"Maintain Low Profile": Spanish City Posters Advise British Tourists to Keep Decency and Manners in Check
Four distinct notices, put up on X by the local tourism board on a Saturday, display the Union Jack and an English message, accompanied by a smaller Spanish version below it.
Malaga, situated on the Costa del Sol in the Andalusia region of southern Spain, has been a preferred destination for British vacationers since the 1970s. Due to cheap flights from various UK airports, the region has attracted a steady stream of British tourists seeking a week of perfect weather and the familiar comforts of home - from endless bottles of beer to traditional English breakfasts.
However, local frustration with certain tourist behaviors has escalated, leading to demonstrations this summer that expressed dissatisfaction with the crowds, gentrification, and rising housing prices attributed to tourism.
City hall has now initiated a campaign to tackle some of the more noticeable manifestations of unacceptable behavior.
One sign reads, "Keep it covered, please." It explicitly advises visitors to always don an upper garment in public areas for reasons of respect and hygiene.
Another focuses on the electric scooters widely used in the city. "Stick to the paths," it says. "If you're using scooters or bicycles, adhere to the designated spaces as per local regulations."
The third sign encourages visitors to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings. "Pitch in and clean up!" it urges, asking tourists to utilize trash cans, waste containers, and other waste management facilities. Take care when utilizing monuments, historic sites, gardens, and public seating areas.
Last but not least, the final billboard promotes consideration regarding noise levels. "Tone it down," it advises, requesting tourists to avoid shouting, singing, or blasting music. It also emphasizes the importance of respecting the rest hours of neighbors, including the elderly, sick individuals, children, and essential workers.
Malaga isn't the first city to attempt modifying tourist behavior.
Last year, city hall imposed fines of up to €750 ($825) on individuals caught strolling in the streets or public spaces with no clothes or merely wearing undergarments.
Malaga is merely one of numerous Spanish cities and islands challenged by the consequences of tourism.
Barcelona's municipal government, embroiled in protests against excessive tourism, declared in August that it would ban apartment rentals to tourists by 2028, hoping to control soaring housing prices and improve the city's quality of life for residents.
Ibiza and Mallorca witnessed further clampdowns on party boats and public drinking in May.
And in April, residents in the Canary Islands took to the streets to voice their concerns over excessive tourism, attributing the escalating rental costs and environmental damage to the influx of vacationers.
CNN’s Amarachi Orie contributed to this report.
Visitors interested in exploring Malaga's rich cultural heritage should consider responsible travel practices, such as respecting local customs and keeping public areas clean. Tourism, with its surge in popularity, has led to various changes in this beloved Spanish destination, prompting city officials to introduce guidelines for travelers.
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