Nestled in Andalusia on Spain’s famed Costa del Sol, Malaga is a beloved tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world, especially from the UK. While British tourists have long flocked to Malaga for sunny holidays, their influx has also caused frustration among locals, leading the city to take action. To address some of the behaviors that locals find most disruptive, Malaga’s city hall has launched a campaign aimed at educating tourists on proper conduct.
The campaign, which features prominent billboards across the city, emphasizes key guidelines for visitors. These billboards, posted by the local tourist board, prominently display the British flag to directly target British holidaymakers. The messages are in both English and Spanish, ensuring clarity for all visitors.
One of the key messages centers on appropriate attire in public spaces. The campaign reminds tourists to avoid walking around the city in swimwear or without clothes. While beachwear is expected on the beach, locals have grown frustrated with tourists wearing bikinis, shorts, or going shirtless in public areas such as city streets, restaurants, and shops. This behavior is considered disrespectful and out of place by many residents. The city hall has already implemented fines for individuals caught in public spaces without proper attire, with fines of up to €750 (approximately $825) for those found in the streets wearing only their underwear or no clothes at all. The billboards reinforce these regulations, hoping to reduce the number of violations and encourage a more respectful interaction between tourists and the local community.
Noise control is another focus of the campaign. Malaga, known for its lively nightlife, has seen a rise in complaints from locals about loud and disruptive tourists, especially in residential areas. The new billboards ask visitors to be mindful of their noise levels, particularly during the evening and night hours when locals are trying to rest. This appeal comes at a time when many cities across Spain are grappling with the impact of mass tourism and the strain it places on residents.
In addition to noise control, the campaign asks tourists to take care of their surroundings. Littering, vandalism, and disregard for the cleanliness of public spaces have become common complaints among residents, and the new messaging seeks to encourage visitors to act responsibly. By keeping the streets, parks, and beaches clean, tourists can help preserve the beauty of the city for both locals and future visitors.
Electric scooters, a popular mode of transport in many cities, have also been addressed in the campaign. The billboards urge tourists to be cautious and respectful when using them in public areas. The improper use of scooters has led to accidents, and many locals are frustrated with tourists leaving scooters in inconvenient or dangerous locations.
Malaga is not alone in its efforts to address the negative side effects of mass tourism. Cities across Spain and its islands have been grappling with similar issues, implementing their own measures to combat bad behavior and reduce the strain on local communities. Barcelona, for example, has taken steps to reduce the impact of tourism on housing prices and the local economy, including banning short-term apartment rentals to tourists by 2028. The Spanish islands, famous for their party scenes, have introduced stricter regulations on party boats and public drinking to balance catering to visitors with protecting the local environment and quality of life.
Spain, a top destination for tourists, faces the challenge of balancing the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect its environment, culture, and residents’ quality of life. A growing movement toward sustainable tourism is emerging, with cities and regions implementing policies to manage tourism more effectively. Malaga’s new campaign reflects this broader trend, seeking to create a more harmonious relationship between tourists and locals. The focus on educating visitors about proper conduct is a step in the right direction, aiming to reduce the negative impact of mass tourism and ensure that Spain remains a top destination for years to come.
For tourists planning to visit Malaga or other parts of Spain, being aware of the local rules and customs is crucial. From dressing appropriately in public spaces to respecting noise levels and taking care of the surroundings, small acts of responsibility can go a long way in ensuring that tourism remains a positive force for both visitors and locals alike.
