Spanish Tourism: An In-Depth Look

Tourism in Spain

Tourist Areas

Spain's tourist areas experience significant visitor influx. High-density zones include the sun and beach destinations of the Balearic and Canary Islands, and the mainland Mediterranean coast. Madrid attracts substantial cultural tourism, while other areas with notable, though lower, densities, are found along the northern and northwestern coasts, particularly in Catalonia, Valencia, and Andalusia. Beyond these, isolated tourist spots cater to specific interests, such as ski resorts, rural tourism, and inland cities like Salamanca and Segovia.

These areas can be categorized by seasonal use, with some experiencing peak seasons (e.g., Catalonia) and others enjoying stable, year-round tourism (e.g., the Canary Islands and Malaga, a hub for visits to Granada and Cordoba).

Sun and Beach Tourism

These areas draw visitors with their climate and beaches. Key differentiators include:

• Accessibility: Good road and air connections are crucial. Catalonia benefits from its international airport and coastal highway network, while areas further from major transport routes see fewer visitors.
• Development Model: Existing urban structures influence development, ranging from traditional seafront cores to expansive resorts like Benidorm and Torremolinos. Newer settlements often prioritize accommodations, amenities, recreation, and commercial spaces (e.g., Chiclana).
• Accommodation: The type, quality, and target clientele of accommodations (hotels and other lodgings) vary, ranging from high-end to budget-friendly options, catering to both domestic and international tourists.

Other Tourist Areas

Since 1990, tourism has spread spatially due to several factors:

• Increased tourism overall
• Growth of rural tourism in inland areas
• New tourism in coastal zones and connections between coastal areas
• Demand for quality and new attractions

Madrid offers a strong hotel market for cultural tourism. The Galician and Cantabrian coastlines provide less saturated areas with exceptional scenery. Rural tourism centers, supported by rural development programs, focus on restoring housing, crafts, and local traditions, typically offering private accommodation and nature-based activities.

Factors in Tourism Development

Since 1960, Spain has become a major global tourist destination. This growth is attributed to:

External Factors

• Post-WWII economic growth in Europe, increasing purchasing power and travel for the middle class.
• Increased paid leave for working classes.
• Advances in transportation, including lower airfare, improved road and rail networks, and widespread car use.

Internal Factors

• Spain's proximity to European markets.
• Favorable climate, diverse landscapes, and quality beaches.
• Cultural attractions.
• Lower costs due to the peseta's devaluation.
• Government support for tourism.
• Growth of resorts and travel agencies.