Authorities in the Spanish city of Malaga have installed posters to educate tourists on appropriate behavior while traveling to the region including reminding them to wear clothing. The four different ads, posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the local tourism board, feature the Union Jack and a message in English, with a smaller version in Spanish below.
Malaga, located on the Costa del Sol, in the Andalusia region, south of Spain has long been a popular destination for Brits, with low-cost flights departing from several UK airports.
Since the 1970s, Brits have flocked to the Costa del Sol in search of a week of pleasant weather and all the amenities they have at home, from pints of beer to a traditional English breakfast.
However, locals have become increasingly angry about the behavior of some travelers. Recently, there have been demonstrations to protest against crowds, gentrification and rising housing costs related to tourism.
Now, the city hall has launched a campaign to prevent the most common and inappropriate behaviors. “Get fully dressed” says one of the posters. “Whether on the streets or in public places, always wear an upper garment out of respect and hygiene.”
Another poster addresses the use of electric scooters which have become common in the city. “Sidewalks are for pedestrians,” he says. “If you use scooters or bicycles, do so in the spaces legally designated for that purpose, according to municipal rules.”
A third appeals to tourists to take care of the environment. “Keep the city clean,” he says. “Use trash cans, containers and other services. Take care of monuments, historical heritage, gardens and public furniture.”
The final sign asks for consideration regarding noise. “Don’t draw attention,” it says. “Don’t shout, sing or turn up your music. Respect the rest hours of your neighbors, including the elderly, the sick, children and essential workers.”
This is not the first time that Malaga has tried to change the behavior of tourists. Last year, the city council announced that anyone seen on the streets or in public spaces naked, or wearing only underwear, would be fined up to €750 (R$4,670).
Several cities and islands in Spain are trying to combat the impact of tourism . Last month, the government of Barcelona — where thousands have been protesting against mass tourism — has announced it will ban apartment rentals to travelers by 2028 in a bid to control rising housing costs and improve quality of life for residents.
In May, more restrictions were imposed on Ibiza and Mallorca, focusing on party boats and public drinking. In April, residents of the Canary Islands protested against overtourism, blaming visitors for driving up housing prices and causing environmental damage.
*CNN’s Amarachi Orie contributed to this report.
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