Build New or Restore Heritage? Croatia's Tourism Dilemma and a Smart Solution

Croatia is grappling with a critical decision regarding its tourism development: should it prioritize the rapid construction of new hotels, or focus on the often-challenging renovation of its rich architectural heritage? The country's coastline and islands are dotted with numerous hotel buildings, many of which have been decaying for decades.

These neglected structures often suffer from a combination of factors, including neglect, complex ownership disputes, outdated architectural standards, and the stringent conservation requirements necessary to protect historically significant monuments. The article highlights the "Dobrović's Grand Hotel" on Lopud island and the nearby monastery of St. Nicholas as examples where project documentation is underway for reconstruction, representing a glimmer of hope.

The author argues for the revitalization of these "sleeping concrete giants," suggesting they can be repurposed not just for hotels but also for mixed residential-hotel use, student campuses, or cultural centers like museums and galleries. This approach is particularly relevant for historic cities, where abandoned buildings can be transformed into unique heritage hotels that retain the city's authentic character, citing examples like the Pustijerna location in Dubrovnik.

While acknowledging the economic benefits of mass tourism, the article warns against its unchecked growth, which can degrade the quality of visitors, strain infrastructure, and erode local authenticity. The piece questions the urgency of building new capacity when so many valuable, albeit dilapidated, structures exist. It suggests that a greater emphasis on renovating heritage sites could mitigate the need for large-scale "mega" hotel complexes and better preserve the unique identity of Croatia's coastal and island towns, which historically relied on these hotels as centers of cultural and social life.