Spain's Tourism Industry: Development, Demand, and Policy Strategies

Tourism Definition

Tourism refers to the activity of a person making a pleasure trip or engaging in leisure culture.

Factors Driving Spanish Tourism Development

Spain's proximity to more developed European countries and its varied and abundant resources make the country an attractive destination for international tourism.

Key Attractions and Resources

• Sun and Beaches: A warm and sunny climate during summers, complemented by over 2,000 km of beaches.
• Cultural Heritage: Important artistic heritage, as well as a variety of festivals, folklore, crafts, and cuisine.
• Natural Heritage: A rich natural environment, including 13 National Parks.

Evolving Tourist Demands

Good weather and low prices are no longer sufficient by themselves. Tourists are becoming more exacting in their demands and are looking for:

• Good value for money.
• High-quality hotel and transport infrastructure.
• A complementary offer (cultural, sports, etc.).
• High level of services, professionalism, and quality in the environment.

Tourist Supply and Demand Dynamics

Accommodation Supply

The accommodation offer is very broad and focuses primarily on the Mediterranean coast and the islands, although in recent years the supply in rural and interior tourism has increased.

Other accommodation facilities (camping, apartments, etc.) account for more than 10 million beds. Additionally, there is a wide range of complementary services (discos, nightclubs, theme parks, golf, etc.).

Tourist Demand and Seasonality

Tourism demand comes mostly from Europe, especially from Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Portugal.

Seasonality Patterns

Maximum demand coincides with the summer (high season), except in ski resorts, where the high season is winter, and the Canary Islands, where there is virtually no low season. Most seasonality is driven by foreign tourists.

There is also growth in domestic tourism during long weekends and regular weekends.

National Tourism Policy Objectives

Tourism policy has the following objectives:

1. Promote Quality Tourism: Upgrading facilities, improving professional qualifications, and caring for the environment (aiming for high purchasing power parity).
2. Improving Supply: Promoting alternative tourism sectors, such as:
   • Senior tourism (both domestic and foreign).
   • Rural tourism.
   • Sports Tourism (e.g., golf, hunting, extreme sports).
   • Ecotourism, valuing natural areas.

Major Tourist Regions in Spain

The Autonomous Communities that receive the most tourists are Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands, followed by Andalusia and Valencia.

Mass sun and beach tourism is primarily responsible for the profound changes that certain coastal areas have suffered.

Note: There are costs associated with carrying out a comprehensive classification of tourist areas.