Motivations to the Practice of Thermal Tourism: The Case of North and Centre of Portugal

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipa Brandão ◽  
Dália Liberato ◽  
Ana Sofia Teixeira ◽  
Pedro Liberato
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Thermal Springs ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Specific Product ◽  
Travel Motivation ◽  
The North ◽  
Quality Of Life Indicators ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Wellness Tourism ◽  
Sociodemographic Profile

Health and wellness tourism should be particularly valued in the post-pandemic phase, as a stra-tegic product to enhance the population's well-being and quality of life indicators, at social, phys-ical, and environmental dimensions, with different proposals for specialized experiences that complement the destination's offer, positioning regions as health and wellness destinations. Thermal tourism should be encouraged, as a specific product, due to the innovation and diversi-fication observed in the services made available and the benefits recognized at different age levels of tourists and destinations communities. Considering the relevance of thermal springs and thermal tourists for tourism destinations image, positioning, and development, this research aims to identify the specific motivations of tourists to the practice of thermal tourism, to understand how the benefits that thermal tourists search for, and their sociodemographic profile influence the motivations, and how the motivations determine the travel characteristics. This research was de-veloped on the North and Centre of Portugal, for their relevance in the context of thermal springs and related tourism activities. To achieve the research objectives, a questionnaire survey was ap-plied to thermal tourists, through a non-probability by convenience sampling, using bivariate tests, such as Pearson’s chi-squared test, one-way ANOVA, and t-student. The results highlight that most respondents practiced thermal tourism due to leisure and relaxation benefits, such as the escape from daily stress, spend time with family, and being "pampered"; relaxation is the most valued motivation, followed by the search for psychological and physical wellbeing. The research found relations between the benefits expected by thermal tourists, and their travel characteristics such as the composition of the group, the general travel motivation, the thermal destination cho-sen, and the number of nights spent. In thermal tourism, new challenges emerge, demanding the development of strategies, products, and services responding to the needs of specific market segments.

scholarly journals Motives for Thermal Tourism: An Application to North and Central Portugal

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 12688
Author(s):  
Filipa Brandão ◽  
Dália Liberato ◽  
Ana Sofia Teixeira ◽  
Pedro Liberato
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Thermal Springs ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Related Services ◽  
Specific Product ◽  
The North ◽  
Chi Squared ◽  
Central Portugal ◽  
Wellness Tourism ◽  
Sociodemographic Profile

Health and wellness tourism should be particularly valued in the post-pandemic phase. It has the potential to be a strategic product that enhances the population’s well-being and quality of life, on social, physical, and environmental levels. Different proposals for specialized experiences that complement what the destination offers allow to position regions as health and wellness destinations. Thermal tourism should thus be encouraged as a specific product designed on the innovation and diversification observed in the related services and the benefits recognized for all ages. Considering the relevance of thermal springs and thermal tourists for the image, positioning, and development of touristic destinations, this research aims to identify the specific motivations of tourists that attract them to the practice of thermal tourism, to understand how the benefits for which thermal tourists search and their sociodemographic profile influence the motivations of tourists, and how those motivations determine the characteristics of travel. This research was developed on the North and Centre of Portugal for their relevance in the context of thermal springs and related touristic activities. To achieve the research objectives, a questionnaire survey was conducted among thermal tourists, through a non-probability by convenience sampling, using bivariate tests, such as Pearson’s chi-squared test, one-way ANOVA, and t-Student test. The results highlight that most respondents practiced thermal tourism due to leisure and relaxation benefits, such as the escape from daily stress, spend time with family, and being “pampered”; relaxation is the most valued motivation, followed by the search for psychological and physical well-being. The research found relations between the benefits expected by thermal tourists and their travel characteristics, such as the composition of the group, the general travel motivation, the chosen thermal destination, and the number of nights spent at the location. In thermal tourism, new challenges emerge, demanding the development of strategies, products, and services that respond to the needs of specific market sections.

scholarly journals Characterization of Hungarian touristical turnover 2006-2009 – focus on health tourism

2012 ◽  
pp. 47-50
Author(s):  
Katalin Kalmár
Keyword(s):  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Health Tourism ◽  
The North ◽  
The World ◽  
Plain Region ◽  
Wellness Tourism

Tourism is one of the biggest and mostly increasing branch all over the world. Since it is getting more and more significant in Hungary as well in this article I analyze the turnover of Hungarian tourism on the basis of guest nights spent on commercial lodgings. I examine its changes in time and its territorial spreading. Finally I explore the health touristic volume, because it is one of the most important touristic product of Hungary and the North Plain Region and the infrastructure based upon preserves unique opportunities both for health and wellness tourism.

Hiking as a relevant wellness activity - results of an exploratory study of hiking tourists in Portugal applied to a rural tourism project

2010 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Áurea Rodrigues ◽  
Elisabeth Kastenholz ◽  
Apolónia Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
The Body ◽  
Rural Tourism ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Tourism Marketing ◽  
Tourism Product ◽  
Wellness Tourism ◽  
Tourism Activity ◽  
Tourism Destinations ◽  
The Mind

New forms of tourism are gaining ground throughout the world. Nowadays, successful tourism destinations must offer variety and new tourism products, addressing special interest niches. One increasingly popular tourism product is health and wellness tourism. The wellness concept typically integrates physical activity combined with relaxation of the mind and intellectual stimulus, enhancing well-being through a balance of the body, mind and spirit. Promoting well-being is a relevant motive of most tourists and should be regarded in any tourism marketing strategy. Hiking is an appropriate activity to integrate in a wellness tourism context, being since long a strategically developed recreational and tourism activity in many European countries. In the present study we show the results of an exploratory survey of hikers in Portugal and discuss possible implications on planning and management of rural tourism destinations, with emphasis on the creation of integrated wellness products. Results were used for developing a more holistic tourism offer within the European Network of Village Tourism.

Eating NAFTA

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyshia Gálvez
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Food System ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Trade Agreement ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
The North ◽  
The World

In the two decades since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect, Mexico has seen an epidemic of diet-related illness. While globalization has been associated with an increase in chronic disease around the world, in Mexico, the speed and scope of the rise has been called a public health emergency. The shift in Mexican foodways is happening at a moment when the country’s ancestral cuisine is now more popular and appreciated around the world than ever. What does it mean for their health and well-being when many Mexicans eat fewer tortillas and more instant noodles, while global elites demand tacos made with handmade corn tortillas? This book examines the transformation of the Mexican food system since NAFTA and how it has made it harder for people to eat as they once did. The book contextualizes NAFTA within Mexico’s approach to economic development since the Revolution, noticing the role envisioned for rural and low-income people in the path to modernization. Examination of anti-poverty and public health policies in Mexico reveal how it has become easier for people to consume processed foods and beverages, even when to do so can be harmful to health. The book critiques Mexico’s strategy for addressing the public health crisis generated by rising rates of chronic disease for blaming the dietary habits of those whose lives have been upended by the economic and political shifts of NAFTA.

scholarly journals The Painful Side of Trap and Fixed Net Fisheries: Chronic Entanglement of Large Whales

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Moore ◽  
Julie M. van der Hoop
Keyword(s):  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Eubalaena Glacialis ◽  
North Atlantic Right Whale ◽  
Right Whale ◽  
The North ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Population Sustainability ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Severe Tissue

Concern over the well-being of marine mammals at sea has focused on intentional harvests, both in terms of individual welfare and population sustainability. Unintentional mortalities from fishing gear entanglement are primarily seen as a risk to population viability. Additionally, larger whales breaking free of, and subsequently carrying, fixed trap and net gear are subject to a very slow demise, averaging 6 months in the case of the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). Chronic cases can involve impaired foraging, increased drag, infection, hemorrhage, and severe tissue damage. The individual suffering of these cases appears to be extreme. Thus management measures should go beyond legally mandated conservation measures to include avoidance of such scenarios. Seafood consumers could succeed, where laws have failed, to demand fishing practices that do not kill whales in this manner. The effective absence of such demands would seem to reflect the cryptic nature of these cases to most consumers.

scholarly journals Rewards: A predictor of well-being and service quality of school principals in the North-West province

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kamohelo Nthebe ◽  
Nicolene Barkhuizen ◽  
Nico Schutte
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Work Engagement ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Total Rewards ◽  
North West Province

Orientation: School principals have an important role to play in the quality of service delivery in schools. Evidence suggests that school principals are generally poorly compensated, which has an adverse impact on their well-being and subsequent service quality orientation.Research purpose: This study investigated whether rewards are a predictor of well-being and service orientation of school principals in the North-West province.Motivation for the study: Effective school principals are fundamental to the success of any school, which necessitates the establishment of an effective reward and remuneration system.Research design, approach and method: Quantitative research was carried out among school principals (N = 155) in four districts of the North-West province. The Total Rewards Scale, Maslach’s Burnout Inventory – General Survey, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the SERVQUAL measure were administered among the principals.Main findings: The results showed that rewards are a significant predictor of the well-being and service quality of school principals. The results further showed that burnout significantly reduces the service quality of school principals. No significant relationships were found between work engagement and the service quality of school principals.Practical/managerial implications: An effective total rewards system enhances the well-being of school principals and, subsequently, their willingness and commitment to delivering quality services.Contribution: The results of this study point out some key elements that need to be considered by the Department of Education to enable quality service delivery in South African schools.

Reflections on a Scholarly Career in Sport and Exercise Psychology: The Influence of Significant Others on the Psychosocial Well-Being of Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Thelma S. Horn
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The North ◽  
Senior Scholar ◽  
Sport And Exercise ◽  
American Society

This paper is based on a Senior Scholar presentation delivered at the 2020 annual meeting of the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity. The paper begins with a summary of the research work completed by the author and coinvestigators in regard to the influences that significant others (parents, peers, and coaches) exert on the psychosocial well-being of individuals in sport and physical activity. In each of these three areas, illustrative research studies are summarized in a predominantly chronological order with a commentary at the end of each section that identifies unanswered questions and suggests future research directions. In the second section, four particular lessons learned by the author over the course of a scholarly career are identified and explained.

To dictate or collaborate? A phenomenological exploration of physiotherapists’ leadership styles

BMJ Leader ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. leader-2020-000403
Author(s):  
Victoria Smith ◽  
Claire Maxwell ◽  
Lisa Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Styles ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Leadership Role ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Team Leaders ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Health And Social Care

ObjectivesSelection of effective leadership styles within healthcare is linked to high quality, safe care for patients. Within the literature attention has been given to medical and nursing professions, failing to acknowledge the contribution made by physiotherapy leaders. This study aims to consider the leadership styles used by physiotherapists in a designated leadership role, specifically exploring the barriers they face and the strategies employed to overcome current leadership dilemmas.DesignA qualitative, phenomenological design was used. Consent was obtained from each participant for one semistructured interview which was audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Framework analysis was used to analyse the data.SettingA large National Health Service Foundation Trust within the North East of England.ParticipantsA purposive sample of ten physiotherapy team leaders.ResultsThe theoretical leadership framework that emerged demonstrated the daily tensions experienced by physiotherapy team leaders in regard to being a transactional or transformational leader. Within this, three superordinate themes exist: the individual, the team and the organisation and beyond. Each theme contained barriers and enablers which related to transactional and transformational leadership styles, respectively.ConclusionsThe framework identified gives insight into a group of clinical leaders not yet explored and provides a foundation for the development of leadership behaviours throughout physiotherapy. These clinicians should be supported by senior leaders to develop more transformational styles which have the potential to impact on staff well-being and patient care. Future research should compare these findings with studies involving larger sample sizes that span the health and social care system.

scholarly journals Patient safety may be compromised if study conclusions are generalized to products that make similar claims but have no equivalent research evidence

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amit Gefen ◽  
Nick Santamaria ◽  
Sue Creehan ◽  
Joyce Black
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Medical Device ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Product Selection ◽  
Specific Product ◽  
Medical Claims ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
Pressure Injury ◽  
Pressure Injury Prevention

This paper addresses a fundamentally important issue in health care, namely how to make informed decisions on product selection when two products, from different manufacturers, appear to be similar and have medical claims that sound comparable. In such cases, manufacturers of competing products often use each other’s evidence. They argue that the published evidence is generally applicable even if the original bioengineering tests and clinical trials were performed on a specific product, and no equivalence was obtained for their product that has similar medical claims. In this work, we use prophylactic dressings for pressure injury prevention as a good demonstrative example on how patient safety may be compromised if study conclusions are generally projected to such unstudied products. The medical device industry is regulated differently than the pharmaceutical industry, and consequently, voids in current medical device regulation are sometimes used to promote commercial interests. This paper analyzes gaps and potential pitfalls that occur where guiding documentations (e.g. guidelines, standards) do not cope well with medical technology. We explain how that can eventually lead to potential compromises to the well-being of patients, primarily if nurses are unaware of the aforementioned pitfalls. We conclude that currently, there is no alternative to rigorousness: Clinicians and decision-makers need to scrutinize up-to-date literature, decide which products have the best portfolio of bioengineering and clinical research to support the claims made, and which products have the best cost–benefit models. This is fundamentally different from simply buying the least expensive product because of appealing sale arguments.

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