Evolution of transport, accessibility and tourism competitiveness in Extremadura (Spain): a benchmarking analysis

Abstract The efficiency of the transportation options available to tourists, in terms of convenience and time, directly impacts the competitiveness of a destination in the tourism sector. The aim of this study is to compare how the indicators of accessibility and connectivity of transportation have evolved across Spain's Autonomous Regions. To achieve this, we used indicators related to the sufficiency and connectivity of air and high-speed train services, as well as land accessibility and connectivity, as provided by Exceltur's Monitur reports. For a dynamic analysis, which is essential in assessing this type of infrastructure, we considered the values of these indicators from the first Monitur report (2010) and the most recent one (2018). Based on these values for the 17 Autonomous Regions of Spain, we identified the regions that have gained relative competitiveness and those that have experienced a relative decline. The dynamic analysis conducted in this study has allowed us to classify the regions according to the evolution of their relative competitiveness. It highlights the key areas that destination managers should focus on to design strategies that enhance their competitive position.