In a landmark development for one of Spain’s most sought-after coastal destinations, the City of Marbella is on the verge of adopting its long-awaited new Plan General de Ordenación Municipal (PGOM), the city’s updated general urban development plan. Following a favourable report from the Junta, the local council is expected to grant final approval in the coming weeks during a plenary session.

The PGOM replaces the outdated PGOU from 1986, which has governed urban planning for nearly four decades. This modern framework is in line with Andalucia’s regional laws, making the city the first in Andalucia to complete the adaptation. The plan provides a comprehensive roadmap for land classification, sustainable growth, infrastructure, green spaces, and connected development. It will allow for urgent new building of homes and bring more employment to the Costa del Sol.

Decision cancels old judgment against Marbella

Such a long delay originates in a turbulent history of urban planning challenges. After irregularities during the 1990s under previous administrations, a 2010 revision was annulled by Spain’s Supreme Court in 2015, forcing a reversion to the 1986 rules. This created prolonged regulatory limbo, stalling thousands of projects, complicating property classifications, and generating legal uncertainty for owners and developers with evolving environmental standards, population growth, and infrastructure demands.

Mayor Ángeles Muñoz has called the progress “magnificent news” for the entire city, saying it was achieved in “record time” through strong collaboration between local and regional authorities. The new PGOM promises greater legal certainty for property owners, reduced bureaucracy, faster permit processing, and a balanced, inclusive approach to future challenges.

Good news for expat developers

For Marbella’s expat community, comprising around one-third of residents, this is particularly welcome. International buyers and investors gain improved confidence from clearer rules, minimising risks in the real estate market. It unlocks stalled development potential, supports controlled expansion of amenities, and preserves the high quality of life that draws retirees, families, and higher-net-worth individuals.

As one local real estate expert put it: “Clarity equals confidence, and confidence drives growth.” With this step, Marbella enters a new era of stability and sustainable prosperity on the Costa del Sol. As well, Marbella can finally leave its dark political history behind and move forward.

Gen Alpha, those born between 2013 and 2025, is the largest generation globally, representing 24 per cent of the population. While most of Gen Alpha is still in primary school, they already have a strong hold on retail markets. In fact, by 2028 their collective spending power will exceed the trillion-euro mark, according to Colliers.

This rapid growth in influence is already shaping how companies design products, build marketing strategies, and approach long-term consumer engagement.

Retailers and brands increasingly recognise that this generation will soon dominate consumer markets. Even though their direct purchasing power is often controlled by parents, their influence over household spending decisions is significant. Children frequently guide choices related to toys, entertainment, technology, clothing, and even family activities. As a result, businesses are paying close attention to their preferences, behaviours, and digital habits.

Digital natives and changing spending habits

As the first generation born into a completely digital age, their spending habits differ drastically from past generations, playing with expensive devices over cheap toys. Tablets, gaming consoles, smart devices, and connected toys have become a central part of their daily lives. For many children in Gen Alpha, technology is not a novelty but a normal part of learning, entertainment, and social interaction.

This constant exposure to technology also shapes how they discover brands and products. Because of this, companies increasingly integrate digital experiences into their marketing strategies to capture the attention of young consumers.

Data collection and the creation of consumer profiles

While children are using these electronic devices, tech companies collect their data, creating a consumer profile to better target advertisements. Gen Alpha’s consumer profile will follow them from childhood to adulthood. This long-term data tracking allows companies to refine advertising strategies and personalise marketing messages over time.

The growing use of data analytics means that brands can predict future preferences and behaviours with increasing accuracy. However, it also raises concerns about privacy, digital ethics, and the long-term implications of collecting data from such a young age.

Brand loyalty and early marketing strategies

Brands now consider Gen Alpha their current customer base, and specifically market their products to this demographic. They create a loyalty that will pay off when the young shoppers become adults with their own money to spend. Early brand exposure often leads to lasting consumer relationships, making Gen Alpha a valuable long-term target for companies across industries.

The future of in-person shopping

Data also reveals Gen Alpha prefer to have agency in what they buy, or what is being bought for them. Three-quarters of Gen Alpha prefer to shop in store, touching and trying products rather than simply online shopping meaning they will play a crucial role in killing or resuscitating physical retail commerce.

MILLIONS of Brits are gearing up for the arrival of Easter week – which comes about at the end of March and beginning of April – and there are few places they prefer travelling to more than Spain. However, along with the arrival of much-needed holidays and thrilling trips comes the risk of fines, especially for little-known rules and requirements … and the Foreign Office has warned Brits of a rule that could cost holidaymakers up to €600 if it is ignored.

Taxi trouble: A hefty fine if this rule goes unchecked

As it turns out, UK holidaymakers could face hundreds of euros in fines if they use unofficial, or unlicensed, taxis.

“Only use official registered or licensed taxis, or reputable transport companies you recognise. Licensing regulations differ across Spain and in certain cities pre-booking is required,” states the Foreign Office’s official website page for Spain.

“Passengers caught using unlicensed taxi services are liable for fines of up to 600 euros. Make sure you book your taxi or airport transfer through a licensed firm.”

Holidaymakers should be made aware of the rule, as it could not only result in a hefty fine, but could also pose a significant risk. Legitimate and licensed taxis will have a clearly-visible meter running.

Here are some other tips to avoid travelling with or getting scammed by an unlicensed taxi:

• Be wary, particularly in big cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla, and particularly around the airport and other hotspot areas. Legitimate taxis will have a designated drop-off and pickup point.
• Use an official app or service for taxis. Popular apps include Bolt, Cabify and Uber.
• Taxis in Spain will have distinct colourings and markings. Avoid getting into unmarked cars and, if riding through an app, always verify the driver’s identity and the licence plate.
• Make sure the meter is on and running. If the taxi driver claims “fixed price” or that the “meter is broken,” avoid travelling in that car.
• When paying with a card through a TPV, make sure the taxi driver is transparent about the price of the ride and that the price was correctly entered into the TPV before paying.
• Watch out for longer routes; have a map app open on your phone and ensure the driver is taking an acceptable route.

The FCDO: An essential resource for holidaymaking Brits

The Foreign Office, or FCDO, is a UK government department that provides travel advice for more than 220 countries and territories, including Spain. The FCDO offers advice about possible fines, terrorist attacks, crime, demonstrations and protests, extreme weather and natural disasters, cultural differences, and even driving in foreign countries. 

It is an essential resource for travellers to get informed about new rules, regulations … and yes, fines, at their holiday destinations.