The València City Council and the Generalitat Valenciana are set to launch a series of inspection actions in the coming weeks to address illegal practices in the tourism sector. The aim is to ensure compliance with regulations, protect accredited professionals, and enhance the quality of the city’s tourism offerings.
Paula Llobet, the city’s Councillor for Tourism, presented this initiative during a meeting with representatives from the Official Tourist Guides Association of the Valencian Community. She outlined the details of the inspection plan and the actions expected in the upcoming months.
José Manuel Camarero, the regional Secretary for Tourism, emphasised that this initiative is crucial for safeguarding the quality of tourist services, the professionalism of licensed guides, and València's reputation as a responsible and competitive destination. The inspections will be carried out by Generalitat inspectors, with assistance from the Local Police of València when necessary. During these inspections, officials will verify that individuals providing guiding services possess the appropriate professional accreditation.
In cases where illegal activity is detected, Generalitat personnel will initiate the relevant sanctions against both the individual and the employing company, depending on the circumstances. Llobet stated, “We cannot allow those who operate professionally with all guarantees to compete with those who do so outside the law. Combating illegal practices protects our official guides, defends the quality of the tourist experience, and ensures that València remains a destination that values professionalism and excellence.”
Camarero also highlighted the essential role that official guides play in conveying the history, culture, heritage, and identity of the region. This initiative stems from a collaborative effort between the City Council and the Generalitat, formalised in July with a specific protocol aimed at strengthening the fight against illegal practices and unfair competition among official tourist guides.
The agreement establishes a stable framework for cooperation between the two administrations, enabling coordinated inspection efforts, information sharing, and support from the Local Police for Generalitat tourism inspectors. Additionally, training sessions will be organised by the Generalitat for Local Police officers to help them identify professional accreditations and understand applicable regulations. Members of the official guides association will also be invited to participate in these sessions.
Llobet remarked, “Collaboration between administrations and with professionals is essential for advancing towards a sustainable, responsible, and high-quality tourism model. We want València to continue growing as a destination, but to do so while respecting the rules, those who work legally, and the interests of our visitors.”
These actions reinforce València's commitment to a tourism model that balances economic activity and opportunity generation with sector regulation, professional protection, and the fight against fraudulent practices.
València is also implementing new measures to regulate tourism. This initiative is part of the City Council's strategy to promote a sustainable and responsible tourism model that is compatible with community coexistence. The council has already approved a code of good practices for official tourist guides and is advancing a new Public Space Coexistence and Civility Ordinance, which will establish new rules for managing tourist visits and reducing disturbances caused by certain activities.
Among the key measures in the forthcoming ordinance is a limit on the size of tourist groups to a maximum of 25 people, which will be reduced to 20 in the Ciutat Vella district to prevent overcrowding in sensitive areas of the historic centre. Additionally, groups on bicycle or scooter tours will be limited to 10 participants, and if they exceed this number, they must be organised into subgroups separated by at least 50 metres. The regulations will also prohibit the use of megaphones, speakers, and amplification systems by guides, who will be required to use individual audio devices to ensure visits proceed without disturbing the surrounding environment.
Llobet concluded, “The fight against illegal practices, the promotion of good practices, and the regulation of tourist groups align with a common goal: to ensure that València remains an attractive and competitive destination while also protecting public space and community coexistence.”
