Tourist organisations in catalonia: Regional and local structures and issues

Abstract

Interorganisational analysis is used to explore the structure and functions of tourist organisations in Catalonia since the region obtained autonomy in 1979. The regional context is outlined, the structure and functions of the regional organisations are discussed and a range of interorganisational issues are analysed before selected sub-regional and local examples are examined, namely those of the Costa Brava Girona, La Selva, Lloret de Mar and Barcelona. One of the most explicit changes in the post-Franco era has been the creation of tourist organisations at the regional level and the subsequent development of regional policies and programmes. The most significant of the Catalonia-wide activities would appear to be that of promotion and marketing. In other domains regional policies are yet to have a major impact. Much of the action still lies at the local level where interesting recent initiatives responding to local circumstances have been taken. Relatively little horizontal interaction occurs and a strong functionally integrated network can scarcely be said to exist as of yet. In contrast to trends in many other parts of the world the degree of public–private sector interaction is rather limited.