Antonio Santos del Valle

Tourism in Spain: an economic and social engine with emerging challenges 

Antonio Santos del Valle

Tourism in Spain: an economic and social engine with emerging challenges 

This article is the first of a series of papers that are being carried out in the III Convocation of the Master "Trends and Keys to Current Tourism - Florida, and that we start taking Spain as a paradigm for the importance of tourism in the country. The choice of Spain is no coincidence; the country stands out worldwide for its ability to attract millions of tourists annually, positioning itself as one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. Through this brief study, we explore how the tourism sector not only contributes significantly to the country's employment and economy, but also the challenges and transformations it faces in a changing global context.

Spain offers a perfect setting to analyze the impact of tourism on the economy, culture and society. With emblematic cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Seville, along with its beaches, historical heritage, gastronomic offerings, and cities where shopping has become a leading tourist offer, the country has become a magnet for visitors from all over the world. 

Through this article, we will break down the tourism employment growth figures, the factors driving this growth, and the difficulties, such as tourismphobia, that arise in the busiest cities. This work will serve as a basis for understanding how a sector can simultaneously be an economic boon and a social and environmental challenge.

Employment in the tourism sector in Spain has shown a remarkable growth in the second quarter of 2024. According to data from the Economically Active Population Survey (EPA) revealed by Turespaña, the number of employees in activities linked to tourism has reached 2.97 million, representing an increase of 3.5% compared to the same period of the previous year. This increase translates into 101,008 new jobs in the sector. The importance of this growth cannot be underestimated, as tourism accounts for 13.7% of total employment in the Spanish economy. This underscores the relevance of this industry as the country's economic engine and its capacity to generate employment in a sustained manner even in times of uncertainty.

The growth in tourism employment has been recorded in various branches of the sector. Hospitality has seen a 4% increase, driven by a 3.5% growth in food and beverage services and 5.3% growth in accommodation services. Passenger transport saw a positive year-on-year change of 8.6%, and travel agencies grew by 8%. The highest growth was observed among salaried employees, which increased by 3.9%, reaching 2.47 million. In addition, permanent contracts have risen by 8.4%, while temporary contracts have decreased by 14.5%, reflecting an improvement in job stability in the sector.

The temporary employment rate in the tourism sector has fallen to 16.1%, compared to 19.6% the previous year, bringing it closer to the national average of 16%. This decline indicates a trend towards greater job stability, with 75.2% of employees working full-time. The self-employed also experienced a slight increase of 1.8%, reaching 491,155 workers. The growth in tourism employment has been uneven among the autonomous communities. The Valencian Community stood out with an increase of 11.8%, followed by Asturias with 11.3%. Other regions such as Catalonia, Madrid and Andalusia also showed significant growth of 7.4%, 4.8% and 3.7%, respectively. However, some regions such as the Canary Islands, Galicia and La Rioja have experienced declines in the number of employed, with La Rioja facing the largest decrease of 22.8%.

The tourism sector is not only crucial for its direct contribution to employment, but also for its impact on other areas of the economy. In 2023, Spain received more than 84 million international tourists, generating significant revenues and contributing to overall economic growth. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Spain has consistently remained among the most visited tourist destinations in the world, attracting visitors from all over due to its rich cultural, gastronomic and leisure offerings. This influx of tourists not only benefits hotels and restaurants, but also sectors such as transportation, retail and cultural services.

However, the growth of tourism also presents significant challenges. One of the most prominent is the so-called "tourismphobia," a phenomenon that has emerged in several popular cities due to the perception that mass tourism negatively affects the quality of life of local residents. Cities such as Barcelona, Venice and Amsterdam have experienced protests and demonstrations against excessive tourism, which is seen to increase rental prices, contribute to wear and tear on infrastructure and disrupt the daily lives of citizens. Tourismphobia reflects a tension between the economic benefits of tourism and the negative social and environmental impacts it can generate.

To mitigate these effects, some cities have implemented more sustainable tourism management measures. Barcelona, for example, has developed a strategic plan to diversify tourism offerings and reduce pressure on the busiest areas. This includes the promotion of lesser-known areas of the city and the implementation of stricter regulations on tourist housing rentals. Venice, for its part, has introduced an entrance fee for single-day visitors, with the aim of controlling the flow of tourists and financing the preservation of its historical heritage.

In this regard, on July 8, the Tourism and Society Think Tank presented the document entitled "Manifesto for the mitigation of Tourismphobia and the promotion of a socially sustainable tourism industry" at the University of Valencia (Spain) - Inter-University Institute for Local Development (IDL) as well as three international proposals with the aim of revolutionizing the tourism sector towards a more sustainable and regenerative model, including the Regenerative and Circular Tourism Intelligence System (SIT-RC).

In addition to tourismphobia, the tourism sector faces other challenges, such as the need to adapt to changing trends and the expectations of modern travelers. Sustainability has become a key priority, as tourists are increasingly aware of their environmental and social impact. This has led to an increase in demand for more responsible and eco-friendly tourism experiences. Tourism businesses are responding to this trend by adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, using renewable energy and promoting local and cultural tourism.

Technology is also playing a crucial role in the transformation of the tourism sector. Digital platforms have revolutionized the way tourists plan and book their trips, and innovations in artificial intelligence and big data are enabling unprecedented personalization of the customer experience. Tourism companies are using these tools to analyze consumer behavior, anticipate their needs and offer more tailored and efficient services.

Despite these challenges, the future of the tourism sector in Spain remains promising. The sector's ability to create jobs and improve working conditions is a testament to its strength. With lower unemployment rates and a renewed focus on job quality, tourism reaffirms itself as a fundamental pillar of the Spanish economy. Diversification in tourism offerings and the adoption of sustainable practices will be key to ensuring the sector's resilience in the face of future challenges. Maintaining the current momentum and facing regional variations with customized strategies will be crucial to continue its growth and sustainability.

Tourism employment growth in Q2 2024 underscores the importance of this sector to the Spanish economy. With more than 2.97 million employees and an improvement in the quality of employment, tourism reaffirms itself as a fundamental pillar for the country's economic development. The sector's ability to adapt and grow, even in a challenging environment, bodes well for the future of tourism in Spain. The implementation of sustainable measures and the proper management of emerging challenges, such as tourismphobia, will be essential to maintain the balance between the economic benefits of tourism and the quality of life of local residents. With the right strategies in place, the tourism sector can continue to be a vital source of employment and economic growth for Spain.

The authors are responsible for the choice and presentation of the facts contained in this document and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of Tourism and Society Think Tank and do not commit the Organization, and should not be attributed to TSTT or its members.

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