"Holidaymakers from Spain are causing disturbances - locals express frustration"
Malaga, a popular vacation spot on the Costa del Sol, is taking significant steps to combat the negative impact of mass tourism on local residents and housing. The city's efforts focus on addressing both tourist behaviour and the regulation of holiday rentals.
The first measure, a tourist behaviour campaign called "Improve Your Stay," was launched in 2025. This campaign sets strict rules for visitors, including keeping noise down, especially at night; avoiding public drunkenness and littering; dressing respectfully outside the beach; and not using scooters or bikes in pedestrian areas. Violations can result in fines up to €750, aiming to reduce disruptions and ease tensions between locals and tourists.
Another key measure is the restriction on holiday rentals. Malaga will prohibit new holiday rental licenses in 42 neighborhoods starting January 2025 to address housing shortages and high rents driven by tourist demand. Stricter licensing requirements have also been implemented for existing rentals, including mandatory registration with a national tourism identification code from July 2025, and increased enforcement via a new "Holiday Hunter" unit targeting illegal rentals without proper licenses. Noncompliant property owners face fines and possible license revocation.
These combined efforts are designed to improve the quality of life for Malaga’s residents by curbing disruptive tourist behaviour and reducing the pressure on housing markets caused by holiday rentals. The city frames this as part of a broader reckoning with mass tourism seen across Spain.
A Swiss tourism expert has stated that mass tourism is not a new phenomenon, and regions heavily dependent on tourism could face significant revenue losses if vacationers feel unwelcome due to protests. This sentiment is echoed in Malaga, where around 30,000 people protested in April 2023, demanding affordable housing.
Lack of consideration and noise from tourists, as well as instances of tourists drinking too much and being too loud, have been sources of frustration for many locals. An 81-year-old resident expressed these concerns, stating that tourists disturb the peace and quality of life in the city. However, not all residents share the same sentiment. One resident acknowledged the undeniable positive effects of tourism, expressing a positive view towards tourists.
Other popular European regions, such as Dubrovnik in Croatia, have implemented capacity limits for cruise ships. Meanwhile, Venice (Italy) is considering charging tourists for entry. The exact steps Malaga will take to address these issues related to mass tourism remain uncertain.
The issue at hand is about maintaining a balance between tourism and the quality of life for locals in Malaga. As the city navigates this challenge, it serves as a reminder for other tourist-dependent regions to consider the long-term impact of mass tourism on their communities.
[1] https://www.malagatoday.com/news/local/2025/01/15/malaga-launches-improve-your-stay-campaign-tourists-behave-better-city/871966.html [2] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58049993 [3] https://www.malagatoday.com/news/local/2025/07/01/malaga-cracks-down-on-illegal-holiday-rentals-with-new-unit-holiday-hunter/876662.html [4] https://www.malagatoday.com/news/local/2025/01/15/malaga-launches-improve-your-stay-campaign-tourists-behave-better-city/871966.html [5] https://www.malagatoday.com/news/local/2025/07/01/malaga-cracks-down-on-illegal-holiday-rentals-with-new-unit-holiday-hunter/876662.html
- In an effort to enhance the lifestyle of local residents, Malaga has introduced stricter rules for tourists, including fines for noise violations, littering, and illegal holiday rentals, as part of their "Improve Your Stay" campaign launched in 2025.
- Recognizing the impact of the housing-market on local residents, Malaga enforced restrictions on holiday rentals, prohibiting new licenses in 42 neighborhoods starting January 2025, and has increased enforcement for existing rentals to promote affordability and reduce housing shortages.
- Concerned about the potential loss of revenue due to increased regulations and the unfavorable response from tourists, Malaga must tread carefully in addressing mass tourism, taking lessons from Dubrovnik's cruise ship capacity limits and Venice's proposed entry fees.
