Routledge Handbook of Health Tourism published

The Routledge Handbook of Health Tourism has been published. The editors are Melanie Smith and László Puczkó. The 458-page book costs £150.

The handbook provides a comprehensive and cutting-edge overview of the philosophical, conceptual and managerial issues in health tourism with contributions from 30 expert academics and practitioners.

Terms used frequently when defining health tourism, such as wellbeing, wellness, holistic, medical and spiritual, are analysed and explored, as is the role that health and health tourism play in quality-of-life enhancement, wellbeing, life satisfaction and happiness.

An overview is provided of health tourism facilities such as thermal waters, spas, retreats and wellness hotels and the various challenges inherent in managing these profitably and sustainably.

Attention is paid to lifestyle changes that influence consumer behaviour, motivations and demand for health tourism, including government policies, regulations and ethical considerations.

This offers a comprehensive synthesis, conveying the latest thinking and research. The text is international in focus and will be an invaluable resource for all those with an interest in health tourism.