Theoretical Dimensions of Classification and Segmentation in Therapeutic Wellness Tourism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51699/economics.v37i4.160Keywords:
Therapeutic wellness tourism, hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, spa tourism, wellness segmentation, health tourism, natural resources, sustainable tourism development, medical tourism, spiritual tourismAbstract
The article explores the rapidly growing field of wellness tourism, emphasizing the segmentation and classification of therapeutic tourism. It identifies four main types: healing tourism, wellness tourism, spa tourism, and spiritual tourism, all of which contribute significantly to this sector. The knowledge gap lies in the need for a more comprehensive framework for classifying wellness tourism segments and understanding the different health, economic, and cultural implications. The study employs a multi-dimensional analysis that includes therapeutic services, socio-demographic factors, and geographical locations. Findings indicate that hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and spiritual tourism play a central role in promoting health and wellness, with distinct implications across different regions and tourist profiles. The results underscore the importance of utilizing natural resources like thermal springs for both recreational and medical purposes, emphasizing their historical and current relevance in tourism. The implication of this research suggests that categorizing wellness tourism can aid in targeted marketing strategies, enhance tourist satisfaction, and support the sustainable development of wellness tourism hubs globally.
References
Safarov B.Sh. The models of prognosis of regional tourism’s development // International Cross-Industry Research Journal (Perspectives of Innovations, Economics and Business). -Republic of Czech, 2010. - № 6.-P.80-83.
Safarov B.Sh. The impact of information and communication technologies in the development of tourism in Uzbekistan. Spanish Journal of Rural Development – Lugo, 2015. - Vol. VI (3-4), 21-28
Safarov B.Sh. Innovative forecasting of national tourism service market in The Republic of Uzbekistan/ Journal of Management Value and Ethics. - Gwalior, 2016. - Vol. VI No. 2.-P.57-72.
Bulletin of the State Committee on Statistics "Main indicators of the economy of Uzbekistan" T : Goskostat , 20 20 . 121 p.
Safarov B., Janzakov B. Measuring competitiveness in tourism enterprises using integral index/Geojournal of Tourism and Geositesthis link is disabled, 2021, 37(3), P. 768–774.
https://www.vsemirnyjbank.org/ru/news/press-release/
Z. Liu, H. Wang, and Y. Zhang, "A review of sustainable tourism development in China: Policy, practices, and implications," Journal of Cleaner Production, vol. 258, pp. 1-12, May 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120584.
S. H. Lee and S. H. Kwon, "Sustainability in tourism and hospitality: A critical review of keywords and research trends," Sustainability, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 1-16, Jan. 2021. doi: 10.3390/su13010199.
J. Kim, K. Park, and J. Lim, "Analyzing the relationship between wellness tourism and public health: A case study of South Korea," International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 18, no. 12, pp. 1-15, Jun. 2021. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18126542.
A. Albrecht, C. Hocquet, and N. Lecocq, "Wellness tourism and its impact on the global economy: An emerging trend," Tourism Economics, vol. 28, no. 3, pp. 689-707, Mar. 2022. doi: 10.1177/1354816621997856.
M. H. Hassan, H. S. Abdelkader, and A. Mahmoud, "The role of wellness tourism in promoting sustainable development: A case study of the Mediterranean region," Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 6, pp. 1-21, Mar. 2023. doi: 10.3390/su14063540.
Damijanić, A. T. (2020). Travel motivations as criteria in the wellness tourism market segmentation process. Academica Turistica-Tourism and Innovation Journal, 13(2).
Chen, K. H., Liu, H. H., & Chang, F. H. (2013). Essential customer service factors and the segmentation of older visitors within wellness tourism based on hot springs hotels. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 35, 122-132.
Dryglas, D., & Salamaga, M. (2018). Segmentation by push motives in health tourism destinations: A case study of Polish spa resorts. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 9, 234-246.
Quintela, J. A., Costa, C., & Correia, A. (2016). Health, Wellness and Medical Tourism–a conceptual approach. Enlightening Tourism. A Pathmaking Journal, 6(1), 1-18.
Voigt, C., Brown, G., & Howat, G. (2011). Wellness tourists: in search of transformation. Tourism review, 66(1/2), 16-30
