Development of the tourism industry has helped Spain’s economy by creating jobs, according to Spain’s minister for industry Jose Manuel Soria.
Speaking at the 15th World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Soria confirmed that the tourism sector is acting as a catalyst for growth, economic development and job creation, which all help drive economic recovery, not only in Spain, but throughout the world, The Leader reported.
The official highlighted the drive of this industry in Spain, which represents 11% of GDP, and covered 165% of the Spanish trade deficit in 2014. He also highlighted the progress in terms of job creation, with the sector representing 12% of total employment in Spain.
Soria also underlined that the positive trend in tourism-based employment is continuing into 2015, with March recording a 5.9% year-on-year increase. This is the highest figure for March since records began.
He emphasized that Spain is becoming the world benchmark model for tourism, which was made possible by the government making this industry a top priority.
Spain’s National and Comprehensive Tourism Plan 2012-2015, which has now been 75% implemented, was the very first plan of the government in this term of office, which has contributed to this sector’s competitiveness, profitability and innovation.
