Madrid is among the ten cities worldwide that generate the most economic benefits from tourism while improving its environmental and social performance, according to the results from the 'Destination Always' report prepared by the digital travel platform Booking and presented at the 2024 FITUR international tourism fair.
The report analysed the impact of travel, tourism and flows of people on social, economic and environmental performance at the local level.
Madrid stands out as one of the top ten cities globally that experiences the most economic benefits from visitor traffic while demonstrating that its environment and social performances have significantly improved.
Madrid shared its top ten slot alongside Paris, Chicago, Lisbon, Lisbon, London, Berlin, Tel Aviv, Melbourne, Bogota, Mexico City, and Chicago.
According to the report, the Spanish capital managed to strike a "harmonious balance between the increase in tourists and the responsible management of resources, consolidating its position as a benchmark in reconciling economic development and environmental sustainability".
In addition, it highlights that Madrid has experienced improvements in social indicators, showing a comprehensive approach that benefits both residents and visitors.
Social tolerance and gender equality
The report also reveals that 63% of the world's population believes travel and tourism have positively contributed to improving gender equity in their local areas. This reflects the tourism industry's positive influence on key social issues.
At the same time, despite concerns about the cultural impact of visitors, the report shows that increased overnight stays are improving social tolerance.
Three-quarters of respondents agree that engagement with visitors broadened their understanding of diverse cultures and communities, countering the negative perception that travel adds to cultural loss.
Despite the widespread perception that overnight stays increase the cost of living, the research contradicts this myth. Only in tourism-intensive destinations did we find a correlation between visitors and accommodation prices.
Indeed, in these places, a 1% increase in overnight stays has been associated with a 0.03% increase in rental prices.
This report, therefore, underlines the need to implement policies adapted to local contexts and specific challenges to fight against tourismphobia in some parts of society.
Ultimately, despite this common mindset in society, policymakers (91%), business executives (81%) and the general population (79%) say that tourism is necessary and fundamental for economic growth.