Rovinj proposes two-year ban on new holiday apartments to tackle overcrowding

Rovinj

ROVINJ, 17 June 2026 – Rovinj is considering a two-year moratorium on the opening of new holiday apartments in its historic centre as local authorities seek to address growing concerns over overcrowding and the impact of tourism on residents’ quality of life.

The proposal would temporarily halt the issuance of new categorisation permits for tourist apartments within the old town area.

The measure is being considered under a Destination Management Plan made possible through Croatia’s Tourism Act.

Rovinj Mayor Emil Nimčević told HRT that the city believes the time has come to introduce restrictions on further apartment development in the historic core for the next two years.

The move comes as Rovinj continues to record rising tourism figures. With nearly 4.5 million overnight stays registered last year, the city remains the most visited destination in Croatia.

While existing hotels and campsites are investing in service improvements, no major new hotel developments are currently planned. At the same time, private accommodation capacity continues to grow.

According to the Rovinj Tourist Board, private accommodation accounts for around 11,680 beds out of the city’s total capacity of 38,500 beds, representing approximately 30 per cent of all available accommodation.

The city is already hosting around 25,000 visitors, with numbers expected to rise significantly during the peak summer season. Local authorities say increasing visitor pressure is raising concerns about both service quality and the daily lives of residents.

Once accommodation provider highlighted ongoing difficulties with parking, noting that many visitors want to park close to the city centre rather than in more distant locations.

However, not everyone is convinced the proposed restrictions will deliver the desired results. Lorena John, president of the Istria Family Accommodation Association, said it remains to be seen whether the measure would produce tangible benefits or simply encourage growth in the informal rental market.

Illegal tourist rentals are already a concern for those operating legally. Some local accommodation providers argue that apartment rentals should primarily benefit local residents rather than investors purchasing property solely for tourism purposes.

The Destination Management Plan is currently undergoing public consultation. If approved by the City Council and the relevant county department, no new legal tourist apartments would be permitted in Rovinj for the next two years.

The proposal reflects a broader trend across Europe, where popular tourist destinations are increasingly exploring measures aimed at balancing tourism growth with the needs of local communities.