The change of the Spanish tourist model: From the Sun and Sand to the Security and Sand

Abstract

There is evidence of specialisation in tourism destinations, but also a lack of literature regarding itsimpact on tourism regional performance. This study aims to contribute to the analysis of thedeterminants of tourism performance. To this end, the efficiency of 17 Spanish regions has beenestimated by meta-frontier data envelopment analysis techniques over the 2008-2018 period. In thesecond stage, we adopt the bootstrapping method proposed by Simar and Wilson to measure theimpact of explanatory factors on tourism efficiency. The results suggest that regions specialised intourism may achieve higher efficiency levels. However, there is evidence of a catching-up process inthe tourism technology of the Spanish regions over the last 10 years. Results also suggest thatsand(kilometres of beaches) andinsecurityare the key drivers of tourism efficiency. Moreover,naturalattractionsis the factor that most positively influences efficiency in non-specialised regions