ANOTHER popular Spanish destination is cracking down on tourists – with strict fines of €1,500 for rule-breakers.
A number of popular tourist resorts across Spain are introducing new rules in a bid to crack down on overtourism.
And from April 10, San Sebastian is to limit the maximum number of people in guided visits to 25 to avoid congestion, noise, nuisance and over-crowding.
The local council has warned tour guides that they face a fine of up to €1,500 if they are found flouting the rules.
San Sebastián, in the Basque region of Spain, is just 12 miles from the France–Spain border.
It’s become popular with tourists who visit for the pretty beaches and amazing food.
However, with millions of tourists flocking there every year, the city centre suffers from over-crowding.
The new regulation wants to “promote a more orderly flow of visitors in the busiest areas of the city”.
A few months ago, the city council also prohibited the use of public address systems on guided tours, such as using loudspeakers.
The limitation of a maximum of 25 people in guided tourist groups will soon be approved within the Public Space ordinance.
“The measure, which will come into force on April 10, has been agreed upon with the local guide companies, which have assumed the commitment to respect said limitation,” explained the city council.
The tours will also be subject to certain time windows, only being allowed to operate between 8am in the morning and 11pm at night.
The city council said “the number of guided tour groups in Donostia has increased significantly in recent years”.
They added that the “presence of these groups has an impact on the daily life of the city and its inhabitants, especially in the busiest areas.”
Last summer, San Sebastián also introduced new guidelines aimed at tourist guides, including:
San Sebastian has already banned the construction of new hotels.
Many local residents say they have become tired of the constant influx of tourists.
Their concerns are being shared by other holiday destinations as Spain forecasts a record year for tourist numbers.
Other tourist destinations are starting to implement similar measures including Barcelona.
Outside of Spain, Venice and Amsterdam have also cracked down on tourists.
Venice is charging day trippers €5 if visiting the historical Italian centre.
There is also a cap on the number of daily tourists, so holidaymakers could even be turned away at the turnstile.
Last year, Amsterdam introduced a number of new rules for tourists too – find how out it affects your holidays here.
