Tourism: an opportunity that Spain cannot afford to stop

There is a fundamental difference between those who consider tourism a problem and those of us who understand it as an opportunity. That difference is not only ideological; it translates into political decisions, investments, and, above all, the ability to generate prosperity for thousands of families.

The Valencian Community has consolidated itself as one of the great tourist engines of Spain. The data speaks for itself: visitor spending is increasing, de-seasonalization is growing, inland destinations are being strengthened, and we are increasingly attracting higher quality and higher value-added tourism. It is not the result of chance, but of a strategy based on planning, professionalization of the sector, and collaboration between administrations and businesses.

From the Popular Party, we have always defended that tourism must be managed intelligently and not with prejudices. Because behind every hotel, every restaurant, every legal apartment, every shop, or every tourism activity company, there are workers, self-employed individuals, and families who live off an industry that represents an essential part of our economy.

Precisely for that reason, it is incomprehensible that the Government of Pedro Sánchez continues not to place tourism among its strategic priorities. While the Valencian Community sets records in activity, the Executive still does not respond with the investments that a territory leading the economic and tourist growth of our country needs.

We are not demanding privileges. We are demanding equality. It is common sense that a community that receives millions of visitors every year has infrastructure in line with that reality. Our airports need sufficient capacity to absorb the constant increase in passengers. Our rail connections require a decisive commitment to the Mediterranean Corridor. And our roads, ports, and public services must be sized to meet a demand that benefits the whole of the Spanish economy.

Because when a tourist lands in Alicante, Castellón, or Valencia, when they board a cruise, or when they visit our inland municipalities, they not only generate wealth in the Valencian Community. They also contribute to the growth of the whole of Spain.

In the face of that reality, some remain intent on turning the tourist into the culprit of all problems, meanwhile, the Generalitat Valenciana has demonstrated that there is another way to do things. New tools have been promoted to regulate tourist use homes, reinforce legal security, and pursue the illegal offer that harms both neighbors and businesses that comply with the law. That is the difference between governing with data or doing it from dogmatism.

They remain intent on turning the tourist into the culprit of all problems

We must also value the commitment to diversification. Today, inland tourism, gastronomic tourism, cultural, sports, and cruise tourism allow for a better distribution of wealth and combat seasonality. Each visitor who discovers the interior of Castellón, the Valencian regions, or the heritage of Alicante generates opportunities where there were barely any before. That must be the way: to grow with balance, sustainability, and planning.

As a national deputy of the Partido Popular, I am clear that Spain needs a state tourism policy. A Government that listens to the sector, that invests where it is really needed, and that stops using tourism as an ideological battleground.

Tourism does not need more obstacles. It needs stability, legal security, modern infrastructures, and an Administration that is up to par with one of the sectors that generates the most wealth, employment, and territorial cohesion.

The Comunitat Valenciana is already demonstrating that it knows how to lead that model. Now it is up to the Government of Spain to stop putting on brakes and finally start supporting the success of a land that has been contributing much more than it receives for too long.