Cerdanya, a region in the Pyrenees, faces significant economic losses as local businesses report a sharp decline in bookings for school trips. This concern comes from Empresariat Cerdanya, a business association, which highlights the impact on the tourism and leisure activity sectors.
The problem stems from teachers across Catalonia refusing to participate in extracurricular outings. This action, part of a wider protest, is directly causing a substantial drop in reservations at 'cases de colònies' or holiday camps, according to Empresariat Cerdanya. Such cancellations are having serious consequences for the local economy in the Pyrenees, particularly within the Cerdanya comarca.
Economic Impact on Local Tourism
The 'cases de colònies' are a key part of the region's tourism offering, especially during spring and early summer. They attract thousands of schoolchildren annually, providing a steady income stream for accommodation providers, activity organisers, and related services. The current situation means many of these businesses are experiencing unexpected financial strain, with some facing the prospect of a season without their usual influx of school groups.
Empresariat Cerdanya has called for a swift resolution to the dispute between teachers and educational authorities. They stress the need to ensure that school trips can resume, thereby safeguarding the livelihoods of many families and businesses dependent on this sector in the Pyrenean region.
