Wellness and Spa Provision in the Silesian Health Resorts of Poland, a case study

Abstract

Health tourism has been researched in Poland for a number of years. 45 places in Poland have approved status of a health resort, 70 others may potentially join the group in the future (Stowarzyszenie Gmin Uzdrowiskowych RP [Association of Health-related Communities in Poland] website, 2013). The health and wellness tourism industry is represented by 160 destination spas compared to 146 in 2010, with value sales increased by 9% to PLN 2.0 billion in 2011 (Passport GMID 2012).

This case study focuses on some of relationships between wellness, spa and health and travel to health resorts. It focuses on the Polish region of Silesia, (Polish: Śląsk), a region of Central Europe located mostly in the south-west of Poland, with smaller parts in the Czech Republic, and Germany. It presents two of the Silesian health resorts, Ustronie and Goczałkowice, and reports on the findings of a short research project undertaken there. The aim of the project is to establish the importance and perception of preventative pro-health services offered and their quality as seen by the visitors in the two selected Silesian spas.