Spain’s Economy: Trade, Transport, and Tourism
Domestic Trade
Domestic trade is very extensive, especially in urban areas with increased income levels. It is also very extended in urban areas with lower income levels, where traditional commerce predominates.
Restructuring
- Modernization (new consumer habits, implementation of new technologies)
- Trade expansion in new ways
- Traditional small commerce crisis (difficulty competing, solution: unions)
International Trade
International trade represents 55.5% of the national GDP. It has experienced spectacular growth since Spain’s incorporation into the EU. The trade balance has a deficit (compensated by tourism).
Main areas of commercial exchange:
- Rest of the EU (70%)
- Asia
- Rest of Europe
- America
- Africa
Road Transport
State Road Network
The State manages the road network, including international connections. National roads are high-capacity and include motorways and highways (2 lanes per direction).
Regional Road Network
Regional roads provide communication within communities and connect to the state network.
Provincial and Insular Road Network
These roads provide access to population centers within each province or island.
Strategic Infrastructure and Transport Plan 2005-2020: Complete the traditional radial network structure and improve connections with the rest of Europe.
Rail Transport
Almost entirely managed by the state company RENFE (National Network of Spanish Railways). The most active and profitable are commuter trains and high-speed lines (speed and quality).
Goals: Enhance the network, increase speed, and improve European connections.
Air Transport
Experiencing rapid growth. The airports with the highest traffic are Madrid and Barcelona. Tourist areas are also important.
Objectives: Increase service quality, reduce environmental impact, and improve connectivity.
Sea Transport
Of great importance for international merchandise traffic. Spanish ports are experiencing increasing trade activity. Passenger traffic is concentrated in the Strait of Gibraltar, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands.
Objectives: Modernize the merchant fleet, reduce negative environmental effects, and improve maritime traffic control systems.
Tourism
Since 1960, several factors have contributed to the growth of tourism in Spain:
- Geographical: Spain’s location
- Physical: Favorable climate conditions
- Cultural: Quantity, quality, and diversity of tourist attractions
- Human Resources: Qualified workforce
Action: State, autonomous communities, provinces, and municipalities promote tourism.
Types of Tourism
- Beach Tourism: Traditional in Spain, attracting European and Spanish tourists.
- Nature Tourism: Visiting natural spaces.
- Cultural and Artistic Tourism: Visiting historical sites.
- Sports Tourism: Wide range of activities.
- Conference and Convention Tourism: Cities with convention centers.
Environmental Problems and Solutions
- Excessive water consumption and overexploitation of aquifers: Water saving (campaigns, new irrigation systems, modernization).
- Deforestation and desertification: Reforestation with native species and measures to prevent forest fires.
- Air, water, and soil pollution: Reduction of contaminant emissions, renewable energy sources, acoustic and visual pollution control, installation of acoustic screens, and development of environmentally friendly urban planning.
- Waste disposal: Wastewater purification and recycling.
- Depletion of natural resources: Public awareness campaigns on the importance of saving water and energy, and consuming recycled products.