Dubrovnik assesses impact of Trump’s proposed film tariffs on Game of Thrones tourism

President Donald Trump’s plan to impose a 100% tariff on foreign-made films has raised concerns in Dubrovnik about its potential effect on international productions and Game of Thrones-related tourism.

The Croatian city of Dubrovnik, internationally recognised as the filming location for King’s Landing in the Game of Thrones television series, is weighing the possible impact of President Donald Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States.

The announcement, made earlier this month, has created uncertainty within the global entertainment sector and among local industries in cities like Dubrovnik that regularly serve as international filming destinations.

“There have been huge disruptions because of the tariffs that Trump plans to introduce,” said Croatian film producer Igor Aleksandar Nola, noting that parts of the financing for film projects from banks and investment funds have been placed on hold amid ongoing uncertainty.

Dubrovnik has experienced a tourism surge since its appearance in Game of Thrones, which brought increased international visibility and economic benefits. Tourist guide Ivan Vukovic said approximately 1,000 visitors join Game of Thrones-themed tours daily, boosting employment opportunities for guides and locals involved in off-season filming.

“The film and Game of Thrones have changed Dubrovnik for sure,” Vukovic added, highlighting the local economic uplift driven by film-related tourism and merchandise.

Despite the lack of detail on the timing or scope of the proposed tariffs, participants at the Cannes Film Festival have adopted a cautious “business as usual” approach while awaiting further clarification.

Dubrovnik’s mayor, Mate Frankovic, expressed optimism that the city’s role in major international productions would remain secure. “I honestly cannot imagine a single serious U.S. film and large production without including a major European city,” he said, downplaying the long-term impact on the city’s film and tourism sectors.

As the industry awaits further information from Washington, producers, officials and local businesses in Dubrovnik remain watchful, aware that any shift in global filming patterns could have notable economic consequences for the region.

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