Substantiating the directions of health tourism development in Czechia

Abstract

<abstract> <p>The purpose of the article is to substantiate the directions of health tourism development in Czechia. The purpose of the study is the subjects of health tourism: well-known rehabilitation centers in Czechia, medical institutions, health resorts. The methodological basis was formed by the following methods: abstract-logical; statistical; expert evaluation; cluster analysis; piecewise linear approximation. Among the most popular regions of Czechia for health tourism, the main places are Prague, Moravian-Silesia, Olomouc, Plzeň, South Moravian and South Bohemian. The increase in the number of patients among residents of the country and foreigners who use health tourism services is studied. The five leaders among the countries that used the services are identified. The main problems and advantages of health tourism in Czechia are identified. The Czech tourism development strategy for 2021–2030 is analyzed and directions for its implementation are proposed. <bold>Originality / value</bold>: the originality of the study lies in forecasting the directions of health tourism development in Czechia using the method of piecewise linear approximation in the following areas: adults with health insurance; adults at their own expense, children and teenagers, which will increase the volume of income for health tourism institutions in Czechia. According to the forecasting results, the demand for health services will increase by 3% annually. The results of this study can be useful for substantiating the directions of further health tourism development in the country, which will ensure the competitiveness and investment attractiveness of the country.</p> </abstract>