Spanish Hotel Door Sealed Off Amid Tourism Backlash, Guests Use Garage
Table of Contents
- Spanish Hotel Door Sealed Off Amid Tourism Backlash, Guests Use Garage
- Hotel Entrance Sealed Due to Registration Issues
- Conflicting Accounts and legal Disputes
- Anti-Tourism Protests Sweep Across Spanish Islands
- Hotel Details and Guest Reviews
- Key Facts About the Vivemar Hotel Incident
- Evergreen Context: The Rise of Anti-Tourism Sentiment
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Vivemar Hotel Incident
A hotel on Spain’s costa del Sol has been forced to seal off its main entrance after a dispute over tourism regulations,leading to approximately 200 guests using the ground-floor garage as their primary access point. The Vivemar Hotel in Benalmadena Costa was found to be unregistered in the official tourist accommodation registry, prompting local authorities to take action. This incident occurs amid growing anti-tourism sentiment in Spain, highlighted by recent protests in Mallorca and ibiza.
Hotel Entrance Sealed Due to Registration Issues
The local town hall instructed police to seal off the Vivemar Hotel’s front entrance after discovering it was not listed in the Junta de Andalucia‘s Tourism Department’s official register. According to Raul Campos, a town hall spokesperson, the hotel cannot operate legally without proper documentation. The hotel management was reportedly warned about the impending action at the end of March.
Did You Know? Spain welcomed 85.1 million international tourists in 2023, marking a 19% increase compared to 2022, according to the National Statistics Institute (INE). This influx has fueled debates about lasting tourism practices.
Photos from the scene show steel cables and a notice reading “precintado,” meaning “sealed off” in English, blocking the main entrance. Guests are now navigating through a ground-floor garage to enter and exit the hotel.
Manager Alberto Tusquellas attributed the situation to a “red tape” issue. He claimed that Vive Resort Management SL, which began operating the hotel about a year ago, had been using a previous operator’s registration number under a sublease agreement. Though, this registration was revoked due to a bureaucratic problem they are trying to resolve.
Conflicting Accounts and legal Disputes
The hotel operator’s explanation is disputed by the building’s owners, who allege that the sublease is subject to ongoing civil and criminal court action. The owner, identified as María Jose García Vargas, claims that the company initially contracted to run the hotel sublet it without their consent.This claim could not be independently verified.
A receptionist at the hotel, formerly known as the Vistamar Hotel, confirmed that the front door was sealed off and that the garage car park is currently the only access point for staff and guests. She also denied reports that the swimming pool was closed, stating that it remains open for guests.
Pro Tip: When booking accommodations, always verify the property’s registration with local tourism authorities to avoid potential disruptions.
Anti-Tourism Protests Sweep Across Spanish Islands
The hotel incident coincides with growing anti-tourism sentiment in Spain. Thousands of locals recently protested in Mallorca and Ibiza, expressing frustration over the impact of tourism on their communities. Demonstrators chanted slogans and held signs with messages such as “Tourists go home,” “Mallorca is not for sale,” and “Your vacations, our anxiety.”
Activists estimate that over 30,000 people participated in the protests, highlighting the social and environmental costs of overtourism. The protests were organized by the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification (SET) and supported by local activist groups.
Many residents in popular tourist destinations believe that the current tourism model is unsustainable, placing excessive demands on local resources and infrastructure. The increasing number of visitors each year exacerbates these issues.
Hotel Details and Guest Reviews
the Vivemar Hotel is described as a 138-room hotel with modern amenities, including a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. However, recent online reviews suggest that some guests have experienced issues with cleanliness and maintenance.
One guest wrote, “the cleaning leaves much to be desired. Old room furniture and broken curtain fall out when you try to open the balcony door. I don’t recommend it to my worst enemy.” Another commented, “No towels or bed sheets on the first day. It was hard to order even toilet paper. Little cleaning. Bathrooms don’t do them daily. The dryer was broken.The reception service is abysmal and the buffet is poor quality.Not recommended.”
Key Facts About the Vivemar Hotel Incident
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel Name | Vivemar Hotel (formerly Vistamar Hotel) |
| Location | Benalmadena Costa, Costa del Sol, Spain |
| Issue | Front entrance sealed off due to lack of registration in the official tourist accommodation registry. |
| Access | Guests and staff are using the ground-floor garage as the only entrance/exit. |
| guests Affected | Approximately 200 |
| Reason | Dispute over sublease agreement and registration with tourism authorities. |
What are your thoughts on the impact of tourism in popular destinations? how can sustainable tourism practices be better implemented?
Evergreen Context: The Rise of Anti-Tourism Sentiment
The backlash against tourism in Spain reflects a broader trend in Europe and other parts of the world. Overcrowding, rising housing costs, environmental degradation, and the erosion of local culture are among the key drivers of this sentiment. Cities like Venice, amsterdam, and Barcelona have also experienced similar protests and calls for stricter regulations on tourism.
Sustainable tourism initiatives,such as promoting off-season travel,supporting local businesses,and implementing tourist taxes,are being explored as potential solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism. The goal is to strike a balance between economic benefits and the well-being of local communities and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Vivemar Hotel Incident
Disclaimer: This article provides general details and should not be considered legal or travel advice. Always verify information with official sources.
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