Beyond Tourism for Global Cities
Felipe Romera (APTE) States Global Cities Require Diverse Economies Beyond Tourism
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Felipe Romera, president of APTE and director of Málaga TechPark, delivered a sharp warning at the III Foro Económico y Social del Mediterráneo on June 18:
The statement landed at a forum co-organized by Prensa Ibérica and Fundación
Málaga TechPark Proves the Model Can Work
Romera's argument is backed by hard numbers. Málaga TechPark now hosts over 719 companies — including Google, Vodafone, and Ericsson — and generates €4.836 billion in direct economic impact, equal to 2.33% of Andalusia's entire GDP, according to La Opinión de Málaga. The park supports 70,968 direct and indirect jobs.
The Junta de AndalucÃa credits the park with 35% of Málaga's city GDP. Málaga is also creating new companies at three times the rate of the rest of Andalusia, according to El Periódico de Aragón. Romera calls the park
Spain's Tourism Boom Masks a Fragile Foundation
Spain welcomed 96.8 million international visitors in 2025 — a record. International tourists now spend an average of €395.50 per day, nearly €100 more than in 2024, according to La Opinión de Murcia. Málaga alone pulled in €284 million from conference tourism last year, a 7% year-on-year rise.
But Romera warns this success hides a vulnerability. Tourism jobs collapsed during the 2008 crisis and again during COVID-19. Tech-sector jobs held steady both times. Spain relies on tourism for roughly 12–14% of GDP. Romera argues that without a knowledge economy underneath, that number is a risk, not an achievement, according to El Periódico Mediterráneo.
City Leaders Back the Push for Tech-Led Growth
Málaga Mayor Francisco de la Torre attended the forum and handed the symbolic
Andalusian Employment Minister RocÃo Blanco said the region is working to become
Tech Growth Brings Tension Over Housing and Inequality
The Málaga model is not without critics. The surge in high-paid tech workers has driven a 25% average salary increase in the city. But it has also pushed up property costs sharply. Local resident groups in Málaga and Barcelona warn of a
Romera's answer is firm: innovation is the only path forward.
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