Analysis of Spain’s Tertiary Sector: Transport, Tourism, and Trade
The Space Services Unit
The service sector’s growth in Spain is due to several factors: increased household debt and purchasing power, the growth of the service industry itself, increased tourism, and growth in public services. The service sector is heterogeneous, encompassing both public services (managed by public institutions) and private services (managed by private companies or individuals). Imbalances exist across autonomous communities in terms of population, urbanization, income levels, and development. The tertiary sector is dominant in all autonomous communities. Employment in the service industry is highest in communities specializing in tourism (e.g., Canary Islands, Andalusia), where services related to consumption, trade, and hospitality prevail. In regions like Madrid and Barcelona, services aimed at businesses are more prevalent. The service sector is less developed in communities with a stronger agricultural and industrial base. These disparities may increase in the future.
Transport
The transport system encompasses the media and infrastructure that allow the movement of people and goods between geographical locations. Transport influences regional organization, economic development, and territorial structure.
Features of the Spanish Transport System
- Physical Medium: Spain’s rugged terrain presents challenges, increasing costs and reducing profitability. Climate can also hinder ground and air transport.
- Network: A radial network centered in Madrid dominates.
- Traffic: Road transport dominates passenger and freight traffic.
- Territorial Imbalances: Devolution of powers to autonomous communities has led to variations in infrastructure development.
- Modernization: Infrastructure improvements have increased speed, capacity, comfort, and safety.
- European Integration: Integration with European transport networks is ongoing.
- Environmental Impact: Environmental impact assessments are mandatory for transport projects.
Transport Policy
- Domestic: Powers are divided between the state and autonomous communities.
- External: Transport policy is influenced by the EU. The state has competence in international transport and manages major ports and commercial airports.
- Autonomous Communities: They have jurisdiction over ground transport within their territory, as well as ports, airports, and cable communications.
- EU Policy: Aims to ensure the mobility of people and goods within the EU.
- PEIT (Strategic Plan for Transport Infrastructure): Seeks a balanced and efficient transport system, economic competitiveness, and environmental sustainability.
Road Transport
Road transport connects population centers, making joint planning crucial.
- Powers: Divided between the state, autonomous communities, and local authorities.
- Network: Radial design centered in Madrid, originating in the 18th century. Technical characteristics vary; the state network includes motorways and dual carriageways.
- Traffic: High volume of passenger and freight traffic due to lower costs and direct connections.
- Territorial Imbalances: Accessibility varies across regions.
- Strategic Plan: Aims to provide road accessibility throughout the territory, connecting provincial capitals and integrating with EU road networks.
Rail Transport
Once the primary mode of transport, rail is now secondary.
- Powers: Divided between the state and autonomous communities.
- Network: Includes conventional, high-speed, and narrow-gauge networks. ADIF manages the state network, while RENFE provides passenger and freight services.
- Technical Features: Modernization and safety improvements are ongoing, but many lines remain mediocre.
- Traffic: Commuter lines are profitable, while freight transport has improved with containerization.
- Territorial Imbalances: Access to rail services varies.
- Strategic Plan: Prioritizes rail transport, aiming to improve accessibility, modernize the network, enhance safety, and increase suburban traffic.
- EU Integration: Integration is hampered by the Pyrenees.
Maritime Transport
Spain’s extensive coastline and strategic location benefit international freight transport.
- Powers: Shared between the state and autonomous communities.
- Traffic: Passenger traffic is low except for routes to the Strait of Gibraltar and the islands. Freight transport is crucial, especially for petroleum products.
- Ports: Require technical improvements to become efficient goods hubs.
- Regional Imbalances: Port infrastructure and activity vary across regions.
- Strategic Plan: Aims to develop specialized ports for goods handling and distribution.
Air Transport
Air transport has experienced rapid growth due to rising incomes, tourism, and international business.
- Powers: Divided between the state (commercial airports) and autonomous communities.
- Network: Extensive and hierarchically organized.
- Traffic: Passenger traffic is competitive, while freight is limited by cost.
- Regional Imbalances: Airport capacity and connectivity vary.
- Environmental Actions: Efforts are underway to reduce pollution and noise.
- Strategic Plan: Focuses on airport specialization.
- EU Integration: The “Single European Sky” project aims to increase air traffic efficiency.
Communications
Distance communication is essential for economic development. Spain’s telecommunications network has seen significant growth but lags behind some other countries.
Tourism
From an elitist activity in the 19th century, tourism has become a mass phenomenon since the 1960s.
Factors in Spanish Tourism Development
- External Factors: Economic growth in Western Europe and increased purchasing power of the middle class, along with advances in transport.
- Internal Factors: Spain’s proximity to European markets, favorable climate, rich culture, and competitive pricing.
- Present Factors: Domestic demand, improved quality of services, infrastructure improvements, tourism promotion, and political instability in competing destinations.
The Traditional Tourism Model
This model caters to customers with lower purchasing power, primarily focused on beach holidays.
- Supply: Extensive accommodation options, concentrated in the Mediterranean region.
- Demand: Initially dominated by foreign tourists, domestic tourism is now significant.
- Problems: Excessive seasonality, overuse of infrastructure, quality issues, and environmental concerns.
The Crisis of the Traditional Model and Alternative Tourism
Despite continued growth in tourist numbers, the traditional model has faced challenges since 1989.
- Causes: Dominance of lower-middle market tourism, rising prices without corresponding quality improvements, seasonality, and competition from other Mediterranean countries.
- Policy Objectives: Enhancing quality, improving infrastructure, and promoting environmentally sustainable tourism.
Tourist Areas and Types
Tourist areas experience high visitor influx. Various attractions exist, including sun and beach resorts, rural tourism destinations, and historic cities. While sun and beach tourism remains dominant, other forms of tourism are growing.
The Impact of Tourism
- Demographic Impact: Increased population in coastal areas, leading to conurbations.
- Economic Impact: Job creation, but often with low skill requirements.
- Political, Cultural, and Sociological Impact: Encourages intercultural contact but can also lead to overcrowding and strain on services.
- Land Management Implications: Tourism development can impact land use and require careful planning.
- Environmental Impact: Concentrated development can necessitate environmental protection and rehabilitation policies.
Problems and Tourism Policy
- Challenges: Reliance on the traditional model, seasonality, spatial concentration, and dependence on foreign tour operators.
- Objectives: Improving quality, attracting higher-spending tourists, diversifying supply, and using new technologies.
Internal Trade
More prevalent in urban areas and communities with good transport networks, high population density, and higher per capita income. Its structure has evolved, with changes in distribution channels.