Understanding Service Sectors, Trade, and Tourism Impact
1. Types of Services
Public and Private
Some services can only be public (e.g., town hall, post office, treasury), while others can only be private (e.g., retail: supermarkets and small shops).
However, other services can be either public or private, allowing citizens to choose (e.g., education, healthcare). The welfare state ensures minimum public services for everyone.
People or Companies
| People | In Business |
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2. Economic Development and Sectors
Developed countries have a tertiary sector economy, having transitioned from primary to secondary and then to tertiary. In summary:
- Developed countries: Tertiary
- Developing countries: Secondary
- Underdeveloped countries: Primary
Exceptions: Some countries or regions have transitioned directly from primary to tertiary, bypassing the secondary sector. This often occurs in agricultural areas with favorable climates that shift to tourism. Examples: Mallorca, Andorra.
3. Types of Commerce
Traditional trade, typically older than large retailers, consists of shops located on streets and squares, occupying the ground floors of buildings. Supermarkets, however, require their own dedicated spaces.
Types of Stores
City Center: These stores attract customers from surrounding towns and are usually open on Saturdays and some Sundays. In larger cities, these stores are often franchises (e.g., Zara, Benetton).
Neighborhood: Also known as “proximity” trading, these stores provide everyday necessities (e.g., bread, newspapers). Not all neighborhoods have many of these stores.
Supermarkets: These occupy the largest surface area among traditional retailers, found in both residential districts and downtown areas.
Local Markets: Typically the oldest retail spaces in a town, usually located in the historic district. These are privately owned, not part of any chain.
Types of Large Retailers
Department Stores: Located in city centers, these stores evolved from clothing merchants and now sell a variety of items (e.g., appliances, books, CDs). There are general department stores (e.g., El Corte Inglés) and specialized ones (e.g., FNAC).
Hypermarkets: Located on the outskirts of cities, these originated as warehouses for nearby stores. They evolved into large retail spaces with ample parking (e.g., Carrefour).
Shopping Malls: Complexes with covered streets and squares filled with various shops. Some malls are open-air. Examples: La Isla, Machinist.
4. Transportation and Communications
These are essential for industry, services, agriculture, and the economy in general.
Transportation
- Road: Rail, roads, and highways.
- Maritime: Ships and port infrastructure.
- Air: Cargo planes and airports.
- River: Navigable rivers and waterways (limited in Spain, primarily the Guadalquivir in Seville and the Nervión in Bilbao).
Communications
- TV and Radio: Traditionally the most influential media.
- Telephone: Essential before the internet and email.
- Internet and Email: Accelerated telecommunications.
5. Causes and Consequences of Mass Tourism
Causes of Tourism
- Increased leisure time due to more people working Monday to Friday and having paid holidays.
- Increased purchasing power for some.
- Improved and cheaper transportation.
- Easier access to information about other countries.
- Travel agencies organizing vacations.
- Growing interest in exploring other countries and cultures.
Consequences of Mass Tourism
Economic: Land speculation, increased housing costs, and temporary employment contracts.
Cultural: Cultural manipulation to attract tourists.
Environmental: Excessive construction of apartments and buildings on coasts and mountainsides.
6. What is Alternative Tourism?
Alternative tourism deviates from traditional “sun and beach” tourism.
Leisure: Growing demand for quiet places away from crowds.
Environmental: Tourism that prioritizes preserving the environment.