Multifaceted Impacts of Overtourism on Residents in Split, Croatia
Pranjic, Toni (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052013756
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052013756
Tiivistelmä
After the formation of Croatia in 1991, it has become of interest to many other countries, especially in Europe, as a cheaper destination to visit. After all these years, it has seen a major increase in almost every way when it comes to tourism and steady growth, but it also became the main driving force for Croatia’s GDP. While these benefits are substantial for the most part, there are a lot of underlaying issues that have not been discussed or developed.
This research will focus on the city of Split, one of the most popular destinations in Croatia. The city of Split is currently facing many issues with overtourism, and it effects the local population. The objective and goal of the thesis is to understand what are the actual impacts that overtourism and over-crowding have on the city of Split and how it impacts the perception of residents. The main problem question: ”What is the general opinion on overtourism by local residents in Split, Croatia?”, as well as sub-questions "What kind of general impact does overtourism have on Split residents?”, “How does tourism currently affect the well-being of residents and cultural heritage?" and "What do the residents think can be a solution to the issue of overtourism?" will be the core areas of the thesis as a guidance.
The theoretical framework will focus on modern models, tools and definitions on the phenomenon of overtourism and how to solve them with concepts of sustainable tourism development and practices. In recent years, due to the major increase in tourism as well as climate change, sustainability has become one of the driving forces to halt issues like over-crowding, but also to create economical balance and to conserve the natural environment. As well as examining overtourism and direct impacts tourism has on the economy, sociocultural setting, and environment. It will also convey the perception of the residents on areas that are affected with mass tourism
The thesis research was conducted with quantitative method approach as well as implementing open-ended questions to get more personal feedback. A carefully curated survey was conducted with Google Forms and was passed to the current and former residents of Split. The results of the survey were analysed through thematic analysis and chart visualisation. A total of 157 respondents answered through the period of 28th of April to the 2nd of May.
The results of the survey yielded various results. The most relevant results have been put into charts to achieve visual clarity, and some relevant open-ended answers have been directly quoted to further give credibility to the visual charts. The survey revealed that many respondents have direct issues with overtourism and the lack of carrying control the city has directly impacting cultural heritage such as the Diocletian’s Palace. The economic benefits and impacts are mostly equal as most do agree that Split relies heavily on tourism for its economy, but many agree there should be resilience and inclusion of other sectors instead.
This research will focus on the city of Split, one of the most popular destinations in Croatia. The city of Split is currently facing many issues with overtourism, and it effects the local population. The objective and goal of the thesis is to understand what are the actual impacts that overtourism and over-crowding have on the city of Split and how it impacts the perception of residents. The main problem question: ”What is the general opinion on overtourism by local residents in Split, Croatia?”, as well as sub-questions "What kind of general impact does overtourism have on Split residents?”, “How does tourism currently affect the well-being of residents and cultural heritage?" and "What do the residents think can be a solution to the issue of overtourism?" will be the core areas of the thesis as a guidance.
The theoretical framework will focus on modern models, tools and definitions on the phenomenon of overtourism and how to solve them with concepts of sustainable tourism development and practices. In recent years, due to the major increase in tourism as well as climate change, sustainability has become one of the driving forces to halt issues like over-crowding, but also to create economical balance and to conserve the natural environment. As well as examining overtourism and direct impacts tourism has on the economy, sociocultural setting, and environment. It will also convey the perception of the residents on areas that are affected with mass tourism
The thesis research was conducted with quantitative method approach as well as implementing open-ended questions to get more personal feedback. A carefully curated survey was conducted with Google Forms and was passed to the current and former residents of Split. The results of the survey were analysed through thematic analysis and chart visualisation. A total of 157 respondents answered through the period of 28th of April to the 2nd of May.
The results of the survey yielded various results. The most relevant results have been put into charts to achieve visual clarity, and some relevant open-ended answers have been directly quoted to further give credibility to the visual charts. The survey revealed that many respondents have direct issues with overtourism and the lack of carrying control the city has directly impacting cultural heritage such as the Diocletian’s Palace. The economic benefits and impacts are mostly equal as most do agree that Split relies heavily on tourism for its economy, but many agree there should be resilience and inclusion of other sectors instead.