Tourists in Barcelona and Costa Blanca are facing a new rule, and holidaymakers are urged to be aware of changes. A “sunbed tax” has been introduced in Spain, and tourists heading to the EU member state could be fined over £200 if they are not careful.
Tourists claiming a sunbed at certain spots in the country could be fined €250, which is around £216, according to travel insurer Tiger. The new rule has been introduced after, the insurer said, a series of complaints being made about sunbeds being reserved for hours with no one in sight.
But this isn’t the only measure that’s been reportedly put in place for tourists across Europe.
In Italy, the wearing of swimwear outside of beaches and pools has been banned.
Tourists who break this rule at popular spots, including the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento, face fines of up to €500 (about £432), reports GB News.
In many areas of Spain, there has been an increasing backlash against the impacts of tourism, with locals blaming tourists for escalating property prices, a rise in anti-social behaviour, and pressure on public services.
It has led to numerous anti-tourism protests all over the nation, screaming the words “tourists go home”.
Protesters have held demonstrations across the Balearic Islands, including Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza, as well as the Canary Islands and mainland cities such as Barcelona.
A small number of activists went as far as firing water pistols at holidaymakers during protests.