At Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik, sustainability is more than a commitment—it’s a way of life. Through responsible innovation, local partnerships, and eco-conscious hospitality, we strive to protect the Adriatic’s natural beauty while enhancing guest experiences.
🌱 Eco-Innovation: Energy-efficient systems powered by heat pumps, solar panels, and sea thermal energy; smart automation for lighting, heating & cooling.
💧 Water & Waste Reduction: Faucet aerators, leak monitoring, towel/linen reuse, and waste separation with zero single-use plastics.
🐾 Community & Nature Care: Local support initiatives, animal welfare programs, eco-diving actions, and pesticide-free Mediterranean landscaping.
🔄 Green Procurement: Preference for local, eco-certified suppliers and sustainable packaging practices.
🎓 Staff & Guest Education: Sustainability training, green room options, eco-workshops, and digital engagement.
📊 Transparent Goals: Measurable targets to cut energy, water, and waste; regular reporting and strategic improvements aligned with UN SDGs.
Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik is a luxury hotel complex located on the Lapad Peninsula, directly on the Adriatic coast. Consisting of several properties, including Villa Elite, Royal Blue, Royal Ariston, Royal Palm, Royal Princess and Royal Neptun, the Resort offers premium service, gastronomic experiences and wellness facilities in an environment that emphasizes sustainability and harmony with nature.
For many years, the Resort has actively invested in sustainable technologies and socially responsible business practices. We utilize heat pumps and solar panels for energy-efficient water and space heating, while the Royal Blue Hotel applies an innovative solution that utilizes thermal energy from the sea for hot water production. All guest rooms are equipped with faucet aerators in order to reduce water consumption without compromising guest comfort. Natural and environmentally friendly L’Occitane cosmetics are provided in all rooms, further demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and high-quality service. All guests are welcomed with a bottle of water sourced from a local spring.
A smart management system has also been implemented to automate and optimize energy consumption, heating and lighting, further contributing to reduced consumption and lower CO₂ emissions.
In cooperation with the municipal company Čistoća Dubrovnik, waste is systematically and extensively separated, including the independent compaction of cardboard and paper and their subsequent delivery for recycling.
In addition to environmental responsibility, the Resort is strongly engaged in socially beneficial activities, including long-term support for the Dubrovnik Volleyball Club, regular donations to Caritas and Dubrovnik General Hospital, and partnership with the Anastazija Association in caring for the cats living within the Resort.
Particular emphasis is placed on the protection of the marine environment. Since 2014, we have organized four major underwater clean-up initiatives in cooperation with ERK Ragusa and RC Abyss. Special recognition is given to the 2020 initiative, which was the principal environmental action of the City of Dubrovnik that year.
This Sustainability Management Plan is based on existing achievements and represents a strategy for their enhancement, standardization and continuous development.
Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik is guided by the principles of sustainable development through three key dimensions: environmental, social and economic sustainability. Our objective is to provide high-quality services to guests while minimizing negative impacts on nature and the local community, and actively contributing to the protection of resources and the improvement of quality of life.
Key principles guiding our operations include:
The sustainability objectives of Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik have been defined in order to enable measurable monitoring of progress, effective risk management and the planning of long-term investments. These objectives have been established in accordance with national guidelines, European directives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Main goals include:
Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik proactively implements advanced and innovative environmental protection solutions through specific technological and organizational measures that significantly reduce its environmental footprint.
At Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik, we strongly believe that responsible business operations are inseparable from active care for the local community and its economic, cultural and social development.
Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik has developed a sustainable procurement policy promoting the purchase of products and services with minimal negative environmental impact and maximum positive impact on the local economy.
Sustainable procurement principles include:
Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik fully complies with the legislation of the Republic of Croatia relating to the protection of cultural, historical and archaeological heritage, including the Act on the Protection and Preservation of Cultural Property. The Resort also complies with relevant international conventions and guidelines concerning the protection of cultural heritage, including UNESCO guidelines.
Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik is committed to preserving the cultural, historical and archaeological heritage of Dubrovnik and the Republic of Croatia. The Resort does not participate in activities that could endanger cultural assets, historical sites, archaeological discoveries or other elements of cultural heritage, and actively promotes responsible behaviour among employees, guests and business partners.
Within the Resort, it is strictly prohibited to purchase, sell or trade archaeological objects, historical artefacts or paleontological findings. It is also prohibited to display or use such objects for decorative, commercial or promotional purposes without the appropriate permits issued by the competent authorities. Furthermore, such objects may not be offered as gifts, souvenirs or as part of any promotional activities conducted by the Resort.
In exceptional circumstances, objects of cultural or historical significance may be displayed within the Resort only if all legal requirements have been fulfilled. The object must be registered in the Register of Cultural Property of the Republic of Croatia, a valid permit must be obtained from the competent Conservation Department of the Ministry of Culture and Media, and the display must serve an educational purpose. Where applicable, the display shall be carried out in cooperation with the relevant authorities and institutions.
In the event of the accidental discovery of an object that may possess archaeological, historical or cultural value, employees are required to immediately notify their supervisor. Resort Management is responsible for contacting the competent Conservation Department or other relevant authority. The discovered object must not be moved, damaged or otherwise handled until official instructions have been received from the competent authorities. All actions shall be carried out in accordance with the applicable legislation of the Republic of Croatia.
Employees are introduced to this policy through the onboarding process and regular internal training programmes. Particular attention is given to the recognition of potential archaeological discoveries, understanding legal obligations and appreciating the importance of preserving cultural and historical heritage. Employees are required to report any suspicion of illegal possession, trade or display of cultural, historical or archaeological objects.
All employees, external contractors and business partners are required to comply with this policy. Any violation of the provisions of this policy, including unauthorized trade, possession, use or display of cultural and archaeological objects, shall be considered a serious offence and shall be subject to disciplinary measures in accordance with internal regulations and the applicable legislation of the Republic of Croatia.
Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik is committed to the ethical and responsible presentation of local culture and ensures that its operations, marketing activities and guest experiences do not exploit the cultural intellectual property of the local community of Dubrovnik and the wider region.
Consent and Cooperation: Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik does not use elements of local culture, including traditional designs, music, names, symbols or artistic expressions, without first demonstrating respect for the local community and, where applicable, consulting relevant cultural stakeholders.
Commercial Use and Compensation: In cases where elements of local cultural heritage are used for commercial purposes, such as gastronomy, products or artistic expressions, the Resort ensures cooperation with local producers or performers and provides fair and transparent compensation.
Authentic Representation: All activities related to local culture, including recommendations, events, presentations and products, are based on authenticity and, wherever possible, involve local stakeholders, producers or performers.
Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik avoids inappropriate representation or commercialization of local customs and traditions.
Respect for Cultural Sensitivity: The Resort respects the cultural, historical and social values of the local community and avoids the use of symbols, stories or traditions that are considered sensitive, sacred or inappropriate for commercial use.
Resort Management, including the General Manager and responsible department heads in marketing and operations, regularly reviews promotional materials, activities and partnerships to ensure compliance with this policy.
Through onboarding and internal training programmes, employees are introduced to the importance of respecting the cultural identity of the local community and are responsible for promoting responsible and ethical tourism.
The objective of this guideline is to empower guests of Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik to reduce their environmental impact through their behaviour and to actively contribute to the preservation of the local community, culture and natural heritage of Dubrovnik.
Information regarding responsible behaviour is communicated to guests through the Guest Directory system, signage displayed in public areas such as the lobby and concierge desk, communication during the check-in process, and direct communication with the Guest Relations and Front Office teams.
Respect for Nature and the Environment: Guests are expected to maintain a safe distance from marine and terrestrial wildlife, and feeding or disturbing animals is prohibited. When visiting natural areas, guests are encouraged to use designated paths in order to prevent erosion and damage to vegetation. Waste should be disposed of in designated bins and recycling facilities. Guests are also encouraged to avoid the use of single-use plastics outside the hotel.
Cultural Sensitivity: Guests are expected to respect local customs and standards of dress, particularly when visiting the Old Town of Dubrovnik, churches and other historical sites. Permission should be requested before photographing local residents. Appropriate behaviour should be maintained within the historic city centre and public areas.
Support for the Local Community: Guests are encouraged to purchase products from local artisans and producers. Recommendations for local restaurants, guides and activities are available through the concierge service. Promoting the consumption of local products and services is one of our core commitments.
Conservation of Resources: Guests are encouraged to participate in the towel and linen reuse programme. Lights, air-conditioning units and electrical appliances should be switched off when leaving guest rooms.
Responsible Behaviour in Nature and Heritage Areas: The removal of stones, shells or other natural and cultural elements is prohibited. Guests are encouraged to follow the principle: “Take only photographs, leave only footprints.”
Protection of Cultural Heritage: Touching historical walls, reliefs and works of art is prohibited. The use of flash photography in enclosed historical sites is prohibited. Guests are encouraged to comply with all rules of conduct applicable to cultural heritage sites.
Relationship with the Local Community: Guests are encouraged to communicate politely and respectfully with local residents. The use of basic Croatian expressions, such as “Dobar dan” (Good day), “Hvala” (Thank you) and “Molim” (Please/You’re welcome), is recommended.
Support for the Local Economy: Guests are encouraged to purchase authentic products directly from local producers and to avoid purchasing mass-produced souvenirs that do not represent local culture.
Protection of Historical Integrity: The removal of artefacts, stones or historical elements is strictly prohibited. Guests are guided towards responsible behaviour in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Croatia.
Donations and Social Responsibility: Guests are encouraged not to give money or gifts directly to children on the street. Donations through verified organizations and institutions in Dubrovnik are recommended.
Continuous Improvement: Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik continuously improves its communication with guests in order to promote responsible behaviour and ensure a positive impact of tourism on the local community.
Monitoring and Evaluation: The effectiveness of communication with guests regarding responsible behaviour is regularly monitored and evaluated through guest satisfaction surveys that include questions relating to awareness and understanding of local culture, the community and the environment, as well as through regular Green Team meetings held on a quarterly basis. The results of these evaluations are used for the continuous improvement of communication materials, employee education and the guest experience, with the objective of ensuring a positive impact of tourism on the local community and preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Dubrovnik.
Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik ensures that guests are informed about the history, cultural heritage and natural values of the Dubrovnik destination, as well as about the ways in which they can contribute through responsible behaviour to the preservation of the local community and the environment.
Guests are provided with information on the historical and cultural significance of Dubrovnik, the protected Old Town of Dubrovnik and its UNESCO World Heritage status, local customs, traditions and appropriate standards of behaviour, the natural environment of the destination, including the marine ecosystem and sensitive natural areas, as well as responsible conduct when visiting cultural and natural sites.
Information is provided to guests through the Guest Directory system and other digital communication channels, informational materials available in guest rooms and at the reception desk, Guest Relations communications and educational messages displayed in public areas, as well as through recommendations provided by local guides and verified partners.
Guests are provided with information and recommendations that include the historical development of the City of Dubrovnik and the significance of its cultural heritage, guidelines for appropriate behaviour in the Old Town, churches, historical sites and public spaces, recommendations for responsible photography, respect for local residents and cultural customs, guidance on the protection of nature, the marine environment and sensitive natural areas, and recommendations for supporting local producers, artisans and authentic local experiences. Particular emphasis is placed on the principle of responsible visitation: “Take only photographs, leave only footprints.”
Where applicable, Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik provides guests with access to additional interpretive content and experiences, including recommended cultural routes and walking tours, recommendations for local guides and cultural programmes, information on the natural features of the area, and educational guidance related to environmental protection and the preservation of local heritage.
Guests are provided with clear guidance on responsible behaviour in natural and cultural environments, including staying on designated paths, refraining from removing stones, shells, plants or other elements from natural areas and historical sites, respecting dress codes and standards of behaviour at sensitive cultural and religious locations, and respecting the local community, public peace and the daily lives of residents.
The Hotel cooperates with selected partners, guides and excursion providers who respect local cultural heritage, the environment and the principles of responsible tourism.
The effectiveness of guest information is monitored through guest feedback and satisfaction surveys, comments received by the Guest Relations team, periodic reviews of communication materials, and Green Team and Management meetings, during which opportunities for improving content and communication are considered.
Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik continuously develops and improves its informational and educational content in order to ensure that guests understand the value of Dubrovnik’s cultural and natural heritage and actively contribute to its preservation.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) have been established for energy, water, waste and emissions in order to monitor performance and support continuous improvement.
Examples include:
Departments submit quarterly reports, consolidated into an annual Sustainability Report. Feedback is collected through surveys and suggestions. Annual strategic sustainability meetings are held, and plans are in place to introduce an independent audit.
Annual strategic sustainability meetings are conducted in order to review performance, evaluate progress and identify opportunities for further improvement.
The introduction of additional independent audits is planned in order to further strengthen transparency, accountability and the effectiveness of sustainability management.
Royal Hotels & Resort Dubrovnik is committed to creating a sustainable future that respects the natural beauty of the Adriatic coast, empowers the local community, and ensures exceptional experiences for all our guests.
Video Material Refrences: City of Dubrovnik – learn more
Learn more about our commitment to fair treatment and responsible workplace practices — explore our Ethical Labour Standards.
