Croatian city struggles with mass tourism: Dubrovnik bans tram crates

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The rattling of a trolley suitcase being pulled over the cobblestones is annoying. Especially when hundreds of travelers do this. This has to end in Dubrovnik now.

Because the old city of Dubrovnik, measuring only 400 by 300 meters, is one of the attractions of the hit series “Game of Thrones” and is literally flocked by travelers from all over the world. Cruise ships plan the city in their programs, movie tourists arrive in droves – and all this in addition to the already strong tourist influx.

It was too much for Mayor Mato Franković. He decided to completely ban noisy tram cases from Dubrovnik. According to the online portal “FVW”, anyone who ignores the ban can expect a fine of 265 euros.

After all, from November 2023, lockers will be built in the city so that tourists do not have to leave or carry tram crates in front of the entrance.

Croatia charges eco-fees

The ban on tram crates applies particularly to Dubrovnik, Croatia. However, the country itself has already taken more steps against mass tourism. At the beginning of May, it was announced that Croatia would like to introduce a new eco-charge. Croatian Tourism Minister Nikolina Brnjac told the Croatian newspaper Večernji list that the fee should be around 3 euros per day and apply equally to one-day and multi-day tourists.

Especially the daily visitors were not satisfied with the price. But they are what lead to overcrowding of tourist sites and damage to natural and cultural heritage, according to Brnjac. Also: “In fact, the lives of the locals suffer the most.”

So when exactly the fee should come – still unclear. However, it is clear that tourism is an important branch of the economy in Croatia. More than twenty million guests are expected this year, breaking the pre-pandemic record. With the eco-fee, tourism revenue of the previous 10.5 billion euros will increase many times over.

Swiss methods against overtourism

Croatia is not the only country that wants to curb the flow of tourists with the measures taken or to take advantage of them financially. There are also examples in Switzerland. The latest: a selfie fare at Lake Brienz in Iseltwald.

Fifteen Korean tourists have been visiting the village since the Korean Netflix series “Crash Landing on You” used the pier in Iselwalt as a movie location and the main actor played the piano on the pier. Now that was too much for the community. Two turnstiles are installed and those who want to board the pier pay a fee of 5 francs.

Otherwise, wages are less common in this country. An example can be found on Uetliberg. If you want to visit the tower, you pay 2 francs. Other tourist destinations, such as the Verzasca Valley or the Aescher mountain inn, which became known worldwide thanks to social media, have so far been exempt from the fee.

For now, the Verzasca Valley is driving the tourist flow, with expanded public transport, a parking pass, and a call for bike and e-bike use. But the fact that a fee may come does not exclude any region. (place)

Source :Blick