Tourism’s Impact: Spatial, Economic, and Policy Implications
The Spatial Implications of Tourism
Demographic Repercussions
- a) In coastal areas, tourism increases the actual population. Additionally, tourism increases the population employed.
- b) In some rural and mountain areas, and in some historic towns in decline, tourism slowed depopulation and encouraged the revival of crafts and traditions.
Impact on the Land
- a) On the coast, tourism extends the urban settlement and favors the formation of conurbations.
- b) In some rural, mountain, and urban areas, tourism
Agriculture and Livestock: EU, Spain, and Global Practices
Plantation Agriculture
Plantation agriculture is situated in tropical or subtropical latitudes. Its cultivation is used for commercial purposes. Common commodities include coffee, tea, sugarcane, rubber, bananas, cocoa, peanuts, cotton, tobacco, textiles, citrus fruits, palm oil, cinchona, and pineapples. These plantations are often operated by companies with foreign capital, local or national cooperatives, and research institutes. They are directed towards species that offer better prospects in
Read MoreUS Geography: Regions, Rivers, Mountains, Climate & Population
Regions of the United States
The United States is commonly divided into several regions:
- Northeastern Region: From Maine to Maryland and West Virginia (includes New England and the Mid-Atlantic States).
- Southern Region: From Virginia and Kentucky to Louisiana and Florida.
- Midwestern Region: From Ohio to the Dakotas and Kansas.
- Rocky Mountain Region: From Montana to Nevada and Colorado.
- Southwestern Region: Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma.
- Pacific Coastal Region: Washington, Oregon, and California.
Urbanization: Growth, Functions, and Challenges
Urbanization
Urbanization is the phenomenon by which cities grow at an accelerated rate in number, population, and surface area. Characteristics and lifestyles of cities cover large areas. An extensive set of economic, social, cultural, and political factors make cities and complementary territories acquire a differentiation of functions, forming a hierarchical set of urban centers.
Descriptive Theory
Central Place Theory states that the main function of a city is to provide goods and services nationwide.
Read MoreUrban Criteria and City Development in Spain
City Criteria
Statistics are based on figures from Spain, using the INE (National Statistics Institute) approach, which accounts for incomplete population counts throughout the municipality.
Qualitative city definitions are based on these characteristics:
- Morphological Criteria: The formal aspect of the city.
- Functional Criteria: Based on urban economic activities, such as industry and services.
- Sociological Criteria: Defined according to specific social traits.
- Space: The city’s capacity to organize
Spain’s Tourism Sector: Demand and Challenges
Tourism in Spain: Evolution and Characteristics
Since the 1960s, Spain has experienced significant growth in its tourism sector, becoming a major global destination. This growth is characterized by:
- Mass tourism with a focus on medium-low purchasing power.
- Accommodation primarily in apartments and hotels.
- High dependence on tour operators.
- Popularity of beach destinations.
Features of Tourist Supply and Demand
The tourism product is integrated and sold through various channels:
- Institutions promoting international