{"id":8974,"date":"2021-03-31T06:59:28","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T04:59:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/?p=8974"},"modified":"2021-03-31T06:59:28","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T04:59:28","slug":"responsible-travel-in-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/dev.devourtours.com\/blog\/responsible-travel-in-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"Sustainable Tourism in Spain: What It Is & How to Help"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As mass tourism continues to have negative effects on local businesses and homes, sustainable tourism in Spain takes on increasing importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what is is sustainable tourism, anyway? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re on our website reading this article, you’ve already started off on the right foot! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Here at Devour Tours we promote and encourage sustainable, responsible ways of visiting new places. That means supporting locally owned, family-run businesses over tourist traps, and making sure every euro spent goes back into the local economy. Going even further, it means protecting the local environment by keeping places beautiful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide to sustainable tourism in Spain will show you some of our favorite ways to stay culturally curious while supporting local businesses and efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Tourism in Spain: An Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spain’s gorgeous beaches, cosmopolitan cities, and lively culture have long made it a draw for international visitors. But it wasn’t until massive pro-tourism campaigns in the 1960s and 70s that Spain began to stake its claim as a leading destination for tourists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since then, tourism in Spain was all but unstoppable over the next 50 years or so. It played a major role in helping the country rise from the ashes of its economic crisis in the early 2010s. And in 2019\u2014one year before the industry came to a screeching halt across the globe\u2014Spain ranked #1 on the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report<\/a>, snagging the top spot for a third consecutive year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the years leading up to the pandemic, Spain was continually breaking its own records<\/a> for tourism arrivals. The sector regularly accounted for more than 10 percent of the national GDP. The seed that had taken root in the waning days of the Franco dictatorship had snowballed to its tipping point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Seville’s Plaza de Espa\u00f1a has appeared in many well-known movies, making it a major draw for tourists.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Impact of Mass Tourism in Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tourism has had many positive effects on the Spanish economy and society, and we’ll get to those in a bit. But part of practicing sustainable tourism in Spain is recognizing that the influx of millions of visitors has had plenty of downsides for locals, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the most obvious signs are clear in the central neighborhoods of Spain’s most popular cities. Districts like Madrid’s Malasa\u00f1a and Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter were once very residential, full of small businesses<\/a> and homes. Today, though, they’re being taken over by chain stores and eateries, shops hawking low-quality souvenirs, and tourist accommodations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Massive construction and investment companies have been snapping up entire buildings in these areas in recent years. Their strategy: raising rents with the aim of getting the current residents out. As a result, many locals can no longer afford<\/a> to stay in their homes, which then turn into pricey tourist apartments<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, mass tourism can result in certain areas of the city becoming overcrowded, especially those close to popular sights and attractions. This can make it difficult for locals to go about their day, as well as cause environmental issues due to pollution and littering. Plus, many of the businesses in these areas are now chain restaurants and shops, meaning that less money goes back into the local economy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The prevalence of chains and tourist traps near major sights means that many visitors opt for these convenient options rather than seeking out locally owned spots a bit further out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Positive Impacts of Tourism in Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

But there are many bright spots as a result of tourism, too. The most obvious can be seen in the economy. Tourism creates jobs for locals and, when practiced in a responsible way, can help local businesses thrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the monetary benefits for individuals and businesses, tourism also helps preserve Spain’s rich and fascinating history. Historic and cultural sites are able to be maintained thanks to tourist ticket sales. This will help them stick around for many more generations to come. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The benefits even extend to to the social and cultural level. Tourism brings people from all walks of life and all corners of the world together. This can result in a more compassionate cultural understanding overall for locals and visitors alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Responsible tourism can help local businesses in Spain thrive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Practice Sustainable Tourism in Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All this goes to show the importance of sustainable tourism in Spain. It protects the environment, helps support local businesses, and lets culture thrive. And as a bonus, these responsible travel practices often result in a much more authentic, enjoyable experiences for you as a visitor, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s how to put it into practice on your next Spanish adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Shop at a Local Market<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not only are neighborhood markets a wonderful foodie experience, but they’re also one of the easiest ways to support local sellers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walk into any given market and you’ll find yourself in a maze of sights, sounds, colors and flavors. Many of the stalls are proudly family run and have been selling the same products for generations. By purchasing their products, you’ll be directly supporting local vendors and suppliers, as well as helping ensure the markets themselves stay thriving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We could talk about markets all day, but here are a few to add to your itinerary to help promote sustainable tourism in Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n