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Challenges of Spa Tourism in Andalusia: Experts’ Proposed Solutions

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  • Rosa Anaya-Aguilar

    (Department of Economics and Business Administration, University of Malaga, Campus El Ejido, s/n, 29071 Malaga, Spain)

  • German Gemar

    (Department of Economics and Business Administration, University of Malaga, Campus El Ejido, s/n, 29071 Malaga, Spain)

  • Carmen Anaya-Aguilar

    (Department of Economics and Business Administration, University of Malaga, Campus El Ejido, s/n, 29071 Malaga, Spain)

Abstract

Water is the common thread and attraction factor of the tourism facilities called “spas”, which are part of health and beauty services. Spa use is currently experiencing a boom that reflects changes in populations, such as an increase in economic wellbeing and a desire to reunite with nature. This research’s objectives were to understand spa tourism’s structural and operational dimensions and to assess this sector’s current situation by using the Delphi method with a panel of 22 experts. The results show that these experts believe that, in Andalusia, spas energize the area as a tourism destination through their natural resources and conservation of key elements. However, spa development policies are scarce, including a lack of autonomous community laws regarding these facilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosa Anaya-Aguilar & German Gemar & Carmen Anaya-Aguilar, 2021. "Challenges of Spa Tourism in Andalusia: Experts’ Proposed Solutions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:1829-:d:498856
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Aida Pinos-Navarrete & Francisco Javier Abarca-Álvarez & Juan Carlos Maroto-Martos, 2022. "Perceptions and Profiles of Young People Regarding Spa Tourism: A Comparative Study of Students from Granada and Aachen Universities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(5), pages 1-17, February.

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    Keywords

    spa; Delphi; tourism; health; Andalusia;
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