The Plaza de Espana in Spain
is one of Seville's most popular and free natural attractions.
But it might not be free much longer. Not
if the mayor of the city has his way.
Citing what he called rampant over-tourism
and a proliferation of illegal vendors trying to make a buck by selling to
tourists, Mayor Jose Luis Sanz is looking to charge visitors a fee if they want
to see the Plaza and the landmark.
“We are planning to close the Plaza de Espana
and charge tourists to finance its conservation and ensure its safety,” he
tweeted, noting that the Plaza is literally falling apart.
It is not the first time a European politician has complained of
such things. In fact, the Netherlands government recently tried to curtail
flights in Amsterdam to cut down on noise pollution.
The mayor said the Plaza is overrun by tourists and residents
alike who attend concerts, plays, and fashion shows at the landmark. It has
also served as a movie location and famously was the backdrop for the 1999 film
“The Phantom Menace” of the Star Wars
franchise.
But the cost to the city to maintain the
Plaza is becoming prohibitive. Seville spent $11 million to restore the
landmark between 2007 and 2010.
“With the City Council’s budget alone we
cannot preserve our heritage, nor guarantee the safety of the monument,” Luis
Sanz wrote.
But many residents have been critical of
the plan.
"A tourism tax for ALL visitors
provokes less debate and generates more income. Listen to the people, not the
hoteliers," one social media user wrote.
Another added: “What people want from you
is a tourism tax and general regulation of mass tourism which is destroying our
city.”
It is not yet known how much the tax might
be.
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