Croatian captain warns mass tourism threatens Adriatic Sea

Milo Miklaušić, a Croatian sea captain and maritime law expert with over thirty years of experience, is warning that uncontrolled mass tourism threatens to destroy the Adriatic Sea. In an appeal directed at politicians, entrepreneurs, and citizens, Miklaušić argues that Croatia must prioritize quality over quantity rather than focusing on breaking records for overnight stays and visitor numbers.

He highlights that the pursuit of constant growth in tourism puts immense pressure on local ecosystems, limited water supplies on islands, and port capacities. Miklaušić notes that as destinations become more crowded, they lose the original charm that attracts visitors in the first place. He emphasizes that the sea should be treated as a vital habitat to be respected and preserved, rather than merely a commercial product or a transit route. To ensure long-term sustainability, he advocates for a model that focuses on providing meaningful experiences for visitors to ensure they return, rather than overwhelming the region with sheer volume.