In favor of tourism

Although the opposition to tourism has reached a number of followers and a media presence never seen before in Spain, the debate about an economic model in which the tourism sector has hardly any weight has been going on for many years. Those who oppose tourism claim that because of it this is a low-wage country, that it does not innovate, that it is not competitive, and that it also brings annoying tourists who come to get drunk, to make noise and to fill streets and beaches. Althoug I must admit that sometimes they are right, as you can see in the following image:

I remember that back in 2007 I had a conversation on the subject, and my position to this day remains the same: tourism is very positive for Spain, and surpasses in advantages to the alternatives that its opponents so lightly claim. The following are the arguments that I have always put forward:

• Tourism allows the existence of small businesses. Unlike manufacturing, where according to the anti-tourists we should rely even more, the barrier to entry in tourism, both in terms of costs and knowledge, is low, which allows families and employees with a few years of savings to set up a business and exploit a part of the cake. This, in turn, ensures that there are no giant companies with the power to negotiate and threaten local governments by threatening to close down if their conditions are not met.
• Tourism does not produce environmental catastrophes or waste that is difficult to treat. What smoke do hotel chimneys emit? How many trains with highly toxic substances have derailed while supplying the tourism sector? The only thing its opponents can claim is pollution from cruise ships and airplanes and water consumption, but doesn’t industry consume water? don’t ships, factories and trucks pollute?
• Tourism requires cleanliness and safety in the streets and conservation of the historical and cultural heritage. Any municipality that wants to attract tourists will take care of these aspects.
• Tourism sells a unique product that is impossible to replicate anywhere in the world, unlike any other economic activity. Two countries can produce the same potatoes, three countries can export the same batteries; only Spain can offer Spain. And whoever doubts the relevance of this, should look at other European countries that based their economy on their industrial know-how and how they are doing now with China beating them in the production of so many things.

Finally, and on a separate note, I would like to denounce the stupidity of those who have launched their offensive against tourism without having prepared an alternative. It is true that these are usually idle or dim-witted people, that the destruction of the economy will have little effect on their living conditions or future expectations, but if there were a reasonable person among those who want to cut tourism activity, I would ask them: why don’t you build an alternative first?