Lifestyle

Suitcases banned in popular Europe tourist destination to curb noise pollution

By
News.com.au
Published June 29, 2023
Updated June 29, 2023, 7:16 a.m. ET

Croatia is one of the most picturesque destinations in Europe with the city of Dubrovnik attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.

From the stunning coastline and islands, to the food and warmth of the people, it’s no surprise tourists flock to the city.

But if you’re heading to the hotspot this summer, you may want to think twice about lugging a massive wheelie suitcase around.

Residents in the area complained about the noise when tourists drag their suitcases around the city’s cobbled streets.
Residents in the area complained about the noise tourists make when they drag their suitcases around the city’s cobbled streets. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Residents have complained about noise pollution when tourists drag their suitcases around the city’s famed stone-paved and cobbled streets, raging that the act keeps them up at night.

And because of this, Mayor Mato Frankovic has introduced new rules that will see tourists banned from dragging wheeled suitcases around the winding roads in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Visitors who do choose to carry their bags face a hefty fine of $288 USD.

To combat the noise, the city’s mayor introduced new rules that will fine visitors fined $435 if they drag their suitcases in Dubrovnik.
To combat the noise, the city’s mayor introduced new rules that will fine visitors $435 if they drag their suitcases in Dubrovnik. AFP via Getty Images

“Sounds like a great idea, can we do the same at airports and stations, they are a menace,” one person wrote online about the new rule.

The ban is part of a bigger plan to stop tourists from carrying any suitcases in Dubrovnik.

According to local reports, from November, the local government intends to set up a system where travelers deposit bags outside the city.

The bags will then be transported directly to guests’ addresses by couriers.

The measure comes as part of the “Respect the City” program, introduced by the Dubrovnik Tourist Office, according to Schengenvisainfo News.

Dubrovnik continues to remain high on the travel list for tourists with The Dubrovnik Times reporting since the beginning of the year, the city recorded 289,000 arrivals and 763,500 overnight stays, which is 32 percent more than the same period in 2022.

Meanwhile, tourists have also been urged not to walk pets without a lead, not to climb on monuments or to walk around without wearing a shirt, as a way to show “respect” to the city.