OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2010
The tourism sector, a vital driver of job-creation and growth, is under pressure. Facing an increasingly competitive landscape, tourism in many OECD countries has started to lag, in both growth rate and productivity. This book defines the major trends and challenges facing tourism in the next decade – from globalisation to environmental issues. To address these challenges, the book then provides specific policy guidance and recommendations for making tourism more competitive and environmentally sustainable. Tourism data from 42 countries are presented and analysed including all OECD countries, and fast-growing tourism centres such as Brazil, Chile, China and India.
Spain
Tourism is one of the mainstays of the Spanish economy. It accounts for around 11% of GDP and 13% of employment, and contributes substantially to offsetting the trade deficit. With 97.8 million foreign visitors (57.3 million tourists and 40.5 million same day visitors) in 2008 (1.1% fewer than in 2007) and tourism receipts of close to EUR 41.9 billion (0.4% less than in 2007), Spain has consolidated its position as the second-largest destination in terms of tourist arrivals and receipts. Over 2.6 million people work in Spain’s tourism sector, the majority (55.3%) in the hotels and restaurants sector.