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The Spanish city of Málaga is adopting a strong approach to manage disruptive behavior by tourists this summer through a 10-point guideline that promotes suitable attire, respect for local traditions, and minimizing noise during nighttime hours.
The Costa del Sol, famous for its connection to Picasso, picturesque old town, and expansive beaches, has made its "Improve Your Stay" campaign a top priority throughout the city.
The straightforward advertisements seek to address actions that have frustrated residents in recent years, particularly during the high tourist period.
Signage throughout the city outlines expectations, featuring posters on buses and billboards that are in English and directly target behaviors commonly linked to British tourists.
Another social media initiative is underway, informing visitors that they are required to adhere to local regulations, with penalties reaching as high as €750 (£655) for breaches.
In the heart of Málaga, locals have expressed concerns about outsiders roaming the city clad only in swimwear or shorts.
One of the "Improve Your Stay" city hall signs states: "Dress fully. Always wear an upper garment in public areas and on the streets, out of respect and for hygiene reasons."
Billboard advertisements urge visitors to wear full attire while in the city, insisting they "dress properly," "dress appropriately," and "dress entirely."
The initiative, organized by Málaga's tourism office, focuses on four key problems: improper clothing, littering, loud noises, and careless behavior.e-scooter use.A different sign addresses noise pollution, encouraging guests to "respect the quiet times" of locals, such as the elderly, students, and key workers.
The notice warns against yelling, singing loudly, or playing music at high volumes in public spaces, and states: 'Avoid standing out.'
Another issue that bothers residents is littering, as signs urge visitors to "Maintain the city's cleanliness" by utilizing trash bins and being mindful of historical sites, parks, and public benches.
In the meantime, scooter users are reminded that 'sidewalks are intended for walkers. If you operate scooters or bikes, do so within the legally permitted zones, following local regulations.'
The initiative aims to address individuals who cycle without regard for designated bike lanes, enter pedestrian zones, and have participated in multiple severe incidents.
As the summer season is in full effect, overcrowding has emerged as a significant problem in numerous European destinations and urban areas.
Last week, frustrated residents likened Italy's Dolomites to Disneyland, as the scenic area became overwhelmed with large numbers of tourists taking selfies and social media influencers.
Photos and videos posted on social media by angry locals showed groups of tourists blocking a cable car station in the Seceda region of the Alpine mountains, which has grown more famous because of online platforms.
A specific video captures a long line of visitors at the station spilling into a nearby café, with some tourists obstructing a staircase as they stand in line.
A different video illustrated how a hiking path halted due to an excessive number of visitors attempting to access the cable car.
The video, posted on an Instagram page, had the caption: 'Something amazing just to be told.'
Spending hours waiting in line to reach the Seceda to enjoy the meadows, peaks, and the most stunning mountains of Alto Adige, being cautious not to trip over each other's feet, avoid collisions, and take selfies as freely as possible among other visitors.
The increase in tourists has led the cable car operator, which transports hikers to the top of Seceda mountain, to ask for the chairlift's capacity to be increased threefold, according to Italian media outlet Corriere della Sera.
However, recent instances of overcrowding at the UNESCO World Heritage Site have caused frustration among residents and environmentalists, who argue that excessive numbers of visitors may endanger the local wildlife.
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