Spa tourism opportunities as strategic sector in aiding recovery from Covid-19: The Spanish model

Abstract

Spa tourism has been experiencing over the last decades significant changes in its nature. Supply and demand have changed in recent years, impacting on the function of thermal centers in general, and on the use of their base resource, mineral-medicinal water, in particular. Recently, this productive sector has been forced to resituate itself due to the unexpected outbreak of the Covid pandemic whose impacts on the sector are still to be fully calibrated, although it has already halted a large part of economic activity and global flows of people and goods. The present investigation examines the function and potential that spas have as health agents. In the case of Spain, this research note reflects on the opportunities, for a repositioning of this activity in the tourist dynamics that arise during and after a period of crisis.

Challenges of Spa Tourism in Andalusia: Experts’ Proposed Solutions

“…As some authors argue, natural and water-based experiences create loyalty to both the type of experience and the tourist destination [ 3 ]. The attraction exerted by Andalusian spas confirms the growth trend of the spa sector at an international level [ 17 , 45 ]; although at the moment the COVID-19 pandemic has paralyzed world tourism [ 20 ], the hydrothermal sector is reinventing itself offering its facilities and medical equipment at the service of public health [ 21 ].…”

“…According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) [ 20 ], it will take two to three years for tourism to regain pre-pandemic levels but in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hydrotherapy sector reinvents its opportunities as alternative tourism away from the masses and claims its sanitary character within society. Many spas have offered their facilities and their medical equipment to the authorities either by accommodating health personnel or transporters, welcoming the elderly or offering their experiences in respiratory treatments of their waters at the service of research [ 21 ].…”

Digitally Monitoring Thermalism Health and Wellness Effects - A Conceptual Model Proposal

“…Assuming the importance that thermal activity has for the territories where it is available, typically low-density territories and with low economic development rates, thermalism and the inherent tourist activity are decisive elements. In line with this reality are, for example, the regions of Alto Tâmega (in Portugal) and Galicia (in Spain) that have in their natural mineral waters (thermal and bottled) a solid pillar of tourist and economic development, as well as one of the strongest reasons for differentiation [25].…”

Past and Future Trends in Medical Spas: A Co-Word Analysis

“…Appendix A (18); spa facility (17); creation (15); business model ( 14); wellness tourism (14); wellness tourist (13); hot spring resort (12)…”

“…In the context of the global growth of COVID-19 cases and taking into account the particularities of the COVID-19 infection, which affects mainly the respiratory system, spa tourism, through its medical spa component, could be a potential cost-effective solution for the healthcare systems of countries that have a long tradition of health resort activity. This suggestion has started to be emphasised in the academic environment [14], and there are already resorts that offer dedicated programs for COVID-19 recovery [15].…”