Introduction
Each country can be characterised and represented by a certain possession making the country interesting. This possession is treasured and protected as a remnant of ancestors’ heritage. The Slovak Republic is a country with strong medical background to spa tourism, which could also be seen in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. Spa tourism in Slovakia is based on European tradition, on the use of natural curative resources and climate.
Defining the Spa Tourism
Spa tourism is a branch of economic activities based on the use of Earth’s natural healing resources, or climate for spa treatment. It belongs to healthcare and services are its product. Spa tourism is a kind of travel and tourism focused on healthpreventive and curative activities under a professional supervision in one’s leisure time. Its development depends on the existence of a natural curative resource
(natural curative water, gases, emanations, peloids and climate) affecting the specialisation of spa treatment. (Gúčik, 2006)
Functions of Spa Tourism
Spa tourism has a medical, economic and social function at present. In terms of medicine it satisfies a human need to be healthy and restores his or her working ability. In terms of economy it provides spa treatment on the market economy principle. And in social terms spa treatment is a benefit of health
insurance. Economic benefits of spa tourism are not only social and corporate, but they are also benficial for spa towns and an individual. (Gúčik, 2004)
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Spa treatments used in Slovakia
Spa treatment is combined with medicamentous treatment, dietary nutrition and psychophysical rehabilitation. Spa treatment allows for prevention of diseases, improvement of health status and dicrease of sickness absence. (Gúčik, 2006, p.86).
Treatment forming a basic component of spa care is based on the multilateral effect of various factors: mineral water, climate, environment, nutrition, pharmacological and physiatric therapy (hydro-, thermo- and electro treatment), physical movement, massages and others.
Current state of spa tourism in Slovakia
The spa care in the Slovak Republic forms an integral part of health care, it applies the most advanced findings of science and research in the field of balneology, physical medicine, healthy diet and therapeutic rehabilitation. It is focused not only on direct and following sp treatment but also on prevention of
a wide range of diseases. Spa sites boast of spa surrounding with a lush green vegetation, quiet zones, sports resorts, cultural facilities, rich gastronomic offer and high quality air.
Owing to the high quality of surroundings and infrastructure spa sites are used as centres of conferences, congresses, festivals and also as places for recreation and rest of healthy people. As many as 40% out of a total number of visitors to Slovak spas come from abroad, especially from the EU countries. (Association
of Slovak Spas)
World trends in Slovak spa industry
Trends in the spa industry in Slovakia are following:
a) Prevention
People are becoming more aware of the importance of health and this is the reason why wellness , fitness products and activities should rapidly increased in the future . According to surveys, more than 20 % of the population of Europe wants more active and health -oriented vacation.
The factors that are driving this spa trend include:
• a global spotlight on how expensive, inefficient, and unsustainable the “wait-to-get-sick” healthcare model really is.,
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• new evidence that stress contributes directly to 80 percent of all diseases,
• mounting evidence that the cornerstones of the modern spa industry are medically proven to forestall illness and promote longevity.
Within the spa industry, the oft-maligned word “pampering” will gain new respect as basic relaxation and de-stressing are now known to have such a powerful impact on people’s health.
b) The Hybrid Spa
Spas are incorporating more fitness, fitness centers are incorporating more spa, hospitals are incorporating spa elements, and spas are bringing in more medical doctors and specialists.
The last survey says that 64% of spas still identify themselves as a „pure spa,” but 38% of those plan to add hybrid (fitness, complementary medicine, cosmetics, wellness procedures, etc.) elements in the future.
Only 26% of spas plan to remain pure.
c) Influence of Eastern culture
There are many „alternative“or „complementary“ practices so-called New Ages Therapies (e.g. acupuncture, reiki, ayurveda, Chinese medicine, Feng Shui) and spiritual practices like yoga and meditation, which have a long history in Eastern countries are now being offered in Slovakia. Even this
influence of East and Asian wellness is clearly becoming more persuasive. At the same time products and services are becoming even more exclusive, extravagant and luxurious.
d ) Shortening of stays
One of the trends of Slovak spa is shortening of stays in spas . Once upon a time of spa treatment lasted 21 days for adults and 28 days for children . Today we can find one-week , five -days and weekend stays .
e ) Increasing of demand for SPA treatment
The demand for Spa treatment is increasing with the rising awareness and experience of spa clients . Demands and expectations of spa guests keep rising , clients can define their needs and have more knowledge about their rights . Spa have to increase their standard, material- technical level and support education of their employees .
f ) More young people
There are more and more young people with new demands on spa services, who are coming to SPAs. SPAs have to adapt spa facilities and its range and equipment due to the fact that a young people want to actively spend their time.
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g ) Offering off various different procedures
Indication focus of natural health spas in Slovakia is diverse . Except the specialisation of spas for certain types of diseases they treat customers by offering various different procedures to attract as many clients as it is possible
h ) American Day Spa
Impact of American Day Spa ( short stay in the relaxation center ) has become a trend in some European countries such as Scandinavia , the Benelux countries and in UK .
i ) Rapid development of thalassotherapy
There is a rapid development of thalassotherapy, which by using sea water, coastal climate , sea mud and seaweed brings customers not only relaxing effects , but also recovery effects. This therapy is used in the countries of southern Europe. In France this therapy is has larger number of clients than spa therapy based on the use of mineral and thermal waters .
Conclusion
Slovak republic is a country with a rich potential of natural resources which have not been sufficiently used so far, but which could open wide prospects for development relating to their use and provision of services in the future. Slovak spa tourism ranks among the most advanced ”spa” countries in Europe owing to the quality of complex services. It is the base Slovakia should build on in order to be included in top spa resorts in Europe. Society’s development has brought the issue of life style and life quality into people’s attention in the recent years. It is spa tourism that plays a significant role in relation to that. If it offers complex professional care and high-quality services, it will undoubtedly be sought for and valued by clients.