay in the 'People Fixing the World' program.
Mayor Mato Franković and colleagues present measures to protect life in the historic core and encourage young families to stay in the 'People Fixing the World' program.
Dubrovnik has received strong international recognition for its efforts in combating overtourism. In the latest episode of the podcast People Fixing the World, broadcast by the BBC World Service, the city was showcased as a global example of how a strategic approach can strike a balance between the needs of visitors and the quality of life of local residents.
The episode was recorded in early June 2026, during a visit by BBC journalist Claire Bates to Dubrovnik. She explored on the ground the concrete measures implemented by the city. Alongside Mayor Mato Franković, the podcast featured Culture and Tourism Advisor Jelka Tepšić and Silvana Bjelovučić, Principal of Marina Getaldić Elementary School.
Journalist Bates highlighted that she personally witnessed the results of the Dubrovnik model. She was particularly impressed by the use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in the daily management of visitor flows. She emphasized that, despite the large number of tourists, she truly enjoyed the city.
Franković explained in the episode that the City of Dubrovnik no longer measures success solely by the number of arrivals and overnight stays. The focus has shifted to preserving authentic life within the walls and creating conditions for young families to remain in the historic core.
One of the key tools highlighted was the Dubrovnik Housing Development program. The city uses its right of first refusal to purchase apartments in the old town, renovates them, and allocates them under favorable conditions to families with multiple children. This housing policy has been recognized as a unique model for combating depopulation in the most tourist-attractive areas.
Principal Bjelovučić spoke about the symbolic and real importance of having an elementary school within the walls. It is proof that, despite the pressure of tourism, a vibrant community with children and everyday family life still exists in the heart of the city.
Adding further weight to the story is the fact that Dubrovnik was featured in this episode alongside Copenhagen, a city considered a global leader in sustainable urban development. This positioning on the BBC, whose content is followed weekly by more than 130 million people worldwide, represents extremely valuable promotion for the Croatian city.
The full episode of the People Fixing the World podcast is available on BBC Sounds, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
