theguardian.com
Benidorm: A Spanish Tourism Success Story
In 2024, Benidorm, Spain, received nearly 3 million visitors; over 1 million were Spanish nationals, exceeding the nearly 900,000 from the UK, showcasing a successful model of sustainable tourism that contrasts with other Spanish cities struggling with overtourism.
- What is the significance of Benidorm's domestic tourism numbers exceeding its international tourism, and how does this impact perceptions of the city?
- In 2024, Benidorm received nearly 3 million visitors, with over 1 million being Spanish nationals, exceeding the nearly 900,000 UK tourists. This reveals a significant domestic tourism contribution, challenging the city's image as solely a British holiday destination. The city's infrastructure, designed to accommodate large visitor numbers, contrasts with other Spanish cities facing overtourism challenges.
- What are the broader implications of Benidorm's success in balancing tourism with local culture and community for other cities experiencing the pressures of overtourism?
- Benidorm's model, successfully integrating high tourism volume with the preservation of authentic Spanish culture and community, suggests a potential solution for other destinations grappling with overtourism. The city's evolution as a cultural hub, exemplified by Benidorm Fest, further enhances its appeal and sustainability. The integration of both domestic and international tourists suggests a model of balance.
- How does Benidorm's planned infrastructure and design contribute to its ability to manage high tourist volumes while maintaining an authentic Spanish experience, in contrast to other Spanish cities?
- Benidorm's success in managing tourism stems from its mid-20th-century planning as a purpose-built resort, capable of handling substantial visitor numbers without the displacement of residents seen in other Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. This contrasts with the negative impacts of uncontrolled tourism growth, offering a unique model of sustainable tourism.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article is framed positively towards Benidorm, emphasizing its unique aspects and celebrating its capacity to manage tourism successfully. The author's personal experiences and anecdotes heavily influence the narrative, contributing to a favorable portrayal. The headline (if there was one) would likely be crucial in shaping the reader's initial perception. For instance, a headline like "Benidorm: A Spanish Success Story in Sustainable Tourism" would be strongly positive. Conversely, a neutral headline would be "Benidorm: A case study of tourism management".
Language Bias
The language used is generally positive and descriptive, employing evocative terms to paint a favorable picture of Benidorm. Phrases like "authentic Spanish experience," "serene space," and "crystal-clear shallows" create a positive tone. However, these choices could be considered subtly biased as they aren't purely objective descriptions. More neutral alternatives could include 'typical Spanish experience', 'calm setting' and 'shallow waters'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the author's personal experiences and observations of Benidorm, potentially overlooking other perspectives or data that could offer a more balanced view. While it mentions challenges related to overtourism in Spain, it doesn't delve into the specific issues Benidorm faces regarding overtourism or resident displacement, instead focusing on the positive aspects. The article's narrative might benefit from including statistics on resident displacement or environmental impact to provide a fuller picture.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy by contrasting Benidorm's 'sustainable' approach to tourism with the problems of other Spanish cities like Barcelona and Madrid. While it highlights Benidorm's success in managing tourism, it doesn't fully explore the nuances of the situation or acknowledge potential downsides or limitations of Benidorm's model. The portrayal might oversimplify the complex issue of sustainable tourism in Spain.
Gender Bias
The article uses gendered terms like 'señoras' and 'señores' frequently, reflecting the local culture but not necessarily presenting gender imbalance. While there are examples of both men and women mentioned, the descriptions do not seem to be inherently gendered in a biased way. The inclusion of both male and female business owners suggests some balance, but further analysis might reveal subtle biases.
Sustainable Development Goals
Benidorm provides a model of sustainable tourism, accommodating large numbers of visitors without the negative impacts seen in other Spanish cities. Its planned development, unlike organic growth in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, has allowed it to manage tourism pressures effectively, preserving its authentic character and community life while providing economic benefits. The article highlights how Benidorm has avoided the displacement of residents often associated with overtourism, showcasing a more sustainable approach to urban planning and tourism management.