Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 10:00
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Andalusia, as a holiday hotspot in Spain, differs from the Canary Islands in that it is not opposed to tourism. A survey carried out by the Regional Government of Andalusia on residents’ perceptions of this industry sector revealed that 9 out of 10 residents are in favor of this sector.
Regional Tourism Minister Arturo Bernal presented a report stating that 90% of Andalucía residents believe that tourism has a positive or very positive effect on the municipality’s economy and job creation. . Important in the broader current situation, given the unprecedented demonstrations in the Canary Islands against tourist saturation and the unprecedented measures taken by Amsterdam City Hall and others, such as the closure of hotels and the city of Venice’s tolls. The fact is that sightseeing in the city center costs 5 euros.
Bernal attended the presentation of a report on residents’ perceptions of tourism.Republic of South Africa
However, despite this overall positive sentiment, there is a dual perception of tourism: elements that are welcome for residents, such as the economic impact on the municipality, and elements that are less welcome and focus on specific objectives. There are certain things you need to be careful about. We discuss visitor types and highly localized forms of tourism management. The study found that “the biggest problem for residents’ well-being lies not in tourism as an activity, but in certain types of tourism such as stag and hen parties, ‘booze tourism’, and the management of a type of tourist flats.” It has said. hotel. “
Bernal said: “Debates are often distorted, but this time we went straight to the source and listened directly to the people of Andalusia who live in a popular tourist destination that generated 26 billion euros last year and mobilized 34.2 million people.” Please tell me what you think about this activity.
3,200 surveys
The Minister then explained the working method of the study, which combines the qualitative analysis of six participant groups with the quantitative analysis of a total of 3,200 surveys carried out directly in 32 towns and cities of Andalusia. This was supplemented by an analysis of participants’ perceptions according to various variables, such as tourist saturation in their municipality of residence, employment relationship with the tourism industry, as well as gender and age.
Furthermore, 91% of those surveyed believed that tourism “creates wealth and is a fundamental economic driver,” and there was a high level of agreement that tourism improves the local economy. In order to have a positive impact on the development and job creation of Andalusia, citing data such as: He says this assessment is shared by 88% of those he consults. Mr. Bernal also emphasized that the majority of residents agree that tourism improves the prestige and image of the municipality and improves the quality of life, especially when it contributes to the preservation and revaluation of cultural heritage. (81% of residents consulted) and natural heritage sites (77%).
“Some kind of inconvenience will occur.”
Pulling out data on the industry’s contribution to the region, the minister said: “It is an activity that has a strong presence in many regions of Andalusia, and to some extent it is difficult for those who work to minimize it.” “This is causing inconvenience to people,” he said. In highlighting some of the downsides found in the study, Bernal cited residents’ concerns that tourism development would cause prices to rise. 42% of residents consulted said their main concern was that housing costs would rise. “There is also widespread agreement about the negative effects of statewide right-to-housing laws that have significantly increased the number of vacant homes,” he said.
In areas with a high concentration of tourists, those consulted also pointed to negative factors such as crowding in public spaces, loss of identity and change in tradition, noise, trash production, and loss of natural space. Finally, they called for a balanced infrastructure for everyone.
suggestion
The conclusions of this study are also key to informing the design of strategies to manage the field’s continued success. Therefore, 8 out of 10 of the respondents agreed that it facilitates a better distribution of tourists throughout the year. 65% support dispersing tourists to all districts and 82% support investment in other areas. He said: “These figures support the Andalusian government’s commitment to reduce the seasonality of tourism, create jobs, maintain population in rural areas and create new tourist attractions throughout the region that will contribute to Andalusia’s development. It’s consistent with the mission.”
Regarding the application of the controversial tourism tax, Bernal said only 16% agreed to apply the tax to tourists and 31% agreed to limit the supply of tourist apartments. claimed to be %. Taking these findings into account, he clarified that “neither issue is particularly relevant to the general public,” and the report concluded that “tourism is a good industry for Andalusia and is fundamental to economic development.” “This research proves that there are numerous benefits to be had,” he said.
Looking at the proposals from those consulted, the time has come to manage the region’s success in tourism to avoid saturation and in keeping with the belief that “without tourism there is no economic future.” I completely agree on that point. To achieve this objective, respondents strive to improve quality rather than quantity. And in the face of this rejection of alcohol tourism and stag and hen parties, those consulted in this study have decided to restrict nighttime bar licenses and establish a register of troublemakers to prevent re-entry into Spain. It was proposed to set up and establish supply. Policies have been introduced to restrict the booking of this type of travel, restricting access to natural spaces as well as increasing crackdowns on anti-social behavior.
But they are also proposing incentives for residents, such as free entry to museums and resident-only parking, and not charging locals to enter blue zones. Participants echoed thoughts such as: “With mass tourism, we are losing our essence, our customs, our way of life. Tourists come for it. We don’t have to adapt to their way of life and customs. If we If we lose the essence of who we are, that’s what we come here for.”Essentially, tourists will lose their reason for coming here. ”
