Spanish city takes the first step towards sustainable tourism. Residents and traders are uncomfortable with the current state of the city
The coalition between PP and VOX has passed a new law that, although shy, is unprecedented in the city, as it limits the size of tourist groups, declares zones such as “saturated” and imposes restrictions on free tours.
According to the municipal executive, the purpose of the measure is to balance the tourist activity with the quality of life of the inhabitants. Mari Carmen Zamorano, resident in the historic center, lives in one of the narrower streets and has heard tourists criticize her for trying to get the car in her own garage. A, says the measures are “a good first step, though insufficient.”
This phenomenon of touristification, along with the gentrification and proliferation of tourist housing, has contributed to the disappearance of traditional trade and population in these neighborhoods. “There were those who asked me how she dared to live there, who should live on the other side. I feel that she stretches in your own city,” says Mari Zamorano.
Toledo’s new law follows the example of other cities that seek to make tourism compatible with life in historical neighborhoods, without dispeling the economic benefits it brings. The decree, unheard of in a city that has so far only regulated tourism on specific dates, also prohibits the use of megaphony after 23:00, to ensure the rest of residents, and requires the use of individual audio systems in groups with more than 30 people (except school groups).
Jose, Mari’s neighbor, shares frustration: “We often can’t even pass the street. Tourists think this is a museum and that no one lives here.” The new legislation requires groups not to block entrances and exits from houses and stores, to run in line on the narrower streets and to facilitate the passage of residents with shopping or baby carts.
The limitation of people per group is not a solution to José: “If there are 80 groups…” he says, referring to the tour packages that bring excursions to several cities around Madrid, where everything is previously organized – from where to eat as far as to buy memories.
This type of tourism – fast, in mass, and with little real economic impact – can pay a parking fee, but generates little profit for local businesses. Mamen Navarro, owner of a clothing store for 40 years, also criticizes these excursions: “I find it fantastic that they regulate, because these groups do not consume and are taking up space.”
With the opening of several shopping centers, residents stopped shopping in the center. Therefore, Mamen lives from tourism, but requires that it is of quality. She feels uncomfortable by the type of consumption, but not by the number of tourists and relativizes the complaints of residents: “I always came by car to my stores, I give a whistling and people move away.”
Free Tours – Guided tours, tips
The new legislation caused outrage between the free tours-tips paid tips that wear colored packed hats as a meeting point and marketing strategy. This type of signaling is prohibited, based on urban advertising legislation, as the main tourist guides associations have been requested.
Toledo has about 40 Free Tour guides, representing 10% of the visits and operate mainly in Zocodover Square. Spokeswoman Silvia Pérez Verde sees these restrictions as an attack on “sustainable” tourism, which, according to her, free tours promote: “families, friends who travel independently, who eat, buy and sleep in the city”.
The law provides for fines up to three thousand euros for those who break it, and will allow groups up to 50 people with special and justified authorization from the Mobility Department.
