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Seville is the fourth largest city in Spain and attracts around 3.4 million tourists every year. One of the most visited monuments is the public Plaza de España, designed by the famous architect Aníbal González (1876–1929) in 1929.
Now the municipal council of Seville has decided to put an end to the public square: anyone who wants to visit the Plaza de España as a tourist in the future will have to pay an entrance fee. The city council wants to guarantee the preservation of the monument and its protection, writes the mayor of Seville, José Luis Sanz, about X. However, it must remain free for the local population, reports the Spanish newspaper ‘El Mundo’.
Sanz would also use the revenue the city would generate from the recordings to fund a 24-hour surveillance service. This is because the Plaza de España is often the victim of vandalism. The decision by the mayor and city council provoked mixed reactions. Socialist community group spokesman Antonio Muñoz expresses his “clear rejection” of the “permanent privatization” of the square, according to “El Mundo”. He proposes a general tourist tax, such as is already levied in Catalonia or the Balearic Islands. However, the Andalusian tourism sector strongly rejects this as it could deter tourists.
Role models also in Switzerland
Seville follows other tourist cities such as Sestri Levante (I). The pearl of Liguria receives a large number of tourists every year who want to enjoy its sandy beaches and beautiful coves. The mayor of Sestri Levante, Francesco Solinas, has introduced a beach fee. Tourists now pay five euros for entry and the maximum number of visitors is limited to 400 guests.
Some places in Switzerland were also privatized. Since April 2023, the pedestrian bridge in Iseltwald (BE), which leads to Lake Brienz, has also been taxable. The community in the Bernese Oberland installed a turnstile in front of the pedestrian bridge and now charges five francs for access. The Bern city of Lauterbrunnen is also thinking about entrance tickets and barriers. Last year the small community was overrun by tourists who flocked to the Staubbach Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Switzerland.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
