Empirical analysis of health tourism - Băile Herculane, WHERE TO?

Abstract

Tourism is an activity practiced in our times at a large scale, with more and more people wanting to be part of this phenomenon, aware of its benefits: cultural, emotional and even health benefits. Spa tourism has a long tradition in Europe: the curative properties of water were highly valued by the Greeks and Romans, who turned the habit of bathing into a social occasion. This form of tourism is no stranger to Romania, being practiced here since 2000 years ago, the most important evidences being the Roman built resorts such as B aile Herculane. Spa tourism is of significant importance for employee recovery after occupational stress, helps with recovering from injuries, provides a life extension and improves specific ailments associated with ageing. This paper attempts to foray into health tourism over time - from the earliest records of the use of curative thermal waters in Europe until present, suggesting ways that we believe are beneficial for future research. The second part of the paper focuses on B aile Herculane, with an analysis of the resort tourism indicators, its present condition and possible improvements.