Spain's Service Sector: Trade, Transport, Tourism

Tertiary Sector in Spain

The tertiary sector, or service sector, is a vital part of the Spanish economy, encompassing trade, transport, tourism, and other services.

Trade in Spain

Domestic Trade

Domestic trade is widespread in Spain, particularly in urban areas and those with higher income levels. It is dominated by small shops and traditional trading activities. In recent years, it has undergone a major restructuring:

• Modernization driven by new consumption patterns and technology.
• Expansion of new forms of trade.
• Crisis of traditional small businesses struggling to compete with large commercial enterprises.

Foreign Trade

Foreign trade has experienced spectacular growth. The Spanish trade balance remains in deficit, meaning imports exceed exports, but this is partially offset by tourism. Spain mostly imports capital equipment, energy sources, and consumer goods. Exports include industrial goods, foodstuffs, industrial machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, etc. Major trading partners include other EU countries.

Transport in Spain

Spain has a developed transport network supporting its economic activities.

Road Transport

The road network is divided into several levels:

• State Network: Responsibility of the State, linking main cities and economic centers.
• Autonomous Community Networks: Facilitate communication within each autonomous community.
• Provincial and Island Networks: Provide access to population centers within each province or island.

Rail Transport

The Spanish rail network is primarily managed by the state-owned company Renfe. Increased activity is seen in commuter trains and high-speed lines.

Air Transport

Air traffic, especially international, has experienced rapid growth. Major airports include Madrid and Barcelona.

Maritime Transport

Maritime transport plays a significant role in international freight traffic, primarily for liquid and solid bulk goods and containerized cargo. Passenger traffic is concentrated in the Strait of Gibraltar and between the mainland and the Balearic and Canary Islands.

Tourism in Spain

Tourism has experienced significant development since 1960 due to several factors:

• Spain's geographical location.
• Increased number of Spanish tourists.
• Improved transport infrastructure.
• Varied physical environment and climate.
• Rich cultural heritage.
• Development of tourist facilities and human resources.
• More affordable tourism options.
• Support from state, regional, provincial, and municipal authorities.

Beach and Coastal Tourism

This is the traditional model of tourism in Spain, popular with European tourists, and increasingly with Spanish tourists as well.

New Forms of Tourism

Since the 1990s, other types of tourism have experienced a boom, including:

• Nature tourism.
• Artistic and cultural tourism.
• Sports tourism.
• MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism and conventions.