Spain's Tourism Evolution: From Franco to the 21st Century

Tourism in Spain

Spain as a Tourist Destination Since the 1950s

In the 20th century, Spain was often perceived as a backward country compared to the rest of Europe, as reflected in the writings of Ortega y Gasset and Victor Hugo. These authors depicted a stereotypical Spain of bullfights and tambourines, contrasting it with a Europe that was growing increasingly powerful and imperialistic. This stereotypical image began to fade with the transformation from the Franco regime to democracy.

Manuel Fraga and the "Spain is Different" Campaign (1960s)

In the 1960s, Manuel Fraga played a key role in boosting tourism, a strategy that continued into the 21st century with the slogan "Spain is Different."

The Rise of Mass Tourism in the Mid-20th Century

Mass tourism began in the mid-20th century, leading to the development of tourist infrastructure based on national inns. Modern Spain became one of the world's leading tourist powers.

Factors Contributing to Spain's Popularity as a Tourist Destination

External Factors:

• Increased purchasing power after World War II.
• Establishment of democratic systems, promoting the implementation of the welfare state.
• Paid leave.
• Political and social stability, promoting savings and increased spending on recreation.
• Improved transportation and the rise of private vehicles.

Internal Factors:

• Geographic location as a transit area.
• Favorable natural conditions, including the Mediterranean climate.
• Splendid artistic heritage.
• Initially, Spain was inexpensive compared to other European destinations.
• Currently, with the euro, there is more price equality, eliminating the previous income difference.

Characteristics of the Spanish Tourism Model

• Structured as mass tourism.
• Based on sun and beach.
• Aimed at the middle class.
• Concentrated in the summer months.
• Environmental damage, including saturation of coastal areas.
• Creation of over 25,000 companies annually, contributing approximately 12% of GDP.

Impacts of the Spanish Tourism Model

Demographic Impact

Tourism has significantly expanded job opportunities, attracting a young population to coastal areas. This has led to an aging population in the center of the country as younger people move to the coasts. Additionally, a significant foreign population resides in tourist zones.

Economic Impact

Tourism has created numerous jobs, employing around 10% of the working population. It accounts for 12% of GDP, equivalent to 50 billion euros, and covers 75% of the trade deficit. However, the distribution of benefits is not equitable, being concentrated in the Mediterranean region and islands. Tourism has also supported the development of construction and public works.

• Construction: A boom in construction has led to the development of new urban centers, such as Benidorm and Marbella.
• Public Works: The need to connect the peninsula with tourist areas has resulted in the creation of highways, airports (e.g., Tenerife), and marinas.