Cross-border interaction between Galicia and Portugal via their local airports

“This data highlights the significance of cross-border collaborations between countries and reflects how an in-depth analysis of traveller flows can better support the economic growth and cultural enhancement of the region.”

Aroa Jimenez
Spatial Data Expert
ForwardKeys

Spanish tourism

The summer of 2023 accelerates the evolution of tourism activity in Spain, with a growth of 17.3% compared to 2019. Regarding foreign demand, it also intensified its growth in summer, mainly in terms of spending at destination (+16.9%).

In fact, the new report by Exceltur highlights an especially positive balance in the northern communities, highlighting Galicia with an increase of 27% visitors, ahead of communities such as Asturias, Cantabria, the Valencian Community, Andalusia, the Balearic Islands or the Canary Islands.

What was the challenge Xunta de Galicia faced?

Cross-border plane hopping is a common activity for those who live within proximity to airports on the “other side.” Understanding the real figures is pivotal for tourism boards dependent on air travellers.

In Europe, countries have become more interconnected. This cooperation between nations is particularly evident at the border between Spain and Portugal, where the number of Galician and Portuguese citizens crossing the border to use local airports highlights the importance of effective cross-border analysis. For regions such as Xunta Galicia in Spain this information is indispensable, understanding the value of air travel and the passenger profiles to match.

What solution did ForwardKeys propose?

ForwardKeys was contacted and asked to conduct an analysis of cross-border travel. ForwardKeys used its proprietary algorithm, “Total Air Market”, which considers both the supply and demand of the air travel industry.

Additionally, we used geolocation data from mobile phone applications to provide an accurate view of people’s travel patterns in the region and how they affect local airports. This innovative methodology helped to provide a precise understanding of the movement patterns of people in the area.

Why investigate such opportunities?

The in-depth analysis using ForwardKeys’ TAM and geolocation data provided Xunta Galicia with a clear image of the moving travellers between its key airports and the neighbouring ones in Portugal to better seize tourism and hospitality offers and opportunities.

Aroa Jimenez, Spatial Data Expert at ForwardKeys: “This data highlights the significance of cross-border collaborations between countries and reflects how an in-depth analysis of traveller flows can better support the economic growth and cultural enhancement of the region.”

“The key to fully understanding the cross-border interaction between Galicians and Portuguese on the Spain-Portugal border through local airports lies in the combined use of geolocated data and aerial data. This data provides us with an accurate view of the movement patterns of “people in the region and their impact on local airports”. It simply underlines the need for more effective cross-border cooperation.”