Tourist Hotspots Clamp Down on Visitor Behavior to Protect Environments and Local Culture
From Sardinia to Seville, popular tourist destinations are enacting strict regulations to mitigate the impact of mass tourism. These include fines for antisocial behavior, limits on visitor numbers, and efforts to protect local environments.
Riley Harper
- 2023-12-28
- Updated 06:54 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - Tourism has been a double-edged sword for many picturesque locations in Europe, where the influx of visitors has led to negative environmental and social impacts. Sardinian authorities have set new rules in response to the overwhelming number of tourists, including restricting visitor numbers and implementing time limits to manage the crowds. At Pelosa beach, the use of conventional towels is banned to prevent sand from being carried away, with special sand-catching mats being the alternative. Moreover, Sardinia's Spiaggia Rosa beach remains closed to visitors, with hefty fines imposed on those caught walking on it or stealing sand: 500 euros for trespassing and up to 3,500 euros for sand theft.
Stringent Measures Across European Destinations
The concern over the preservation of local beaches and cultures extends to Portugal, where the National Maritime Authority (AMN) has outlawed the use of portable speakers on beaches if they disturb the peace with high volumes. The AMN's new set of regulations also prohibit other activities such as playing ball games outside designated areas, improper camping, and fire starting, with potential fines up to 36,000 euros. Spain's city of Seville has introduced fines targeting antisocial conduct specifically during bachelor parties. This includes ordinances against committing "obscene acts" in public, the wearing of provocative costumes or underwear as outerwear, and the display of messages considered sexist.
Efforts to Control Overcrowding and Misinforming Tourists
The Italian Riviera's Portofino speaks to the concerns of small towns coping with the surge of visitors as it recovers from the pandemic. Local officials are cracking down on tourists obstructing pathways and roads, specifically those lingering on the waterfront to take selfies during peak hours. Those who fail to comply with the newly instated regulations could face fines of 270 euros. Meanwhile, activists in Mallorca have taken a unique approach to deter tourists by placing misleading warning signs on beaches. The signs contained false alerts concerning non-existent dangers like "deadly jellyfish" and "falling rocks," and exaggerated warnings about the time required to walk next to the sea. However, the signs included disclaimers in Catalan reassuring locals that the warnings are fabricated, attributing these fibs to an effort to address the real issue of mass tourism.
As summer destinations gear up for another busy season, authorities are emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism that respects both natural environments and local communities. The new regulations reflect a growing trend among popular tourist spots to find a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the quality of life for residents and the integrity of their unique landmarks and ecosystems.
