More and more European states have this year introduced hefty fines for tourists who do not respect the rules of conduct, in an attempt to limit the excesses of mass tourism and protect local communities. On the eve of the summer season, authorities in several popular destinations are announcing strict measures against behavior considered indecent or dangerous, the BBC reports.
Turkey sanctions the lack of seat belts on the plane
One example comes from Turkey, where passengers who get up from their seats or unbuckle their seat belts before the plane has come to a complete stop on the runway can be fined around 62 euros. The measure, which came into force this year, aims to increase safety on board and discourage impulsive behavior immediately after landing.
Fines for swimwear or alcohol
The wave of sanctions does not stop here, however. In Albufeira, one of Portugal’s most popular seaside resorts, wearing a bathing suit outside the beach or designated areas can attract fines of up to €1,500. In Spain’s Balearic Islands, including Mallorca and Ibiza, drinking alcohol in public spaces is punishable by fines of up to €3,000 as authorities try to crack down on excessive tourism and uncontrolled parties.
Even seemingly minor gestures can have serious financial consequences. For example, reserving a sunbed and leaving the area for an extended period may be penalized in some destinations.
Penalties for improper booking of sunbeds
In Spain (in Calpe, Costa Blanca, Barcelona, but also in other resorts), tourists who reserve sunbeds before 9:30, with only a towel, without being present, can be fined up to 250 euros. Also, items left on the beach can be picked up by the authorities and returned only after paying a fine and a deposit fee.
In France, smoking on public beaches or playgrounds is fined 90 euros on the spot.
While such measures may seem harsh, especially in regions that depend economically on tourism, authorities say they are necessary to protect both residents and law-abiding tourists. “The rules, while they may seem rigid and punitive when listed, are intended to encourage responsible and empathetic travel,” said Jessica Harvey Taylor, Head of Press at the Spanish Tourist Office in London. “They are designed to protect the holiday experience of the vast majority of visitors who behave responsibly.”
Decent clothes
In cities such as Malaga, the authorities have gone even further, launching a campaign entitled “Enhance your stay”, which promotes a 10-point code of conduct. It includes rules on decent clothing, noise reduction, avoiding littering on the street and responsible use of e-scooters. Those who violate these rules can be fined up to 750 euros.
A similar code of conduct has been introduced in Albufeira, where public nudity, urinating in the street or abandoning shopping trolleys are prohibited. According to the local authorities, the application of sanctions is not only symbolic, as the police are constantly present in areas heavily frequented by tourists.
Specialists note that such codes of conduct were until recently specific to ecologically fragile areas or culturally sensitive communities, but their extension to popular spas indicates a paradigm shift. “We must act with two main ideas in mind: protecting and preserving the environment and ensuring the harmony of tourism with our society,” said Juan Antonio Amengual, mayor of Calvià, Mallorca. “Tourism cannot be a burden on citizens.”
The list of fines continues to grow across Europe. Ryanair can charge disruptive passengers at least €500, hikers wearing inappropriate footwear in Italy’s Cinque Terre face fines of up to €2,500, and in Greece, collecting a seashell from the beach can cost up to €1,000. In Venice, swimming in the canals is fined 350 euros.
The authorities hope that these measures will contribute to more responsible tourism and reduce tensions between locals and visitors in what promises to be another extremely busy summer season.
