Torrevieja Hosts International Workshop on Tourism Economics

Torrevieja, a vibrant coastal city in Spain, is currently the center of academic attention as it hosts the XVI International Workshop “Tourism: Economics & Management.” From November 4 to November 11, 2024, the city is bustling with tourism experts, researchers, and doctoral candidates from Europe and Latin America. The event aims to delve deep into the mechanics of the tourism economy and market trends concerning second residences in Spain.

Event Overview

On November 4, the first session of the workshop took place at the Multi-Purpose Building in Torrevieja. This event is co-organized by the Torrevieja City Council and the University of Alicante’s Intelligent Tourism Laboratory (TI·LAB). Leading the discussions were prominent figures such as:

• Catalina Iliescu, Vice-Rector for Culture, Sport, and University Extension at the University of Alicante
• Rosario Martínez Chazarra, Tourism Councillor for the Torrevieja City Council
• Professor Gabriel Brida, from the University of the Republic of Uruguay and the workshop director

Key Discussions and Focus Areas

The workshop provided a platform for various experts to engage in discussions centered around:

• Determinants of Tourist Spending: Understanding what factors influence how much tourists spend in different regions.
• Market Trends for Second Residences: A particular focus was placed on the economic impacts associated with the rising trend of second homes in tourist destinations across Spain.

Experts unanimously praised the economic benefits derived from the second residence tourism segment, highlighting its significant contribution to local economies.

Collaboration and Research Networks

This workshop is not only a gathering of minds but also a strategic effort to strengthen research networks between institutions in Latin America and the Ibero-American community, especially those in Spain. It is organized by the ECO-IA research group from the University of Alicante and the Ibero-American Network for Research in Economics and Management of Tourism (Redegetur), showcasing a commitment to enriching tourism studies.

For images from the event, you can view the photographs by Joaquín Carrión here.

Conclusion

As this workshop progresses through the week, it is expected to yield valuable insights and foster deeper collaboration within the international tourism research community. The focus on critical aspects of tourism economics underlines the sector’s importance to Spain’s overall economy and its global standing in tourism.

For more information, you can visit the official page of the University of Alicante’s Tourism Faculty.

References: Torrevieja City Council News.