Regional segmentation and characterisation of tourist destinations in Spain: focus on local and foreign tourism

Abstract

Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors due to the growth of the global economy. The aim of this paper is to characterise Spanish tourist destinations as an economic development option from a regional perspective. To this end, Multivariate Analysis techniques are applied, through which four factors are identified determine tourism. These factors capture and differentiate the main aspects of the economic impact and tourism efficiency of the hospitality industry. There is an unequal effect of tourism on Spanish tourist destinations, whereby the location of the tourist destination constitutes the main determinant of performance. Two regional segments are identified in terms of according to the most important tourist markets, market for which, the nationality of the tourist is decisive in this classification. On the one hand, the mainland archipelagos are distinguished as tourist destinations where international tourists have the greatest presence, with a significant influence on employment and the volume of expenditure. On the other hand, the regions of the Mediterranean coast, where national tourism is predominant, make a major contribution to the efficiency of the sector.  The regions of Andalusia and Catalonia are the most competitive at national level, since they attract both domestic and international tourists.