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.
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