Dubrovnik, the charming Croatian city with its historic old town, has implemented a new rule for visitors. So, whether you have already booked your flights or are looking for deals, you need to take note for your mext vacation. Wheeled suitcases are now banned in Dubrovnik.
How will the wheeled suitcases ban affect your visit?
These newly introduced regulations require tourists to carry their suitcases instead of dragging them along the town’s streets. You don’t have to throw away your wheeled suitcases just yet. For the time being they will still be allowed but you must carry them instead. Travellers caught violating this rule and rolling their luggage will face a fine of €265. However, the impact of these measures on individuals with physical disabilities who are unable to carry their bags remains uncertain.
This initiative is part of a broader plan to completely prohibit all luggage from entering Dubrovnik’s Old Town by November. Starting this autumn, visitors will be required to leave their bags and suitcases at designated locations outside of the city walls. To retrieve their belongings, visitors will need to engage a courier service. For a small fee they will deliver the bags directly to the accommodations using electric vehicles.
The reasons for Dubrovnik’s wheeled suitcase ban
Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković made the decision to ban wheeled suitcases as part of a set of new measures aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of overtourism. In 2019, before the pandemic, Dubrovnik welcomed 1.5 million tourists despite its population of only 41,000. An additional measure has been introduced to further address noise complaints. Cafes and bars with outdoor terraces may face fines and temporary closures of seven days if they exceed noise levels of 55 decibels.
Overtourism is whereby excessive amounts of tourism causes undesirable effects either to the environment or to the locals. This can be anything from pollution, littering, displacement of locals or even noise pollution. Many cities across the globe struggle with it. Showing that although tourism can have benefits it can have drawbacks too.
Promoting responsible behavior among visitors has been seen as a priority. In response to this the city’s tourism authority has created a new video called “Respect the City,”. Cruise ships arriving in Dubrovnik and Croatian Airline flights entering the country will screen this video. The video offers guidance on best practices for visiting Dubrovnik. These include not walking around without proper clothing or refraining from riding bicycles or electric scooters in the historic centre. As well as respecting monuments by not climbing or interacting with them.
Dubrovnik’s UNESCO Status
In the past, UNESCO has expressed concerns about the potential risk to Dubrovnik’s world-heritage status. This is due to the behaviour of disrespectful crowds. In 2017, the city implemented measures to promote sustainability. Including limiting the number of tour buses and cruise ships docking in the port. However, the post-pandemic surge in travel has led to an influx of visitors to Dubrovnik. Mayor Franković has emphasized the importance of curtailing excessive tourism, stating that there is still much work to be done, and that the ban on wheeled suitcases is just the start.
Visiting Croatia
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