HEALTH TOURISM. A NEW DRIVER FOR THE BULGARIAN ECONOMY

Abstract

This paper builds on knowledge about health tourism and the importance of this specific tourist product for the economy of Bulgarian tourism industry and for the economy of the regions, upgrading their tourism mix with a sustainable, green and year-round form of tourism, in between two industries tourism and healthcare. Firstly, the author aims to bring out the important role of health tourism for the tourism sector in Bulgaria, with its components: medical spa tourism (balneological tourism), SPA tourism, wellness tourism and medical tourism. Secondly, to support and encourage the Bulgarian destinations with natural resources, historical traditions, educational potential and modern infrastructure to push further their development as a competitive 365 days health tourism destination. The author’ suggestions will allow upgrading the existing understanding of the role and the positive impact of health tourism for the economy of Bulgaria, furthermore, to motivate the governmental support to invest in the infrastructure for these regions.