Spanish city introduces entry fee for UK tourists at iconic site to curb visitor numbers

Spain 'shuts off' areas to UK tourists 'unless you can prove you were born here'
-Credit: (Image: No credit)


Seville is set to start charging UK tourists for visiting its iconic neo-Moorish square in an effort to control visitor numbers. The Plaza de Espana, a stunning location that featured in the 1999 Star Wars film 'The Phantom Menace' with Natalie Portman, is being safeguarded by the city's latest move.

Mayor Jose Luis Sanz announced on Wednesday his decision to "decided to enclose" the monumental space and introduce an entry fee of "between three and four euros". Mr Sanz explained: "I want to charge a fee to those who visit the square space. The building is another story".

He also expressed support for organising events in the Plaza de Espana, noting that such activities would be "under the inspection of the Town Planning technicians". Residents of the city or those born in the province will be exempt from the fee, provided they can show proof.

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In addition to monitoring, there are plans to establish a permanent restoration school or workshop within the plaza. "We are planning to close the Plaza de Espana and charge tourists to finance its conservation and ensure its safety," he stated.

Despite assurances that locals would retain free access, the proposal has faced backlash from many, including Sevillians, reports Birmingham Live.

"A tourism tax for ALL visitors provokes less debate and generates more income. Listen to the people, not the hoteliers," one user expressed firmly. Another chimed in with a similar sentiment: "What people want from you is a tourism tax and general regulation of mass tourism which is destroying our city."

Seville, with its staggering 3 million tourists annually and a local population of just 700,000, ranks as Spain's third most visited city. Spain itself is among the globe's top tourist destinations, with the sector accounting for 13% of the country's GDP.