PERSPECTIVES OF HEALTH &WELLNESS TOURISM IN SERBIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SOKOBANJA

Abstract

Modern tourism industry is more or less represented in almost all areas of society. The tourism industry also affects the socio-economic activities and the quality of environment. The tourism industry is one of the fastest growing in the world.

Health & Wellness tourism has experienced its rapid growth, whereas spas have become recognizable as popular destinations not only for tourists whose primary concern is their healthcare treatment, but also for all other people who want to rest in a natural surrounding or to be entertained. The number of tourists in our spa resorts has grown from year to year, which rate of growth has been conditioned by a number of factors. At an accelerated pace, the number of spas giving health and tourist services has rapidly increased, while the lack of capacity in hotels and other basic facilities has been compensated for accommodation in private households, which soon accounted for 75% of total spa capacity.

Sokobanja is among tourist centers with the longest tradition and one of the most visited places in Serbia. Medicinal waters from mineral springs and fresh mountain air, with lots of ozone, are ideal for treatment and rehabilitation.

The current degree of development of tourist capacities is not sufficient to achieve significant economic effects and generate development. Therefore, in the future, emphasis should be placed on improving accommodation facilities, by construction of new five-star hotel facilities, in order to attract foreign tourists with greater means of payment, and focus on broadening the supply of tourist attractions.