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ARCHIVED - Barcelona introduces noise restrictions for tourists this summer
The popular Spanish destination has banned megaphones and reduced tour group sizes
The summer has officially begun in Spain and tourism bosses are already expecting a bumper season with the return of holidaymakers from the UK, Germany and France predicted to rival pre-pandemic numbers. However, the authorities are keen to shed Spain’s reputation as a party destination and several resorts and towns have implemented drink restrictions and dress codes to reduce “drunken tourism.”
Barcelona has become the latest city to jump on the bandwagon and officials have laid down some strict rules for holidaymakers taking part in walking tours in an attempt to “minimise inconvenience” and nuisance for locals.
The new regulations mean that tour guides won’t be allowed to use megaphones and groups will be restricted to 30 people, with the maximum number reduced to 15 in smaller areas. The walking tours will only be allowed to access a total of 24 streets and squares and will need to operate a one-way system, avoiding stopping in narrow areas to reduce disruption.
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Several attractions will now only accept smaller groups of between three and eight and tour operators have been asked to encourage guests to book ahead of time to avoid ‘touting’ on the Barcelona streets.
Earlier this year the Balearic Islands government sparked outrage when it announced that all-inclusive guests in certain resorts would be limited to six free drinks a day, and several restaurant owners in the popular Playa de Palma in Mallorca have banned customers wearing football jerseys, swimming costumes and strapless tops.
Last week, the local government in the seaside town of Vigo in Galicia warned that tourists face fines of up to 750 euros if they are caught urinating on the beach or in the sea.
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