Impact of Sustainable Tourism on Development of Spain and Barcelona

This research project explores the impact of sustainable tourism on the development of Spain and Barcelona, including the positive and negative impacts, challenges faced by local communities, and remedies to improve the relationship between tourists and host communities.

RESEARCH
PROJECT
MANAGEMENT
1

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW...............................................................................................5
2.1 Understanding the concept of Sustainable tourism ...................................................................5
2.2 Understanding the positive and negative impacts of tourism...................................................6
2.3 Biggest challenges of tourism in the eyes of local communities in Barcelona..........................8
2.4 Remedies to improve relationship between tourists and host communities..............................8
CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...................................................................................8
CHAPTER 4 DATA ANALYSIS........................................................................................................10
CONCLUSION .................................................................................................................................12
2

INTRODUCTION
Tourism is among the globe leading economic sectors, which is growing its business with
fast pace. Tourism is one of the world's fastest growing sectors and has continued to be so in
numerous sequent years (Ayuso, 2007). As per the to the United Nations World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO), worldwide tourist arrivals will reach 1.6 billion by the year 2020.
Nevertheless, tourism is a really complex sector pertaining many stakeholders (few times with
different interests) and asking for important amount of resources. Further, the tourism can have
very opposite impact as per the manner in which various functions are managed. The tourism
sector have high growth potential as it has witnessed an average growth rate of 4% in last few years.
The tourism industry also contribute to economic progress of nation. As per the Office for National
Statistics, nearly 10% contribution to GDP of nation is through this sector. In addition to this aspect,
1 in every 11 job is created by tourism sector. According to the available statistics, US$7.6 trillion
to the global economy in year 2014 was generated through this sector. In addition to this, it was
noted that total 1186 million tourist international arrivals were there in globe in year
2014.Thereafter, global international tourism revenue was reported as having value of total $1,26
billion.
The fast growth of tourism has enhanced economic, environmental and social consequence.
In the current scenario, the attention is mainly focused on the economic impacts of the sector
instead of environmental and social consequences of tourism (Ballantyne Packer and Hughes,
2009). The study of the sector has been reoriented after the recognition of the size of the affects of
contemporary tourism. Furthermore, the costs and adverse affects have been studied in a critical
manner. Tourism, both worldwide and domestic, bring forward various negative and positive
outcomes and has an effect on tourist destinations. The effect made by tourism is based upon the
quantity and nature of the tourists. This further relates to the duration of stay, functions, manner of
transport, travel facilities and arrangement and so on (Bramwell, 2011). A choice of variables must
also be taken into consideration in the discovery of any effect of tourism as well as their relation
and the methods in which they determine the nature, position and ratio of tourist impacts. The
evaluation of impacts also consider all stages of the travel experience, involving first preparations,
the travelling to and from the destination, the stay. There is no uncertainty that tourism has a most
crucial outcome on the economies of destinations areas. It is for this ground that improvement of
tourist amenities and entertainment opportunities has usually been perceived as a positive effort to
the domestic balance of payments. Furthermore, tourism appear to be more impelling than other
sectors in generating employment and income. The local business in tourist destinations are
3

benefited directly with the growth in number of tourist. The infrastructure improvement by the
government to facilitate the convenience of tourism ultimately benefits the local populations. For
example, better road, rail connectivity etc. In order to assure growth in tourism in present day and
future, the stakeholders of tourism are forced to save the heritage properties and cultural values of a
destination (Bramwell and Lane, 2008). The travel and tourism growth have positive outcomes on
tourist destinations, hotels, restaurants, pubs and recreational facilities, transportation and tour
operators business.
The progress and development of tourism sector changes and modifies the environment.
Environment can be defined as the land, water, air, flora and fauna, but also masses and culture and
the impacts of tourism are reflected on elements of the natural environment as well as on the man-
made environment or built environment (development of environments for tourism as for example
holiday resorts). The true success of travel and tourism sector relies on its development without
damaging the environment (Edgell, 2013). It is duty of travel organizations, government, local
communities and individuals to protect the tourism sector from the possible damages. In order to
assure, sustainable tourism, it is important that it must be cautiously managed so that possible
adverse impacts on the host community and the surroundings are not allowed to exceed the
economic gains that it surely carry forwards to local communities. On the other side, tourism
maintain enormous economic positive results like, it is one of the globes most important sources of
economic developments and employment. If tourism is effectively managed and developed it can
play a affirmative role in the political, social, cultural, economical, environmental and overall
development of the destination. Overall, it can be stated that tourism provides a important
development opportunity for numerous countries and communities. On the contrary, ungoverned
tourism development can result into very destructive impacts. Such as, increase in pollution
because of tourism is among the severe affects of tourism sector (Girard and Nijkamp, 2009).
The development of tourism needs the presence of an infrastructure, along with the hotel
accommodation and another facilities particular to tourism. In many areas highways and airfields
have been build to boost the tourism but not always has the local population benefited from these
developments. Infrastructure and facilities need land and the result is that there is severe land prices
hike in the region were tourism is growing at fast pace. In the context of the social and the cultural
impacts and the share of tourism that leads to modification systems, social behaviour, family
relationships, common lifestyles, safety levels, moral conduct, innovative language, customary
social occasion and community organizations (Gössling Hall and Weaver, 2009). The government
take significant measures to assure safety and security of international tourist.
In order to retain the several identified advantages of travel and tourism sector, it is
4

important to have strong focus on sustainability aspect. This will help in ensuring that that various
activities within the sector have positive outcomes on the surroundings, economic system and
society. In this research project, in depth learning will be shown regarding the impact of sustainable
tourism on the development of Spain and Barcelona (Hunter and Shaw, 2007). They are the leading
tourist destination that attracts millions of the visitors every year. The elaborated learning will be
shown about the impact of tourism on chosen destinations. The aims and objectives of the present
research are as follows:
Aim of the Study
The overall aim of the study is to ascertain the leading causes of tensions that generated
uprisings between tourists and host communities in Barcelona.
Objective of the study
1. The key objective of the study is to detail out the positive and the negative impact of
tourism
2. To ascertain the biggest challenges of tourism in the eyes of the local communities
especially in Barcelona.
3. To identify the remedies that can be done to improve the relationship between
tourists and host communities.
4. To identify the key people responsible to improve the situation.
5. To recommend the methods that can be considered to reduce the negative impact of tourism
in Barcelona.
CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Understanding the concept of Sustainable tourism
According to the views of Lansing and De Vries, 2007 sustainable tourism is one which
takes the entire consideration of its present and future economic, social and environmental affects,
addressing the requirements of tourist, the sector, the surroundings and host communities.
Therefore, sustainable tourism is one which make optimum utilization of environmental resources
that comprises a main element in development of tourism, keeping main ecological processes and
assisting to preserve natural heritage and biodiversity. As per the view of Miller, and et.al., 2010
sustainable tourism development needs the informed involvement of all the key stakeholders as
well as powerful political leadership to assure wide involvement and agreement building. In order
to attain sustainable tourism, constant efforts are required along with continuous monitoring of
5

affects, initiating the required preventive or corrective measures when required. The another feature
of sustainable tourism is that it assure better economic benefits for the local individuals and
improves the well being of host communities. As per the views of Scott and et.al 2008 effective
sustainable tourism can be attained by assuring effective participation of local individuals in
decisions that impact their lives and living possibilities. According to t he words of Sims, 2009
sustainable tourism is when there is positive contributions to the preservation of natural and cultural
heritage clasping the diversity. The concept of sustainable tourism assure effective long term
economic functions, rendering fair socio-economic welfare to all the stakeholders. This further
consider stable job and income earning possibilities and social services to host communities and
providing share to eradicate poverty and other social evils. To attain sustainable tourism major focus
must be given on the reduction of pollution. In the words of Tao and Wall, 2009)tourism is highly
dependent on fossil fuels along with this tourism have an impact on climate change. Therefore,
reports evidence that 72% of tourism pollution is due to CO2 emissions that originates from
transportation, 24% from hotels and 4% from varied functions at local level.
2.2 Understanding the positive and negative impacts of tourism
According to the views of Timur and Getz, 2008 in an area tourism increases the opportunity
of job and increases the wealth. In order to improve the quality of life and become richer the
developing country develop tourism. When there is a mass tourism in a country there is both
negative and positive impact on the country.
As stated by Bramwell, 2011 there are some of the positive impact of tourism on the
country. Jobs opportunity for local people are generated when there is mass tourism. In the are
inflow of the money gets increased, so there is more money in the country. As tourist enjoy the local
custom the traditional custom are kept alive for tourism. To protect the natural landscape of the
country the money from tourism sector can be used. For providing the facilities to tourism like
reparation of old roads to convert the roads into new roads this also helps the local people of the
country. Demand of local food and crafts get increases. However, Ayuso, 2007 stated that rural
services like buses , village shops and post office are preserve when there is tourism. There is a
pressure on government to conserve habitats and wildlife as the tourist mainly comes to see the
scenery and wildlife. The present research has focussed on a perspective which has attempted to
make an analysis on sustainable tourism that helps in making people realise about the importance
of tourism and its proper preservation for future.
Byrd,2007 said that tourism also have negative impact on the country and some of them are
the job created by the tourism are often seasonal and the local people are paid poorly. Local areas
6

doesn't get money most of the time money goes to big company. Tradition and culture of the
country is impacted very badly as the outsiders arrive. When there is mass tourism there is over
crowding and traffic jams in the area. Tourism damage the natural territories of the area by writing
something. Natural environment also get damage like habitats are destroyed to build the hotel. As
tourist is wealthy than the local people they have to suffer as local shops increases thye rate of the
product when the tourism is high. Infrastructure is started from the grounds so as to attract the
tourist. If the roads are studded with potholes no one will like to travel in such area. Drugs and
alcohol consumption is increasing is one of the biggest factor for creating the problem for culture.
where the tourist arrives in hordes prostitution is rampant on those areas. For providing
accommodation to tourist the localists are clearing the land to open the hotel in the area. Moreover,
Girard and Nijkamp, (2009) says that it's a seasonal industry and in the off - season the industry is
of no use.
7

2.3 Biggest challenges of tourism in the eyes of local communities in Barcelona
There are many drawbacks that Barcelona has recently been facing in the tourism industry.
Goodall and Ashworth, 2013 argued that it is a general perception that tourism is out of control and
it is deteriorating the city. Some key points which are certainly voiced by many locals are- When a
person enters another country or a city it is expected to be respectful of the customs, society and
overall environment that he is surrounded by. But this city has been experiencing many unruly
visitors taking advantage of locals. Local communities frequently encounter drunken tourists. This
has led to vandalism and other negative social problems around the city like drug abuse etc.
According to Frey and George, 2010 increased tourism has reverse impacts for local communities
as the price of living rises astronomically. Large number of visitors results to an influx of tourism
centred industries due to which local businesses feel the requirement to raise their prices for their
survival. Many people protested during 2014 events to aware what mass tourism is doing to the
local economy. Protesters were holding very rude quotes which one could think lack of respect but
ultimately it is right. There rude behaviour is what really irks many local businesses. Tsai and
Chen, 2010 asserted that many of the local neighbourhoods in the city are seeing low cost houses
replaced from high rise corporate offices or apartments. This urbanisation is a major issue for the
local communities as it is effecting their business and personal lives.
2.4 Remedies to improve relationship between tourists and host communities
Aldebert Dang and Longhi, 2011 has stated that visitors should pay the city due respect that
it richly deserves. Tourism is a concept that every city strives for as it boosts the overall economy.
Without tourism the city would deteriorate but seeing the situation on Barcelona it may be possible
that even with tourism a city has to struggle for its survival considering the locals view. The price
hikes has to be controlled as it is reversely affecting the local communities. New jobs are created
but on very low pay scale. This situation can be improved by restricting tourism to certain extent.
As per Tsai and Chen, 2011 view rude behaviour of the local communities can be improved through
encouraging their business activities and giving them assurance that their business will have less
negative impacts of the tourism. Urbanisation is a major problem in the city. People are facing the
problem of residences as complexes are built on a regular basis. This can be improved by imposing
strict rules and regulations, laws and legislations which should be in favour of the local
communities as well as it should also not stop the tourism fully.
CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research methodology refers to organized , theoretical assessment of the method
8

employed to a branch of study so as to facilitate the attainment of the objectives and will consider
following aspect.
Research approach: With the help of research approach the investigator can develop foundation
for performing the study and obtaining the relevant data. Mainly,there are two types of research
approach, inductive and deductive. The inductive approach the study moves from general to
specific. Therefore, on the basis of observation, theories will be developed. While,in deductive
approach, the study moves from specific to general and hypothesis is developed. In the current
study, inductive research approach will be considered.
Research philosophy: There are mainly two types of research philosophy, interpretivism and
positivism. In order to obtain the desired results, data is manipulated in interpretivism philosophy
while it is opposite in case of positivism philosophy.
Research Type: The research is of two types, qualitative and quantitative. This study intends to
use both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. The researcher will carry
out a review of the available published literature online. Both qualitative and quantitative
data will be collected and used together with a visit to Barcelona where there will be mainly
an observation mission carried out on the city. By combining these two methods, the
researcher hopes to get an overview picture of the tourism challenges the community, the
city and to an extent the country faces. The researcher will analyse the findings and try to
present a result that will hopefully represent the true picture of the situation.
Data collection: It refers to the sources that are used to obtain the required data for the
study. Primary and secondary are the two main sources used to obtain the desired
information. The primary sources provide direct and first hand information obtained through
observation, questionnaire, survey, interviews and other methods. On the other hand ,
secondary sources renders information that is already used in previous research and data is
readily available. Such as, information through, online sources, books, journals, published
reports and newspapers etc.
Sampling: Sampling is important aspect that is related with the choice of subset of
individuals from within a statistical population to estimate characteristics of the entire
population. Thereafter, sample size is act of selecting the number of observation that can be
involved in statistical sample. In this report, sample size of 25 respondents, visitors of
Barcelona will be selected through probability method.
Ethical consideration: It is important for the researcher to conduct the entire research
9

ethically. In this respect, the data must not be copied from any other source or manipulated.
It is important for the researcher to use the research data only for the stated purpose.
Thereafter, there must be proper citation the research work used of other scholars.
CHAPTER 4 DATA ANALYSIS
Theme 1: Sustainable tourism is carried out effectively in Barcelona.
Analysis: As per the observation, Barcelona is the first city which was awarded by
Biosphere Certification. this award is given to the city which carry sustainable tourism by
managing the environmental, culture and socio-economic factors in tourism. This award is
given by Turisme de Barcelona and Barcelona City Council to promote sustainable tourism.
To enjoy the city sustainably this programme is helpful in establishments and services to the
tourist. This criteria reinforce the prestige and image of Barcelona. Barcelona provides some
sustainable hotel and organic restaurants (Aldebert Dang and Longhi, 2011). To assess the
tourism, for helping people who is having cognitive disabilities to find transport and
accommodation the city has created the website. Hence it is proved that sustainable tourism
is effectively carried out in Barcelona
Theme 2: Tourism increase the job opportunities for the individuals.
Analysis: As per the observation, tourism industries has become most largest and dynamic
industry in present economy globally. It has become the prime factor for increasing the GDP
of the country. Job opportunities for local people has increased because of huge growth of
tourism industry which has affected the economy of the country in the good way as the
unemployment in the country has decreased and employment level has increased in the
country hence it is said that the tourism has increased the job opportunities for the individual
who are unemployed and also the individual who are not getting the pay according to there
education has got the opportunity (Goodall and Ashworth, 2013).
Theme 3: Tourism enhance the overall development of the Barcelona.
Analysis: According to the observation Barcelona has become the destination which has
attract most of the tourist worldwide which has increased the tourism sector industries in the
city which has developed the city. There is a sustainable development in tourism sector
which has developed the city as it has generate employment, increased the GDP of the
country, has provided luxuries to tourist at reasonable prices, infrastructure of the city is also
developed. So it is proved that tourism has enhance the overall development of Barcelona
10

and the development of the city is done at the continuous basis because of the expansion of
tourism industries (Frey and George, 2010 ).
Theme 4: Tourism have drastic impact on the natural environment.
Analysis: As per the observation natural environment has got affected by tourism in many
ways. as the tourism industries is increasing the natural environment has drastically affected
because trees are been cut to vacant the land for making the hotels (Girard and Nijkamp,
2009). Important natural resources are depleting because of tourism as the tourist use the
resources without giving concern. Water resources are polluted there is air and noise
pollution as the city gets overcrowded. Hence tourism is not good for natural environment
as it affect the nature drastically.
Theme 5: The socio-culture environment is impacted due to increase in tourism.
According to detailed study of the data available from the secondary sources, it has
been identified that socio-culture environment is affected due to increase in t he number of
tourist in the Barcelona. It has been ascertained that many international tourist are indulge in
drugs, alcohol and other practices which further create bad impact on the local population.
Thereafter, data reveals that there is increase in prostitution in the destination as result of
demand by tourist (Riley, 2014). There are many time when tourist fails to respect the
culture and religious values of a place which not only impact the socio-culture environment
of a destination but also leads to clashes between tourist and host communities.
Theme 5: The socio-culture environment is impacted due to increase in tourism.
According to detailed study of the data available from the secondary sources, it has
been identified that socio-culture environment is affected due to increase in t he number of
tourist in the Barcelona. It has been ascertained that many international tourist are indulge in
drugs, alcohol and other practices which further create bad impact on the local population
((Byrd, 2007). Thereafter, data reveals that there is increase in prostitution in the destination
as result of demand by tourist. There are many time when tourist fails to respect the culture
and religious values of a place which not only impact the socio-culture environment of a
destination but also leads to clashes between tourist and host communities.
Theme 6: The price hike of different goods and services is major challenge faced by lo cal
communities.
Increase in tourism may create a diversified and stabilised local economy. But it can
11

ruin the local communities as the price of living increases astronomically. When new money
is brought in the economy leading to new job creation within this industry, stereotypical
multiplier effect take place. But the point is how much these jobs are giving to the people.
According to Riley, 2014 view these new jobs are the lowest paying jobs in the local
economy. Price hikes are making local communities frustrated and fed up of tourists which
is creating a negative and poor relationship between the local communities and the tourists
(Sims, 2009).
Theme 7: The local communities are facing severe issue related to loss of respect.
Ziegler Dearden and Rollins, 2012 said that whenever a tourist goes to another country or a
city it expects warm welcome and respect from people, society and overall environment. But one
should not think of the same in the city of Barcelona. The city has been facing many uncivilised
tourists taking benefit of local ideologies (Girard and Nijkamp, 2009). The typical behaviour of
most of the visitors is that they are drunk fully and behave in a very unpleasant manner as football
is a very huge spectacle in the city. The locals are very much disturbed by these disturbing elements
as it affects their businesses badly which results in poor living standards and hurdle in their growth
and success.
CONCLUSION
Summing up the entire research, it has been identified that tourism is the leading
sector at present having ample number of growth and money making opportunities.
Tourism is not restricted only to functions in the accommodation and hospitality sector,
conveyance sector with held and recreation sector with visitor attractions, such as, theme
parks, amusement parks, sports facilities, museums etc., but tourism and its management are
closely affiliated to all major functions, processes and procedures that are practised in
different areas accompanying to tourism as a system. From the report, it can be concluded
that tourism should withheld be sustainable and viable, it should be carried out in
accordance with environmental protection and respect to social norms. The role that each
territory and its particular society and natural environment play in any tourism development
process bring specific implications for a responsible management of its resources. In fact,
alike as one of many other economic act competing in a territory, tourism development
needs to be planned and managed within a sustainable and integrated framework at different
spatial scales if environmental excellence of tourist destinations wants to be enhanced and
12

guaranteed in the long term. From the report, it can be concluded that tourism is having
several positive and negative implications. The positive impact includes contribution to
GDP, employment generation, greater infrastructural development in the destination etc. On
the other side, negative impacts include, increase in pollution, terrorism threat etc. The
negative impacts of tourism development can step by step destruct environmental resources
on which it depends. Some of these effects are connected with the building of general
infrastructure such as roads and airports, and of tourism facilities, including resorts, hotels,
restaurants, shops, golf courses and marinas. On the other hand, tourism has the potential to
create beneficial effects on the environment by contributing to environmental protection and
conservation. It is a manner to raise awareness of environmental values and it can serve as a
tool to finance protection of natural areas and increase their economic importance.
13

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Aldebert, B., Dang, R.J. and Longhi, C., 2011. Innovation in the tourism industry: The case of
Tourism@. Tourism management, 32(5), pp.1204-1213.
Ayuso, S., 2007. Comparing voluntary policy instruments for sustainable tourism: The experience of
the Spanish hotel sector. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 15(2). pp. 144-159.
Ballantyne, R., Packer, J. and Hughes, K., 2009. Tourists' support for conservation messages and
sustainable management practices in wildlife tourism experiences. Tourism Management.
30(5). pp. 658-664.
Bramwell, B. 2011. Governance, the state and sustainable tourism: A political economy approach.
Journal of sustainable tourism.19(4-5). pp.459-477.
Bramwell, B. and Lane, B., 2008. Priorities in sustainable tourism research.
Byrd, E. T., 2007. Stakeholders in sustainable tourism development and their roles: applying
stakeholder theory to sustainable tourism development. Tourism Review. 62(2). pp. 6-13.
Edgell Sr, D. L., 2013. Managing sustainable tourism: a legacy for the future. Routledge.
Frey, N. and George, R., 2010. Responsible tourism management: The missing link between
business owners' attitudes and behaviour in the Cape Town tourism industry. Tourism
management, 31(5), pp.621-628.
Girard, L. F. and Nijkamp, P., 2009. Cultural tourism and sustainable local development. Ashgate
Publishing, Ltd..
Goodall, B. and Ashworth, G. eds., 2013. Marketing in the Tourism Industry (RLE Tourism): The
Promotion of Destination Regions. Routledge.
Gössling, S., Hall, C. M. and Weaver, D., 2009. Sustainable tourism futures: Perspectives on
systems, restructuring and innovations. Routledge.
Hunter, C., and Shaw, J., 2007. The ecological footprint as a key indicator of sustainable tourism.
Tourism management. 28(1). pp. 46-57.
Lansing, P. and De Vries, P., 2007. Sustainable tourism: ethical alternative or marketing ploy?.
Journal of Business Ethics. 72(1). pp. 77-85.
Miller, G. and et.al., 2010. Public understanding of sustainable tourism. Annals of Tourism Research.
37(3). pp. 627-645.
Riley, M., 2014. Human resource management in the hospitality and tourism industry. Routledge.
Scott, D. and et.al., 2008. Climate change and tourism: Responding to global challenges. World
Tourism Organization, Madrid. pp. 230.
Sims, R., 2009. Food, place and authenticity: local food and the sustainable tourism experience.
14

Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 17(3). pp. 321-336.
Tao, T. C. and Wall, G., 2009. Tourism as a sustainable livelihood strategy. Tourism management.
30(1). pp. 90-98.
Timur, S. and Getz, D., 2008. A network perspective on managing stakeholders for sustainable
urban tourism. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 20(4).
pp. 445-461.
Tsai, C.H. and Chen, C.W., 2010. An earthquake disaster management mechanism based on risk
assessment information for the tourism industry-a case study from the island of Taiwan.
Tourism Management, 31(4), pp.470-481.
Tsai, C.H. and Chen, C.W., 2011. The establishment of a rapid natural disaster risk assessment
model for the tourism industry. Tourism Management, 32(1), pp.158-171.
Ziegler, J., Dearden, P. and Rollins, R., 2012. But are tourists satisfied? Importance-performance
analysis of the whale shark tourism industry on Isla Holbox, Mexico. Tourism
Management, 33(3), pp.692-701.
Online
Statistics for T ourism, 2016. Online. Available through: <
https://www.statista.com/topics/962/global-tourism// >. [Accessed on 13th December, 2016].
Research methodology, 2016. Online. Available through: <http://research-methodology.net/research-
methodology/research-approach/ >. [Accessed on 13th December, 2016].
15

16