Spain introduces new tourist restriction rules in…

Spain introduces new tourist restriction rules in Barcelona amid tourism crackdown

Barcelona has enforced new rules for tourists as Spain pledges to crackdown on 'tourism of excess'.

Spain has already seen a 12 per cent increase in bookings in comparison to 2019 but as the region Catalonia experiences a surge in tourists, Spanish officials have said they want to control bad behaviour that is seen from a number of British visitors. The country wants to move away from their reputation as a top party destination and a new decree was passed on Thursday which could sanction guided tours in Barcelona.

Those who do not follow the new rules could face fines around €1,500 to €3,000. The law is expected to come into effect around July 23.

Regions in the Balearic Islands have already banned pub crawls, enforced a curfew on the sale of alchohol and some places have banned football tops. Fines can also be given out for bad drunken behaviour.

The new restrictions in Barcelona are being brought in a bid to make the area more suitable for locals. As Catalan News reports, the Ciutat Vella area has been specifically targeted with tighter regulations with the Gothic Quarter captivating tourists throughout the year.

The neighbourhood councillor, Jordi Rabassa, agrees that some areas need measures to 'get rid of bad practices'.

He said: "Tourism in Ciutat Vella does not regulate itself, it needs measures, and the new decree allows [the city council] to get rid of the bad practices."

To reduce noise pollution, megaphones on guided tours will be banned and they will need to use audio equipment or speak at a normal volume. Along with that, group leaders must plan walking routes that “minimise inconvenience”.

Tour groups will be limited to just 30 people and in popular areas like Ciutat Vella, this will be reduced to 15. Some attractions will be forced to limit the group sizes further with only three to eight guests at a time.

Tours must follow a one way system and walking tours can only be conducted on a total of 24 streets and squares. Tourists are also being urged to book in advance and tour guides are being told to reinforce that message rather than flouting for business in public.

Tour guides must also find “spacious locations” to stop rather than causing disruption and the tours will have to leave half of the street empty when walking through the one-way streets. Additionally, groups will have to walk in a line of two people maximum.