To divide
Dubrovnik bans suitcases from the old town. That’s why tourists have to drag their luggage instead of rolling it up. A total ban on bags is coming soon.
Dubrovnik – Croatia’s port city of Dubrovnik on the Adriatic Sea is taking action and has passed a new law that particularly affects travelers. From now on, it is no longer allowed to pull suitcases through the old town, as reported by the Croatian daily newspaper Jutarnji List. The new rule is part of the new regulations against noise pollution. Violations can result in severe penalties. Soon, bags will be completely banned from the old city.
| City | Dubrovnik |
| Population | 42,615 |
| Surface | 143.35 km² |
| mayor | I kill Frankovic |
Dubrovnik decides to ban bags in the old town
Mayor Mato Franković announced the measures at a town meeting. Old town streets made of old cobblestones were affected. In case of infringement, a fine of 265 euros is due. To avoid fines, vacationers need to carry their bags through various points in the port city. Additionally, the city would install decibel meters in the old town to monitor noise pollution.
In the future, tourists will no longer be able to carry their bags around the historic center of the Croatian port city of Dubrovnik. (Iconic image) © dpa/Ole Spata
Dubrovnik wants to create infrastructure for mass tourism
The city wants to take another step towards creating adequate infrastructure for mass tourism. According to Deutschlandfunk Kultur, around 1.4 million tourists a year are drawn to the city of 42,000. The rush to the port city in recent years is also due to the well-known TV series “Game of Thornes”, which was partly filmed in the old town of Dubrovnik and would attract many fans.
As of November, vacationers would even receive support from the city hall. As of November, lockers will be set up for tourists to leave their bags. The city then organizes free transfers to visitors’ accommodation. Recently, Bali has also decided on new rules for vacationers.
Bag ban in Dubrovnik – restaurants are threatened with closure if guests break rules
Mayor Franković told Jutarnji List: “This is just the beginning, the ultimate goal is to create a logistics center inside the airport, after which all luggage of Dubrovnik visitors will be transported directly to guests’ addresses.” Once these measures are implemented, tourists will no longer be able to take their bags into the city, regardless of whether they roll or carry them. Tourists in Italy also have to adapt to special rules for tourists. For example, the coastal town of Portofino has declared war on selfie-hunters with a new law.
The old town’s restaurants and cafes would also be targeted. Because if catering operators later allow the bag to be violated, there is a risk of a fine of 1,327 euros and closure for seven days of the outer area, essential for sales in many catering establishments. A second violation would result in the terrace being closed for 30 days, and a third violation would result in it being permanently closed by authorities.