This southern city of Spain is under international spotlight and it is no coincidence. After decades living in the shadow of other cities in the same region, this coastal city reinvented itself as a tourist, cultural and technological destination. But its accelerated growth is now beginning to raise doubts: will the city become the victim of its own success due to over-tourism?
From Industrial City to vibrant destination
For a long time, Malaga was just one point of passage. Tourists who arrived on Costa do Sol preferred to take a trip to localities like Marbella, leaving behind a city considered old and industrial.
The turn began in the early 21st century. One of the decisive steps was the pedhanization of the historic center, which allowed a greater appreciation of urban space and made the city more appealing to residents and visitors. Another key moment was the inauguration in 2003 of a museum dedicated to painter Pablo Picasso. The bet on culture started there and quickly widened to other spaces and initiatives, says HuffPost.
The technology engine
More than sun and museums, Malaga has been asserting herself as one of the most dynamic technological centers of the Iberian Peninsula. The city was able to attract startups, international companies and highly qualified professional companies.
Over the past ten years, the Malagenha economy has grown at a higher pace to Andalusian territory. This performance already leads many to consider Malaga a model for other Spanish cities. The combination of quality of life, pleasant climate and professional opportunities has made the city a much sought after destination by young workers in the digital sector.
Culture, theater and weight names
The presence of public figures has also helped reinforce Malaga’s image as a rising city. The actor Antonio Banderas, a native of the city, returned to open a theater, thus betting on local cultural dynamism, says the same source.
This expansion of museums played a key role in the new position of the city. The historic center became a true meeting point between tradition and innovation. Cultural tourism, less seasonal than beach, has contributed to attracting visitors throughout the year, with a positive impact on commerce, restoration and services.
The least visible face of success
Despite the growth, not everything is roses. The British newspaper The Economist, quoted by HuffPost, draws attention to two major problems that begin to teach Malaga’s evolution: the dwelling scarcity and the excesses of mass tourism.
The pressure on the real estate market is increasing. About 9,000 new dwellings are under construction, but demand continues to exceed the available offer widely. The City Hall has ceded land to private builders to try to accelerate the answer. However, criticism of accessible housing for permanent residents arises.
More tourists, less residents
Another sensitive point is the concentration of local housing in the historic center. With about 6,000 tourist apartments, Malaga records the highest density of this type throughout Spain.
Residents complain of insecurity, noise and the loss of identity of the neighborhoods. There are reports of parties until high hours, conflicts in buildings and constant entrances of strangers. Carlos Carrera, representative of a residents’ association, quoted by the same source, describes situations of vandalism, damaged elevators and bars that keep doors open until two in the morning.
A difficult balance to maintain
Both economic growth and increased tourist attractiveness now put a challenge to the city: how to continue to grow without expelling who has always lived there? The answer is not simple.
Malaga’s risk loses its authentic character due to over-tourism is becoming a real concern. Urban pressure, changes in coexistence and real estate speculation generate visible tensions. Many inhabitants feel that the city ceased to belong to them. The historic center, in particular, is becoming a space almost exclusively dedicated to tourist consumption.
Between the ambition to grow and the maintenance of identity
Malaga faces a common dilemma to many rapidly growing cities. On the one hand, there is pride for current recognition and dynamism. On the other hand, there is a fear that the city becomes unrecognizable due to excessive tourism, according to the.
The question is how far you can go without sacrificing what makes Malaga special to many. The political and urban decisions of the coming years will be decisive for the city’s future.
As a curiosity, Malaga currently welcomes one of the largest European centers of cybersecurity, which confirms her technological vocation. And in 2024, it was the Spanish city with more per capita startups.
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