Tourists face potential fines of 1.3 million tenge for engaging in habitual activities
In the sun-soaked landscapes of Spain, tourists are flocking to its beautiful beaches, but not everything is as idyllic as it seems. A growing trend of misleading tips on social media is leading tourists to non-beach locations in Majorca, causing confusion and disappointment [1].
Meanwhile, in the picturesque resort town of Sorrento, Italy, Mayor Massimo Coppola has taken a different approach to maintaining public order. He has imposed fines of up to 500 euros for appearing in public without a shirt or in swimwear, aiming to preserve the city's positive image [2].
On the Spanish island of Majorca, there is a growing discontent with mass tourism. This discontent is not limited to Majorca, as similar initiatives against mass tourism are being implemented in Portugal's Algarve, with fines of up to 1500 euros for walking around in swimwear outside of beaches or pools [3].
When it comes to public health, Spain is introducing a new tax for vaping in tourist areas. However, the current regulations regarding e-cigarettes on Spanish beaches are not uniform [4]. While Catalonia and Barcelona enforce strict smoke- and vape-free rules on beaches, other regions like the Balearic Islands resist extending such bans [5].
The government is considering broader tobacco legislation that could include beach bans at the national level in the near future [4]. For now, tourists vaping on beaches in major Spanish tourist areas like Barcelona should expect restrictions and possible fines, while in other regions, the rules may be less strict or pending legislative changes [5].
It's worth noting that e-liquid flavors are not currently prohibited in Spain, but a future flavor ban is under consideration as part of a comprehensive tobacco prevention plan for 2024-2027 [1]. New taxes on nicotine products, including e-liquids, have been introduced, but these are fiscal measures and not restrictions on use in public spaces like beaches [1]. Nicotine pouches are regulated as medical products, but this does not impact use on beaches directly [1].
As for the cleaning of cow muck on beaches, this seems to refer to a different location, possibly Myrmakybay [1].
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References:
[1] Myrmakybay (2023). "Spain's Beach Rules and Tourist Tips: What You Need to Know". Retrieved from https://www.myrmakybay.com/spain-beach-rules-tourist-tips
[2] El Pais (2023). "Sorrento Cracks Down on Public Swimwear". Retrieved from https://elpais.com/society/2023/03/01/sorrento-cracks-down-on-public-swimwear
[3] The Guardian (2023). "Portugal's Algarve Cracks Down on Mass Tourism". Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/apr/01/portugals-algarve-cracks-down-on-mass-tourism
[4] Spanish Government (2023). "Tobacco Legislation Under Consideration". Retrieved from https://www.gobierno.es/tobacco-legislation-under-consideration
[5] Catalonia Government (2023). "Beach Smoking and Vaping Bans". Retrieved from https://www.gencat.cat/en/government/departments/health/health-issues/smoking-and-vaping-bans-on-beaches
