The Tourism Geography of Spain and Portugal

Learning Objectives 1.Describe the major physical features and climates of the Iberian \Peninsula and the islands belonging to Spain and Portugal, and explain their significance for tourism. 2.Trace the development of Spanish tourism and understand the reasons for Spain’s success as a tourist destination. 3.Appreciate the nature of tourism demand in Spain and Portugal. 4.Appreciate the cultural differences between Spain and Portugal, and contrast the nature of tourism development in the two countries. 5.Outline the major features of the tourism infrastructure in Spain, Portugal and Gibraltar. 6.Outline the main features of tourism administration in Spain and Portugal. 7.Demonstrate a knowledge of the tourist regions, resorts, business centres, and tourist attractions of the Iberian Peninsula and the islands belonging to Spain and Portugal.

Spain and Portugal: Introduction Favourite holiday destination Close to key markets Coastal focus Portugal a later entry to tourism

Spain: Introduction Meseta dominates Rugged and isolated Crafts, fairs and siestas Major destination Response and demand Aviation EU entry Government and response

Spain: Demand Domestic Car VFR Outbound Inbound 1950s onwards Northern Europe market Seasonality Geographical concentration

Spain: Supply Transport Surface transport Budget airlines/ regional airports Accommodation Paradores Organisation Ministry of Trade and Tourism Devolution and provinces

Spain: Resources North Galicia Asturias Cantabria Basque East Catalonia Barcelona Costa Brava Costa Daurada Costa Blanca Valencia and Murcia South Andalucia Costa del Sol Heartland Madrid Camino de Santiago Pyrenees

Spanish Islands Balearic Islands Ibiza Formentera Menorca Mallorca Canary Islands Tenerife Gran Canaria Lanzarote Fuerteventura Smaller Islands

Gibraltar British Colony Small territory Day trips and cruise visits Development constraints Varied Products

Portugal Domestic Outbound Inbound Since 1960s IT Seasonality Transport Accommodation Pousadas Organisation

Portugal: Resources South Algarve Alentejo Centre Lisbon Costa de Estoril Costa de Prata North Aveiro Oporto Minho Madeira The Azores