49^th International Scientific Conference 2018

THERMOMINERAL SOURCES IN THE FUNCTION OF HEALTHCARE TOURISM IN SOUTHERN SERBIA

Jovica Mojić, Vukašin Šušić

Abstract:  South Serbia is distinguished by the richness of thermomineral waters. Sources of thermomineral waters, their temperature and mineral properties are the basis of the development of health, and recently, they have also become the basis of wellness-tourism. The physical characteristics of these sources indicate that the waters are mostly clear, colorless and tasty, with temperatures ranging from 22-92ºC, and can be classified as hypo, homeo and hyperthermal waters. The significance of these waters is multifunctional from the point of view of the development of health tourism in the thermal areas of South Serbia, basically for the development of balneotherapy, as a special, complex therapeutic discipline that acts for many factors stimulating to organism and wellness programs in order to preserve the health, mind, abilities and recreation. These are nine localities in the area of South Serbia (Bujanovacka Banja spa, Vranjska Banja spa, Kuršumlijska Banja spa, Niška Banja spa, Prolom Banja spa, Sijarinska Banja spa, Lukovska Banja spa, Tularska Banja spa and Topilo Banja spa), with sources of medicinal water and peloids, located in an ecologically healthy environment. For the present and future comprehensively considering the needs of the population in terms of vacation, recreation, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, the prospect of development of balneo-climatic sites in South Serbia has been gradually opening. Basically, the selective product of health tourism of the spa of South Serbia includes two components, components of health and wellness components. Health tourism in the narrow sense, in addition to the basic natural factors (mineral waters, peloids, clays and climates), implies the use of other factors that improve the state of the body as a whole. Contemporary balneological treatments include factors such as change of the environment, dietetic regimes, active and passive psycho-physical rest. If necessary, during balneotherapy, other forms of therapy such as medication and physiotherapy are used. So, the basic goal of health (and wellness) tourism is, on the one hand, improving the physical health, and on the other hand, improving and maintaining m

Keywords:  health tourism, balneotherapy, wellness, spa, rehabilitation

Published: February 12, 2019.  p. 89-100   PDF