Health and Spa Tourism as a form of Special Interest Tourism - Essay Example

SIT has been defined as, “The provision of customized leisure and recreational experiences driven by the specific interests of individuals and groups”
With travelers seeking more authentic service and experience, travel markets have become much more sophisticated in the present times.

Though Health Spa Tourism as a product of SIT has gained much awareness among the masses in the recent past, health spa as a concept dates back to the 13th century. Health Spa over the years has proved to be extremely effective in treating disorders. However the health spa tourists are not essentially people with health problems, it also includes people who seek mental peace and tranquility.

http://www.heartofenglandtouristboard.co.uk/uploads/file/Spa%20tourism.pdf


2. Identify the reasons for the growth of your example of SIT. Link your discussion to factors such as trends in consumer behavior and the tourism industry's search for competitive advantage. (3-4 reasons)

The growth of health and spa tourism has been nothing less than phenomenal in recent years.
By the year 2025, it is expected that the health spa tourism industry will become one of the most important and largest industries in the world. This sudden rise in the popularity of the health spa industry can be explained by analyzing the trends in consumer behavior and the tourism industry’s search for competitive advantage.

Across nations and races, there has been an increasing awareness of fitness and healthy living. Among everything else, today’s consumers attach maximum priority to health and this trend is likely to remain the same in the times to come. Awareness has struck the masses at a time when greater income and employment opportunities have given them enhanced purchasing power and disposable income. This has also resulted in the emergence of newer and better healthcare products and services. When discussing trends in consumer behavior and the subsequent rise in the health spa tourism business, mention of today’s working environment and sedentary lifestyle is imperative.
Today’s men and women work under increased stress levels and lead extremely sedentary life devoid of physical exercise and which leads to increased demand for health and relaxation-related products and services. Health awareness among the masses coupled with the rise in the pensionable population has made health spa tourism even more attractive. Unlike in earlier days, today aged people want to stay fit, remain healthy and enjoy the benefits later in life.
http://www.heartofenglandtouristboard.co.uk/uploads/file/Spa%20tourism.pdf

Every firm or industry to sustain itself and make it viable in the long run, strives to identify its competitive advantages and thus strategize them to further its business. Similarly, health spa tourism provides the tourism industry with the much-desired competitive advantage among all Special Interest Tourism. Health Spas offer a host of services that leave the customer with an excellent experience and craving for more. Spa tourism at present times focuses more on relaxation and beautification rather than healing and treating diseases. Quality and excellence are two parameters that have helped the health spa industry to retain its competitive advantage over the years.


3. Who has responsibility for providing this particular type of product or service and to whom? Role of entrepreneurs and small businesses. (Note the latter requires you to examine what is the typical consumer profile of your SIT product)

Healthy spa tourism is broadly aimed at special interest tourism travelers who appreciate beauty, have the urge to improve themselves, seek value for money and expect high standards of service. The primary consumer base of the health spa tourism industry has been women. However, the past few years have seen important changes taking place in the market. The number of men going for health spa tourism for fitness and relaxation is on the rise. Among women, the majority of spa-goers are professional women who are married but with no children.

http://www.cababstractsplus.org/abstracts/Abstract.aspx?AcNo=19991810538

Though tourism is a national concern for any State, the ultimate responsibility for providing this type of product or service is on the entrepreneurs and small businesses. The lack of industry information and relevant statistics is a potential limitation that the health spa industry faces. However, the opportunities at the disposal of the global health spa tourism industry outweigh the limitations. A 1996 survey reveals that approximately 2.3 percent of German adults aged 14 years and above are regular clients of spas and health clubs and an additional 20.7 percent visit these places occasionally. Australia on the other hand as a country has superior facilities and services related to fitness, wellness, rehabilitation, and recuperation. Read More