Friday, August 30, 2024 The rapid growth of the tourism industry in Malaga, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty, has brought with it a host of challenges, particularly for local residents. One of the most pressing issues is the illegal occupation of apartments by tourist rental companies, a phenomenon that has significantly impacted the living conditions of homeowners in the iconic 30-storey Torres Martiricos in the heart of the city. Malaga’s allure as a tourist destination has led to a surge in the demand for short-term rental properties, particularly in prime locations such as Torres Martiricos.
Originally intended to provide 450 permanent homes, these luxury towers have increasingly become hotspots for tourist accommodations, much to the dismay of the local residents who purchased these properties as long-term investments or personal homes. The influx of tourists has brought a wave of disturbances that have altered the tranquil environment these residents once enjoyed. Noise that continues into the early hours, frequent altercations, overuse of shared facilities like the rooftop swimming pool, and improper waste disposal have become common occurrences.
The situation escalated recently when a drunken tourist recklessly emptied a fire extinguisher in the common areas on the 17th floor, prompting the intervention of the fire brigade and local police. Nearly half of the apartments in Torres Martiricos are now believed to be illegally occupied by touris.