July 19th 2024.
The days of staking out your spot on the beach with a carefully placed towel are coming to an end. Tourists in Spain are being warned that they could be fined for attempting to reserve sunbeds on the beach. The issue of sunbed hogging has reached a boiling point this summer, with some places in Greece even resorting to using drones to keep an eye on tourists.
The Spanish town of Calpe is taking a stand against this behavior by implementing a fine of €250 for anyone who tries to save beach chairs, umbrellas, or other items before 9:30 AM. This rule also applies to belongings that are left unattended for more than three hours. Leaders in the tourism industry have made it clear that they will not tolerate "empty but reserved" loungers this summer.
The town council of Calpe explained their decision, stating that they have received numerous complaints over the years about the reservation of beach space. They believe this measure will put an end to the indiscriminate occupation of public areas, especially the beach, with items such as chairs and parasols at the crack of dawn.
It is hoped that this new rule will put an end to sunbed hogging once and for all. The fines are intended to discourage tourists from arriving late in the morning only to find a crowded beach filled with belongings but no owners in sight. The Times reports that the fines will also help to keep the beaches clean, as these "bad habits" make it difficult to maintain a tidy environment.
The issue of reserving sunbeds is not a new one. There have long been stereotypes of overeager tourists claiming multiple spots before the sun has even risen. However, with the emergence of social media and platforms like TikTok, there has been a new wave of criticism directed at those who reserve prime beach real estate but never actually use it.
The "sunbed wars" can turn ugly, with arguments and even physical altercations breaking out. This year, the situation is further complicated by the growing animosity towards tourists from local Spaniards. Protests have erupted over the noise pollution, overcrowding, and rising costs associated with tourism.
In the end, the implementation of these fines is a step towards promoting fairness and respect for public spaces. It is a reminder that the beach is for everyone to enjoy, and no one should be able to claim it as their own. Hopefully, this will lead to a more harmonious relationship between tourists and locals in popular holiday destinations.
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