We tell you how tourism can revitalize territories and alleviate depopulation
By Pako Rodríguez, tourism responsible, and Sandra Campos, consultant specialized in tourism.
(Original publication in Spanish)
Tourism can be a very powerful tool to revitalize territories that are suffering from depopulation. As rural communities face declining populations due to population concentration in urban areas, tourism can provide a vital source of income and employment for local economies.
The phenomenon of depopulation is essentially based on the massive exodus, especially of young people in search of job opportunities, to large cities, causing in these territories where a migration process occurs, an inversion of the population pyramid that translates into a lack of basic services and opportunities, which, again, feeds this phenomenon.
There are many examples that reflect this reality. According to UN data, in 2018, 55% of the world population lived in cities, a percentage that is estimated to reach 70% in 2050. This process is also detrimental to the planet, since only these cities consume the 75% of energy resources while emitting 80% of the polluting carbon. In Spain, 84% of the territory represents emptied Spain, being a place of residence for only 15.9% of the population. Continuing with this example, it should be noted that in Spain, the fourth most populous country in the EU, we find two of the most populated centers in Europe (Madrid and Barcelona) and a positive population growth but, at the same time, it is the territory with highest number of depopulated areas in the European Union, according to Eurostat data.
Tourism and depopulation
That is why the relationship between tourism and depopulation seems to make sense, even though its tangibility is complex. Although tourism can provide a source of income and employment for rural communities, it can also have negative effects on the quality of life of residents, their habits and customs, and the environment.
For this reason, it is essential that tourist activities be considered from a regenerative approach to tourism, taking into account the relationship between local communities, the environment and economic development, and promoting a net positive impact on the territories where it is developed. As we have mentioned en otras ocasiones, regenerative tourism focuses on creating authentic experiences that support local communities and protect and restore the environment, and can also serve as a vehicle for raising awareness and disseminating the challenges faced by rural destinations.
Thus, regenerative tourism can be a viable solution by promoting job creation and investment in the economic development of the local community. By encouraging investment in improving tourism infrastructure and the supply of services, entrepreneurship and job opportunities can be generated for local residents.
In this sense, culture, artisanal processes and methods and their derived products can play a fundamental role in attracting regenerative and quality tourism, while contributing to the revitalization of rural territories. These artisans can offer unique and authentic experiences, fostering economic development and employment for the resident community. In addition, they often use traditional techniques and materials that can help preserve and pass on local culture to future generations, where generational handover would sometimes not exist.
A clear example is located in the region of La Vera, in Extremadura, where leather and wood artisans have been fundamental in creating a sustainable local economy and attracting tourism. These artisans have created high-quality products using traditional techniques and local materials that have attracted tourists who wanted to experience the authenticity of the local culture. Among them, some artisan initiatives such as Las Galliciolas or Hititas. In addition, these artisans have worked with the authorities of the region for the sake of promoting sustainability and protecting the environment, adding a double positive impact on the local community and the travelers who visit the destination.
However, the revitalization of the territories through tourism does not have a simple solution. For its implementation, long-term policies and strategies are necessary to address depopulation and promote sustainable development, the involvement of the local community being essential in decision-making and development of new projects. This participation of the local community in the planning and development of tourism can improve the quality of life of the community and of the specific territory, as well as increase the sense of belonging and pride and with it, the roots of their environment, which can help to retain residents and attract others seeking a lifestyle more connected to nature and local communities.
In short, regenerative tourism can be a very useful tool to combat depopulation in rural areas and promote the economic and sustainable development of these territories. However, it is important to bear in mind that this is not a magical solution and that it requires a participatory and long-term approach, as well as the involvement and commitment of all the actors involved in the territory.
Webinar FiturNext 2024
It is in this sense, and in line with the Sustainable Development Goals, the FiturNext Observatory launches the 2024 challenge: how can tourism contribute to territorial revitalization.
With the aim of finding good practices that can be replicated and have a positive impact, the Observatory has already begun the period of research and analysis of initiatives at a global level that respond to the challenge of depopulation, while beginning to forge ties with professionals and entities that can contribute to the generation of knowledge on the subject.
To start the professional dialogue on this subject, we have launched the next FiturNext 2024 webinar, which will be on June 14 at 5:00 p.m. CET. In this new appointment we will have the presence of the promoters of winning initiatives and finalists of previous challenges. Despite having been awarded in past editions focused on other challenges, with the exercise of their practices they contribute in one way or another to curb depopulation.
Antonia Varela, Director of the Starlight Foundation, an entity that certifies destinations, guides, accommodation, nature reserves and other spaces internationally and where you can enjoy observing the night sky with low levels of light pollution and stargazing.
Alberto Pordomingo, co-founder of Apadrina un Olivo, whose activity, thanks to its olive sponsorship program, has saved thousands of centuries-old olive trees by promoting tourism in Oliete (Teruel)
Gemma Roselló, founder of Sentir el Alto Tajo, where through their activities in Peralejos de las Truchas (Guadalajara) they offer an accessible and inclusive ecotourism service.
We invite you to discover how these initiatives fight for the revitalization of the territories through tourism.
Remember that the period for presenting initiatives to FiturNext 2024 is now open. Through the following link you can apply to be part of the FiturNext community and become one of the winners or finalists who will be with us during the Fitur fair next January 2024.
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