A popular holiday destination for Brits could be about to make life much harder and heavier for its tourists. This is because Dubrovnik in Croatia is considering banning wheelie suitcases.
The possible new measures are being discussed in a bid to protect its historic Old Town. The mayor is looking at a new policy to reduce the impact of tourism on local residents.
The Daily Express reports neighbours living in the area have reportedly complained about being woken in the middle of the night by the sound of holidaymakers rumbling through the cobbled streets with their wheelie suitcases. The city is now looking to develop a system where tourists will have to leave their luggage before entering the Old Town.
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It would mean visitors having to pay a charge to get their cases delivered to their accommodation. The mayor said the new measure is 'just the beginning' in a battle against 'overtourism'. And it's not the only new rule that Brits will have to consider when visiting the country.
Croatia recently announced a series of new rules for tourists, from banning bikinis in certain areas to limits on booze and not wearing clothing that 'promotes drug use'. Rulebreakers could face fines of up to £3,400 for flouting the restrictions.
Split is following in Dubrovnik's footsteps and banning visitors from wandering around its historic centre topless or in a bikini. The new rules prohibit tourists and locals from walking around the old towns 'in a bathing suit, underwear or no clothes in a public space'.
The restrictions are intended to 'bring order to the city', with fines of up to €150 (around £128) for those who disobey. Penalties of up to €4000 (£3,400) face nightlife revellers whose unruly actions are considered to be 'disturbances to public order', for example being visibly drunk in public.
The UK's Foreign Office has recently updated its Croatia travel advice to reflect the rule changes which also include bans on sleeping in public areas, climbing on top of monuments, urinating in public spaces, drinking alcohol near 'protected public spaces" like schools and vomiting in public areas.
The UK government warns: "You can also be fined up to €4000 for actions considered to be disturbances to public order. These include fighting, verbal abuse and drunken behaviour. Most towns have signage to advise about actions that are prohibited by local law. Take notice of your surroundings, including signage, and seek local advice. Drug related offences are punishable with fines and jail sentences."
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