The Tertiary Sector: Services, Trade, and Tourism
The Tertiary Sector
Services: All the activities which do not produce tangible goods, but help to satisfy the needs and wants of people. The tertiary sector has expanded greatly in the 20th and 21st centuries. Developed countries have experienced the process of tertiarization.
Public Services
They are financed by the state from taxes. In developed countries, the state receives the name of Welfare State.
Private Services
They are offered by private companies or individuals.
Trade
Trade is the exchange of goods and services between producers and consumers. It involves transport and infrastructure, markets, and contributes to wealth.
Domestic Trade
Takes place inside the borders of a country.
Foreign Trade
Takes place with other countries.
Imports
When countries buy goods and services from a foreign country.
Exports
They are the sales of goods and services to a foreign country.
Tourism
Activities that people do for pleasure during their travels.
Benefits of Tourism
- It creates business opportunities and jobs, directly and indirectly.
- It adds economic value to the natural and cultural heritage.
- There are cultural exchanges between different countries and people.
Negative Impacts of Tourism
- Seasonal and precarious employment: jobs are temporary and low wage.
- Coastal tourism has a strong impact on the environment. Tourism causes the degradation of ecosystems, pollution, and pressure on natural resources.
International Tourist Flows
Europe is the main tourist destination in the world. France, USA, Spain, and China receive the most foreign visitors and income.
Flows by Region
- Europe: Attractions include artistic and cultural heritage, and beaches.
- Asia: Tourism in this region is growing.
- America: The USA has diverse attractions.
- Africa: The natural environment is a key draw. The main destinations are Morocco, South Africa, and Tunisia.
Other Services
Types of Other Services
- Financial services: Such as banks, insurance companies.
- ICT: Internet, leisure services.
- Personal services: Domestic staff who work in people’s homes, assistance to the elderly, child care at nursery schools, maintenance and repair, independent professionals, services for the care of the body.
La Actividad Turística en España
Importancia y Características
El turismo es una actividad económica fundamental en nuestro país. En el ranking, España está en el tercer puesto.
- Unas playas excelentes.
- Las políticas de los gobiernos, que promocionan el turismo.
- La riqueza cultural de España.
El tipo de turismo ha sido de sol y playa, pero desde los años 90 se ha trabajado para desarrollar otros tipos de turismo.
Turismo Nacional y Extranjero
El turismo nacional incluye los desplazamientos dentro de España y las salidas de los españoles al extranjero. Respecto al turismo emisor, Europa es nuestro principal destino, sobre todo países como Francia, Portugal, Italia, etc.
En cuanto al turismo extranjero, España recibió 60,6 millones de visitantes extranjeros en 2013. Los principales destinos elegidos fueron Cataluña, Islas Baleares, Canarias y Andalucía.