The “Improve your stay in Málaga” drive contains a list of 10 rules that tourists are encouraged to follow. They tackle a range of issues, from attire and hygiene to noise and the responsible use of bikes and scooters.
British holidaymakers jetting off to Spain are being met with a new campaign aimed at curbing unruly behaviour. The local council in Malaga has introduced an “Improve your stay in Málaga” drive, which features a comprehensive list of 10 guidelines that travellers are encouraged to follow, in a bid to curb inappropriate behaviour.
The guidelines tackle a broad spectrum of problems, ranging from attire standards and hygiene to sound disturbance and the responsible operation of bicycles and e-scooters. Tourists are being urged to remain considerate and behave in a manner that respects peaceful coexistence with residents of the local community.
Additional measures highlighted by the council include the ‘Keep the City Clean’ drive, requesting visitors to utilise the rubbish bins available and the public conveniences scattered throughout the city, whilst also ensuring respect for historic sites, green spaces, and municipal amenities such as park seating. Local authorities have also stressed the importance of keeping noise levels down during evening hours in residential areas, advising tourists to “do not be conspicuous.”, reports the Mirror.
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Dressing appropriately within the city is another concern raised, with the council simply stating “dress completely.” This likely refers to avoiding wandering into urban areas shirtless or in swimwear, as such attire is only deemed acceptable on the beach.
Another element of the scheme focuses on transport, with the slogan “Sidewalks Are for Pedestrians,” emphasising that bicycles and scooters must remain within their designated areas. The campaign has been widely advertised – via social media channels, on public transport and at every key spot across the city. Málaga has previously addressed complaints of antisocial behaviour by increasing fines for offences including littering and noise pollution.
Last year also saw chaos over overtourism in the city, with residents taking to the streets to demonstrate against the flood of holidaymakers. Locals claimed they were being pushed out of their neighbourhoods because of short-term rental properties, while also raising concerns about disruptive behaviour and some tourists’ actions.
At the height of the demonstrations, certain protesters even plastered anti-tourism stickers around the vicinity, bearing slogans like “This used to be my home”, “go f****** home”, “stinking of tourist” and “this used to be the city centre.” Demonstrations about mass tourism and anti-tourism feelings occurred throughout Spain during 2024, with multiple movements carrying on into 2025.
In the first three months of 2025, Spain allegedly welcomed 17.1 million international tourists. For the entire year of 2024, this figure hit a record-breaking 94 million. The country continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Brits, who flock there in search of a sun-soaked escape.
Malaga 10 rules for tourists
- Keep it down
- Observe pedestrian zones
- Follow the waste disposal policy
- Treat the city’s heritage and culture with respect
- Control residential noise
- Obey local laws
- Respect the local community
- No public drunkenness
- Keep it tidy
- Dress decently
