![\"Historic](\"https:\/\/teknomers.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Its-easier-to-buy-a-souvenir-than-bread.jpeg\"\/)
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From 645 to 202 Businesses<\/h2>\n
The statistics are alarming. According to official data from the city council, in 1990, the historic area had \u00a0645 businesses\u00a0 focused on catering to residents. This broad category included everything from food and clothing to kiosks, pharmacies, jewelry stores, and hardware shops. Today, that figure has plummeted to \u00a0202\u00a0. The decline has been particularly steep among food-related businesses which have decreased from \u00a0125 to 35\u00a0, and clothing stores that have seen a fall from \u00a0121 to just 44\u00a0.<\/p>\n
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The Rise of Tourism-Oriented Businesses<\/h2>\n
Perhaps the most striking statistic is that the number of businesses targeting tourists has now surpassed those aimed at locals. Currently, the municipality counts \u00a092 souvenir shops\u00a0, \u00a072\u00a0 specializing in crafts, jewelry and design, and an additional \u00a043\u00a0 businesses offering typical products or delicacies. Overall, there are now \u00a0207 commercial establishments\u00a0 with a focus on tourism \u2013 outnumbering those catering to Santiago’s residents.<\/p>\n
An analysis of ground-level businesses in the historic district shows that \u00a045%\u00a0 are dedicated to commerce, \u00a031%\u00a0 to leisure and dining, \u00a08%\u00a0 to accommodation (the same percentage as for tertiary services), and \u00a07%\u00a0 to offices. Interestingly, between 1996 and 2025, the population in the historic city increased by \u00a026%\u00a0, yet significant declines have been noted in several streets near or within monumental areas, alongside the paths traveled by pilgrims.<\/p>\n
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The City’s Strategic Moves<\/h2>\n
With these statistics in hand, the Santiago city council has decided to take action and regulate the \u00a0touristification\u00a0 of its commerce. Recently, the city\u2019s Urban Planning Councillor presented a modification to the Special Plan for Protection and Rehabilitation of the Historic City. This aims to \u201cmaintain and reinforce the residential use\u201d of the old town while \u201cpromoting the preservation\u201d of local businesses. The overarching goal is to ensure a balance between services aimed at residents and those targeting tourists.<\/p>\n
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This regulatory change has received approval from the local government but must undergo public consultation and obtain further approval from the city council before being enacted. If successful, it will complete a process that began nearly a year ago.<\/p>\n
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What Business Types are Affected?<\/h2>\n
The plan aims to put restrictions on three specific types of businesses within Santiago’s historic zone, all of which are clearly tourist-focused: souvenir shops, stores selling typical products, and automated establishments such as vending machines and unattended laundries.<\/p>\n
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Additionally, the plan includes a ban on gaming establishments, such as casinos or betting shops, throughout the monumental area. It continues to prohibit the opening of new accommodations of any type.<\/p>\n
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Revitalizing Local Commerce<\/h2>\n
Although this summary highlights the surface-level changes, the Santiago plan involves a more intricate approach. The city is also exploring ways to reintroduce funding to rehabilitate and conserve historic or significant local businesses, akin to efforts made in the late 1990s. Plans also prioritize local housing and community needs.<\/p>\n
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Santiago is not alone in facing the challenges of \u00a0touristification\u00a0. Recently, a report from the city of \u00a0M\u00e1laga\u00a0 highlighted unprecedented levels of tourist saturation and cautioned that local, value-added businesses may be replaced by souvenir shops and tourist-oriented establishments.<\/p>\n
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\nIn conclusion, while the rise in tourism provides economic opportunities for many cities, it also presents the challenge of maintaining local culture, commerce, and the quality of life for residents. Striking a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving the unique identity of places like Santiago de Compostela is crucial for sustainable growth.\n<\/p>\n