European holiday hotspot bans wheelie suitcases as Brits could face £230 fine

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Tourists heading to Dubrovnik should know that wheelie bags have been banned in the holiday hotspot - and they could face penalties for disobeying the rule.The Croatian city sees huge visitor numbers each year and while this is great for the hospitality industry, it can be a bother to locals' day-to-day lives.Under a new law, suitcases must be carried through Dubrovnik's old city and anyone caught rolling their carry-on faces a £230 fine, the Mirror reports.

The move aims to help reduce the irritating noise caused by wheels clacking on the historic centre's cobbled streets which can be a headache for residents.The destination plans to further tighten its anti-bag legislation, as all suitcases and bags will soon be barred for the old town entirely.

In November, visitors will have to leave their bags and suitcases by the walled entrance. Those staying in accommodation in this area with lots of luggage will have to pay a courier to deliver it by electric vehicleMayor of Dubrovnik Mato Franković wants to reduce the impact of tourism on the small town that sees 1.5 million visitors annually - nearly 40 times the 41,000 full-time residents.A video urging tourists to “respect the city” will be shown on cruise ships docking at Dubrovnik and on Croatian Airline flights arriving in the country, Lonely Planet reports.Walking around shirtless, riding bikes or e-scooters in the city centre, and climbing on statues are all behaviours that will be discouraged in the public announcement.The city is currently trying to keep its world-heritage status six years after UNESCO warned disrespectful hordes were ruining the city.