For some citizens, current urban policies favor tourism too much to the detriment of the needs of the local population. In response, several neighborhood groups have begun to pressure authorities to implement regulations that control short-term rentals and protect residents who still wish to live in the city center.
Beyond the economic problems, the behavior of some tourists has generated annoyance and a growing sense of frustration among Split's residents. Many citizens have expressed their indignation at the uncivilized behavior they frequently witness, such as excessive alcohol consumption, vandalism and urinating on public roads. The presence of groups of drunken tourists at all hours of the day and the constant noise have disturbed the tranquility of the historic neighborhoods, transforming them into conflict zones for daily coexistence.
Local business owners have also been affected, as the behavior of some tourists scares away the regular clientele and deteriorates the image of Split as a tourist destination. Moreover, these behaviors have unleashed the fury of many residents, who feel that the city has lost its cultural identity and that mass tourism has brought with it a lack of respect for the community and its traditions.
In response to pressure from residents, local authorities have begun to evaluate possible regulations to control mass tourism. Among the proposals are limiting the number of short-term rental permits in certain areas of the city and establishing penalties for tourists who engage in uncivilized behavior. These proposals seek to balance the impact of tourism with the need to preserve the quality of life of residents and the cultural heritage of Split.
Some tourism organizations and entrepreneurs in the sector believe that these regulations could affect the local economy, which is heavily dependent on tourism. However, citizens argue that measures should be taken to prevent Split from losing its authenticity and to allow residents to coexist with visitors without affecting their daily life. Local activists insist that there is a need for more sustainable and less invasive tourism, which respects community spaces and contributes positively to the development of the city.
The situation in Split mirrors what is happening in other popular tourist destinations, where the boom in mass tourism has brought both economic benefits and significant challenges for local communities. The city is at a critical juncture, where authorities will have to make difficult decisions to find a balance between the economic development that tourism brings and the well-being of its inhabitants.
Citizens, for their part, have shown their willingness to collaborate with the authorities to find solutions that allow for a respectful coexistence between tourists and residents. However, if significant changes are not implemented, there is a fear that mass tourism will continue to deteriorate the quality of life in Split and irreversibly alter its unique character.
As Split faces this crossroads, the city could pioneer the implementation of policies that achieve a more balanced management of tourism that benefits both the local economy and the community. Split's experience could also serve as an example for other destinations facing similar challenges, showing that tourism can be compatible with local life if the right policies are adopted.
