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Geography Matters, But… Evolving Success Factors for Nature-Oriented Health Tourism within Selected Alpine Destinations

Author

Listed:
  • Jürgen Schmude

    (Department of Geography, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Luisenstrasse 37, 80333 Munich, Germany)

  • Markus Pillmayer

    (Department of Tourism, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Schachenmeierstrasse 35, 80636 Munich, Germany)

  • Maximilian Witting

    (Department of Geography, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Luisenstrasse 37, 80333 Munich, Germany)

  • Philipp Corradini

    (Institute for Regional Development, Eurac Research, Viale Druso 1, 39100 Bolzano, Italy)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the success factors of health tourism based on natural attractions in selected European spa and health destinations. The natural resources included in the offers, such as water, salt, and air, play a central role in this context, as their evidence-based effects have a high relevance for the health and wellbeing of tourists. Due to its specific geographical location and considering the threat of climate change, however, this offer is facing increasing challenges which make adaptation strategies necessary. In addition to a conceptional introduction to the topic, this paper contains a descriptive analysis of tourism statistics and the results from self-administered questionnaires with six selected representatives from alpine health destinations (DE, FR, IT, AT, CH, SI). The results show varying forms of health tourism based on natural attractions, which are also reflected in online marketing, with potential for optimization. The web research and the responses to the questionnaire revealed that evidence-based studies hardly play a role in promoting health touristic offers. Furthermore, climate change effects on natural attractions are considered extremely small and tend to prompt the development of new offers. Health destinations are advised to generate a clearer focus on the risks of climate change regarding natural resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Jürgen Schmude & Markus Pillmayer & Maximilian Witting & Philipp Corradini, 2021. "Geography Matters, But… Evolving Success Factors for Nature-Oriented Health Tourism within Selected Alpine Destinations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:10:p:5389-:d:557133
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Bjørn Grinde & Grete Grindal Patil, 2009. "Biophilia: Does Visual Contact with Nature Impact on Health and Well-Being?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 6(9), pages 1-12, August.
    6. Anna María Pálsdóttir & Dennis Persson & Birgitta Persson & Patrik Grahn, 2014. "The Journey of Recovery and Empowerment Embraced by Nature — Clients’ Perspectives on Nature-Based Rehabilitation in Relation to the Role of the Natural Environment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-22, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Arnulf Josef Hartl & Johanna Freidl & Daniela Huber, 2023. "Effects of Alpine Natural Health Resources on Human Health and Wellbeing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-3, June.
    2. Anđelina Marić Stanković & Ivana Radonjić & Marko Petković & Darko Divnić, 2022. "Climatic Elements as Development Factors of Health Tourism in South Serbia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-18, November.

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