Abstract
This case examines the development of health tourism in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region in recent decades, especially since 1989 with the decline in state-funding for balneology and related treatments. Health tourism in CEE has traditionally been based on thermal waters and spas, but health statistics in the region indicate a need to move towards healthier lifestyles and wellness offers in the future. While many countries are embracing these changes, others are struggling to secure funding and investment which may prohibit the future development of health tourism due to inadequate infrastructure and lack of service quality. Differentiated and upgraded offers are required to meet the needs of the growing numbers of self-paying and foreign visitors whose expectations may be different from the local or domestic market.
Keywords: Health Tourism, Europe, Medical Tourism, Eastern Europe
Cite: Smith,M.K., tourism.2025.0004, Tourism Cases, doi:10.1079/tourism.2025.0004, CABI, Health Tourism in Central and Eastern Europe, (2025)
