Skyscrapers in vineyards. The life cycle of a second generation seaside resort – the case of Benidorm Cover Image

Wieżowce w winnicach. Cykl życiowy nadmorskiej destynacji turystycznej na przykładzie Benidormu
Skyscrapers in vineyards. The life cycle of a second generation seaside resort – the case of Benidorm

Author(s): Grzegorz Rak, Małgorzata Pstrocka-Rak
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: EUROREG - Uniwersytet Warszawski, Regional Studies Association - Sekcja Polska
Keywords: Benidorm; TALC; life cycle; seaside resort; mass tourism

Summary/Abstract: The main aim of the article is to test Richard Butler’s model of tourist destination lifecycle in relation to Benidorm – one of the most important Spanish seaside resorts. Benidorm is an example of extreme changes in the landscape caused by a large number of skyscrapers. The analysis of Benidorm’s history from 14th to 16th century and its photographs allowed us to identify phases of this resort’s cycle. Supply and demanded features, infrastructure, the degree of landscape change and management priorities were also taken into consideration. Particular attention was paid to the reorientation stage. Using statistical data, the authors verified how effective the reorientation of Benidorm’s tourism economy was. Moreover, in order to show a wide background of the issues discussed, the main characteristics of development stages of mass tourism were presented (based on ten examples of second generation seaside resorts).

  • Issue Year: 12/2011
  • Issue No: 45
  • Page Range: 26-58
  • Page Count: 33
  • Language: Polish