Andorra's Demòcrates Proposes Unified Tourist Signage Regulations

Demòcrates, a parliamentary group in Andorra, has proposed amendments to the tourism law currently under debate in the Consell General, requiring the government to develop a unified regulation for outdoor advertising and signage at tourist accommodations.

The measures aim to ensure that hotels and other establishments display signage that respects the urban and natural landscape as well as cultural heritage sites. By standardising these elements nationwide, the changes would prevent individual business displays from harming the environment or nearby historical assets.

Meritxell López, Demòcrates councillor general, told Altaveu the amendments would empower the government to create a specific regulation defining exterior advertising standards. "The goal is to unify all outdoor advertising, particularly signage, making it respectful and harmonious with the pre-existing urban and natural landscape, as well as cultural heritage," she said.

The proposals link to Article 44 of the original bill, which addresses tourist signage. They also call for repealing an outdated 1982 ordinance on the matter, which Demòcrates views as no longer relevant.

Once approved, the law would not detail the signage rules itself. Instead, the government would draft the regulation, promoting a cohesive tourist image while protecting landscapes and valuing cultural properties near accommodations. This would occur without overriding the competencies of the comúns, Andorra's local parishes.

The amendments respect parish-level authority in related areas, López added.

The bill is in its final amendment submission phase, extended until next Friday at the request of Andorra Endavant. After that, it moves to committee for review of all proposals, finalising the text before a full Consell General vote.