Dubrovnik Imposes New Tourist Regulations
Recently, it has been reported that Dubrovnik is banning wheelie suitcases from its medieval Old Town due to noise disturbances. Alarmingly, claims suggested that a €265 fine would be enforced on those found rolling (rather than carrying) their suitcases.
However, this claim was misleading. The City of Dubrovnik launched a promotional animated video as part of its campaign to encourage visitors to carry wheeled suitcases instead of dragging them along the cobblestones.
The video displays a prohibited sign over a wheeled suitcase and advises visitors to adhere to best practices: refrain from walking shirtless, riding bikes or scooters in the historic center, and climbing on protected monuments.
Clarification from the Dubrovnik Tourism Board
Importantly, the tourism board has clarified that there will not be a ban on wheelie suitcases, and no fines will be levied on those who opt to roll their luggage through the Old Town.
New Rules for Tourists
With a population of 41,000, Dubrovnik welcomed an impressive 1.5 million tourists in 2019. The city has been proactive in addressing overtourism and has introduced new measures aimed at offsetting negative behaviors associated with high visitor numbers.
Among these regulations, certain behaviors are subject to on-the-spot fines, including:
- Walking in swimwear or shirtless
- Sleeping in public areas
- Climbing on monuments
- Drinking alcohol near protected public places
The importance of respecting these regulations is underscored by previous warnings from UNESCO regarding the potential risk to Dubrovnik’s world-heritage status due to disrespectful behavior from tourists.
As travel continues to surge post-pandemic, Mayor Franković emphasized that the city aims to move away from excessive tourism, indicating that there is still much work to be done to preserve Dubrovnik’s legacy.
