DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTH TOURISM AS A DIRECTION OF THE SPA INDUSTRY MODERNIZATION OF THE REGION

• Published in: Market Infrastructure no. 69
• Main Authors: Holovchuk, Yuliia, Moroz, Solomiia, Kucher, Pavlo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2022
• ISSN: 2519-2868; 2519-2868
• DOI: 10.32782/infrastruct69-39

The article deals with the role of health tourism as a direction of modernization of the spa industry at the regional level (on the example of the Lviv region). The terms "medical and health tourism" and "health tourism" were compared. The importance of the development of health tourism as one of the most promising types of tourism in Ukraine is emphasized. The role of health tourism as a promising direction of modernization of the spa industry of the region is substantiated. One of the essential advantages of the tourism complex of Ukraine is the presence of significant natural resource potential, the key component of which is balneological resources, which make it possible to ensure the development of health tourism. Spa activities are also based on the use of natural healing resources and healing methods, which increases the efficiency of the state's health care system. The experience of developed countries confirms the need for the development of the spa industry, which creates significant economic advantages and contributes to solving many social problems. Prospects for the development of the spa industry in Ukraine are substantial because this sphere is one of the main social institutions that solve the problem of improving the quality of the population's health. The main natural healing resources of the region are characterized and it is established that their uniqueness forms a reliable basis for the development of spa activity – treatment, recovery, rest, and recreation. The main types of sanatorium-resort facilities, on the basis of which medical and health services are provided to the population, have been determined. Most resort facilities become multifunctional and perform not only the primary function of providing medical and recreational services but also tourism and recreation, that is, they provide temporary accommodation services. It was concluded that thanks to the unique natural and recreational potential and the growing interest in health tourism, the Lviv region has all the grounds and necessary resources for further modernization of the spa industry, taking into account the need to activate the development of health tourism.