Resumen de Tourism in Spain: a Spatial Analysis and Synthesis
Douglas Pearce, Gerda K. Priestley
Building on the integrative approach employed by Rognant in Italy, this article analyzes then synthesizes the spatial structure of tourism in Spain, giving emphasis as much to methodological issues as to substantive outcomes. First, the spatial dynamics of domestic tourism are established through an interregional analysis of travel patterns derived from an origin-destination matrix. International travel is then considered in terms of gateways and flows, after which attention is turned to distributional matters using a range of different indicators—hotel and camping bednights, second homes, employment—and both absolute and relative measures. The patterns so identified are then combined in a composite map, which provides the basis for a more integrated interpretation and explanation of the structure of Spain’s tourism. Four broad tourism areas are highlighted: the Balearic and Canary Islands are clearly differentiated from the mainland, which is divided into three zones according to the extent and type of demand and development.
