Dubrovnik won't fine noisy suitcases, but it may sanction bad behaviour

It's all part of a long-term policy to ensure sustainable destination management that puts respect for heritage and for each other first

Following a peak in confusion regarding city regulations in Dubrovnik, Croatia’s Tourism Board and the city’s municipal authorities would like to clarify what would be constituted improper behaviour for visitors and residents in the popular Adriatic town.

The stated aim of the authorities is not to penalize but rather to warn, inform and educate tourists about the new rules with which the municipality aims to provide more harmonious and civil co-habitation so that the UNESCO-listed heritage site can be enjoyed both by the people living there and the holidaymakers.

For this purpose, Dubrovnik officials released an educational animation video, called ‘Respect the City’, which indicates what is considered proper behaviour and what would be frowned upon. The video is well-made and easy to understand. However, it did not mention what would happen if tourists did not respect the rules.

Information over penalization

That’s why, we, from TheMayor.EU, investigated the matter further and got in touch with the local administration to find out more.

Apparently, the dragging of wheelie suitcases on the cobblestones, as the video also indicates, is not allowed because it falls under the city’s Noise Regulation, which sets a limit of 55 decibels in an attempt to instil a peaceful environment.

However, even if not permitted, it won’t be a punishable offence. Municipal officers will be in public areas to advise tourists and inform them of the city’s noise regulation in line with the policy of informing rather than sanctioning.

That policy will also be in place for the other behaviours shown in the video. However, these behaviours fall under a different regulation adopted by the City Council. And they do carry the possibility of a fine of 265 euros if breached. It appears though that the imposition of a fine will be a last resort, likely in the case of repeat offenders.

These are the improper behaviours, which carry the risk of said fine:

• walking in a bathing suit, without clothes or part of clothes;
• riding bicycles, electric scooters, motorcycles, mopeds and cars without a special permit (the exception is bicycles for children under 7 years old);
• throwing cigarette butts at the public surface;
• spitting on the street;
• leading dogs without a leash;
• consuming food, drinks and behaving inappropriately near cultural monuments;
• climbing the city walls.

‘Respect the City’ is a multidimensional initiative by the local authorities, in development since 2017, with which the aim is to find working solutions in dealing with the challenges of excessive tourism. Part of this goal is creating a balance between the needs of the economy and the quality of life of citizens.

Dubrovnik was recently declared as the most tourism-burdened place in Europe with 36 tourists per inhabitant in peak season.