HEALTH TOURISM IN SLOVAK MEDICAL SPAS

Spa tourism and wellness represent a significant part of the tourism structure in Slovakia, and its importance is even more pronounced in the global perspective. Thanks to quality services and a proven therapeutic effect, the Slovak Republic has an important position among countries of the world in the providing spa services. Slovak spas are part of the public healthcare system, which causes a high share of domestic tourists on spa tourism. However, with the increasing opportunities within health tourism and due to the removal of barriers in this sector, the potential for the development of this sector is growing in Slovakia, especially in the area of spa care. Therefore, the aim of this article is to identify the potential of spa tourism among domestic and foreign tourists and to assess the position and the development of spa tourism in Slovakia and its contribution to the economy of the Slovak Republic.