The city council of Seville is taking measures to improve the coexistence of residents and tourists. First up is the most affected popular neighbourhood of Santa Cruz.
This is one of the most visited neighbourhoods of the Andalucian capital because it is located in the heart of the historic centre. Signs have now been placed with the prohibitions and a code of conduct for visitors.
Residents of the neighbourhood have been complaining about nuisance from tourists for years. The Seville City Council has introduced a series of recommendations and bans in response. Some examples include singing in the street, standing in groups on the pavement or cycling in pedestrian areas.
Groups and noise restrictions
In the Santa Cruz district, groups of tourists may now consist of a maximum of 30 people. They must use audio guides. The goal is to limit noise on these tours, with guides often using speakers to be understood. It is also forbidden to block the entrances to buildings or to stop in transit zones.
Performances and noise pollution
Performances such as singing, shouting, and operating electronic devices with amplifiers or musical instruments are not allowed. This is stated in Article 27 of the municipal ordinance against noise nuisance, noise and vibrations. Non-compliance is considered a minor violation, with fines ranging from €300 to €600.
Pedestrian areas
In addition, the movement of wheeled vehicles is expressly prohibited in all pedestrian areas. In other words, scooters, bicycles and other forms of wheeled traffic may no longer be used. Residents have been complaining for some time about the high speed at which drivers often move, which causes unsafety. One must also “respect the start and end times of goods deliveries”. Professional filming without a film permit is also prohibited.
Tips for tourists
The signs also give visitors tips. For example, to take care of the architectural heritage and public space. But also to respect the privacy of local residents and to use the bins and containers for the disposal of waste, which causes litter and spoils the appearance of the historic district.
Balance visitors and local residents
The campaign is part of a larger whole. Other measures are also being taken. Such as “regulating the flow of tourists in areas with greater concentration”, stressed Angie Moreno, Deputy for Tourism and Culture. “The priority is the people of Seville. The municipal government is working to ensure that the impact of tourism on residents is as little negative as possible. And especially in the most saturated areas such as the neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana.”
Importance of tourism for Seville
During a forum on the importance of tourism, Mayor José Luis Sanz stressed that “tourism is the most important industry of the city”. He also emphasised that Seville has the largest number of companies in the service sector within Andalucia. “Tourism is estimated to directly account for 18% of GDP. But the indirect dependence is much greater: 25% of the inhabitants of Seville live from tourism. These are very important figures for employment and the economy of the city,” he said.
Tourism and future
According to Sanz, “Seville is the third most visited city in Spain” with almost 20,000 hotel beds and 14 five-star hotels. In 2025, five new five-star hotels will be added; The tourist figures in the city will continue to rise. He also pointed out that Seville already has almost four million visitors a year and accounts for eight million overnight stays. “The city has to face some small problems that tourism entails,” he concluded.
Responsible tourism
In this regard, the mayor stressed that tourism is one of the “most important economic activities in the world”. And at the same time, “one of the sectors with the greatest impact on the planet and society”. Therefore, “Seville is working to ensure that this impact is positive”. And that tourism “remains an economic engine. Which contributes to the distribution of the wealth it generates, the preservation of the culture and identity of the city and the protection of coexistence in the neighbourhood,” said Sanz.