New sustainable practices in health and wellness tourism destinations focused on the quality of life and wellbeing

Ricardo Jorge da Costa Guerra; Fábia Trentin; Carolina  Vila-Chã

doi:10.25145/j.pasos.2022.20.058

Authors

Ricardo Jorge da Costa Guerra Polythecnic Institute of Guarda https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8788-781X
Fábia Trentin Universidade Federal Fluminense https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0323-1109
Carolina Vila-Chã Polythecnic Institute of Guarda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3891-357X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25145/j.pasos.2022.20.058

Keywords:

Sustainability, Health and wellness tourism, Thermal spas, Quality of life and Wellbeing, Destination Management, Natural Environments

Abstract

This work presents new practices that can be followed in health and wellness tourism destinations, with a greater focus on promoting human wellbeing, based on the strategy presented for the Caldas da Cavaca Thermal Spa Resort in Portugal. In this study, the methodology used was based on empirical data collection. Four techniques were used, namely a benchmarking strategy, complemented by questionnaires to managers of thermal spas, and a questionnaire survey aimed at the clients and manager of Caldas da Cavaca. In this strategy, a set of 40 strategic actions were defined. These actions are in line with the policies and strategies defined by public decision-making international, national, regional and local organizations. In this sense, with regard to the promotion of quality of life and wellbeing, it is possible to highlight 14 measures that strengthen this orientation. It should position itself as an innovative, attractive thermal wellness destination that invites to a healthy lifestyle, in a calm and peaceful environment in interaction with nature.

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Author Biography

Ricardo Jorge da Costa Guerra, Polythecnic Institute of Guarda

Doutorado em Turismo pela Universidade de Coimbra

Professor Adjunto e Subdiretor na Escola Superior de Turismo e Hotelaria do Insituto Politécnico da Guarda

Investigador do CEDTUR - Centro de Estudos de Desenvolvimento Turístico e do CETRAD (I&D 4011 do Sistema Científico e Tecnológico - Portugal)

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