Spain panic over new rule as fears erupt tourists will abandon holiday hotspot | World | News
Spain’s hospitality industry has exploded a new rule by publishing a definite warning that the holiday warm point can isolate itself and negatively affect tourism. Last Tuesday, Spain approved a new ban on the country to smoke on the terraces.
The new law smokes in all open air spaces, including beaches, bars and restaurant terraces, and a part of the draft change against the sales, supply, consumption and regulation of tobacco products against smoking in the law of 28 December 28th/2005. The ministers say they hope that they will create a “smokeless” society. However, the hospitality sector of Spain shows the alarm that the country may have hit itself on its feet. The hosterelería de España, representing restaurants and bars, emphasized that in Europe, “only Sweden continues a similar total ban”.
The organization says that it may be a negative impact on tourism and the international image of the country, since the holidaymakers will take their jobs.
Hostelería says that popular European countries, such as España and France, choose to exclude terraces from restrictions, so that they choose not to harm the hospitality industry or tourism.
Hostelería de España spokesman said: “In addition, among millions of tourists who visit Spain every year in a country where the tourism sector is one of the main economic driving forces, more than 94 million in 2024 will cause confusion.
He continued: “In addition, it would bring an additional burden to workers who would be forced to undertake surveillance tasks without responsibilities and could lead to unwanted situations with customers.”
It also says that the measure will have a “very limited activity”, because smokers will receive a cigarette in closed areas such as homes and “will increase exposure to smoke”.
José Luis álvarez Almeida, the president of the hostelería de España, insisted for the economy “Terraces an important area”.
He said: “It is important to ensure that life together and avoid applying additional loads to professionals in the hospitality sector.
“Terraces are an important area for the social and economic life of the country and should seriously evaluate the real impact in terms of any decision, employment, business activity, tourism competitiveness and customer experience.”
Closed smoking in Spain has been banned since 2011, but a number of beaches throughout the country banned smoking.
Smoking was banned on Benidorm’s Levante and Ponente beaches as well as on both Valencia and Benicassim beaches. Authorities on the Balear Islands-Kıybiza, Mayant and Menorca-legends brought rules that prevent smoking on the coastline.
