Page 173 - GHES-3-1

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Analyzing MHTW tourism for sustainable development

ensuring that such travel does not adversely impact ethical considerations must guide the development of
the environmental, economic, and social fabric of the health tourism to ensure that practices are just and benefit
destination countries (Chaulagain et al., 2020; Ghasemi local communities (Jackson & Barber, 2014; Pessot et al.,
et al., 2021). The medical tourism approach advocates for 2021).
sustainable practices that support the long-term health of Recent research has delved into the multifaceted effects
individuals as well as communities. Thus, it emphasizes of health tourism on local and global scales (Figueiredo
environmental conservation, economic benefits, and et al., 2024). Sustainable health tourism can contribute
ethical health-care practices (Monika et al., 2024; Shaw positively to local economies by simultaneously promoting
et al., 2021). environmental stewardship and improving public health
The quality and safety of health-care services are (Qureshi et al., 2021). Specific case studies, such as
paramount in sustaining the growth and reputation of the those examining health tourism in low mountain areas
medical tourism sector (Kundury et al., 2024). Sustainable or the impact of religious tourism on rural health and
medical facilities are encouraged to adopt practices that environments, provide specific examples of how regions
ensure high standards of medical care and patient safety can sustainably develop health tourism. Such studies often
while minimizing their environmental impact (White highlight unique challenges and opportunities and suggest
et al., 2022). A framework must be instituted to establish tailored approaches for integrating health tourism into
sustainable medical facilities that cogitate both operational local sustainable development strategies (Scheyvens & van
sustainability and more wide-ranging environmental and der Watt, 2021).
cultural effects (Chisholm et al., 2021). The future integration of health tourism into sustainable
Studies have also focused on the regional and development agendas appears promising. A growing
collaborative dimensions of medical tourism, evaluating trend exists of health-oriented tourists who prioritize
how different regions adapt and respond to related sustainability, indicating a shift toward more conscious
challenges and opportunities (Virani et al., 2020). consumption patterns in tourism. Such movements are
Lithuania can develop cooperative models to sustainably expected to drive further innovations in sustainable
boost its medical tourism sector (Civinskas et al., 2023). practices in the health tourism sector, reinforcing the role of
Moreover, recent investigations provide crucial insights the tourism industry in the global promotion of health and
into consumer motivations and describe the competitive well-being (Fennell & Bowyer, 2020). Hence, the concept
landscape of medical tourism by apprehending the of health tourism for sustainable development highlights
behaviors and preferences of medical tourists by means the importance of natural resources, underscores the need
such as utilizing ranking systems to evaluate destinations for ethical and economic considerations, presents practical
in Iran (Majeed et al., 2018). case studies, and envisions future trends in the field.

2.2. Health tourism and sustainable development 2.3. Wellness tourism and sustainable development
Health tourism often encompasses medical, wellness, and Wellness tourism is defined as travel associated with
spa tourism and entails travel with the intent to promote the quest to maintain or enhance personal well-being.
health and well-being through medical, psychological, It often involves activities such as spa visits, fitness
or holistic treatments (Gkinton et al., 2023; Sun et al., classes, mental and physical therapies, and health-
2022). Sustainable health tourism aims to protect and oriented leisure activities (Voigt et al., 2011; Zhong et al.,
enhance opportunities for future generations and thus 2021). When integrated with sustainable development
integrates these practices into frameworks that support practices, wellness tourism aims to foster environments
ecological balance, economic viability, and social equity that facilitate the well-being of both locals and tourists
(Dembovska & Zvaigzne, 2021). This concept aligns with and thus emphasizes ecological conservation, social
the more expansive objectives of sustainable development, responsibility, and economic viability (Mathew & Nimmi,
which include promoting health alongside encouraging 2022). This broader perspective supports the development
sustainable practices in the tourism industry. of sustainable tourism by promoting health while ensuring

The sustainable development of health tourism relies the preservation of natural and cultural resources (Antunes
heavily on the ethical use and conservation of natural et al., 2023; Esfandiari & Choobchian, 2020).
resources, which are intrinsic to many health tourism Research emphasizes that governance functions
offerings such as thermal baths and natural spas (Favargiotti significantly in the development of sustainable wellness
et al., 2022). The development of health tourism should not tourism. Effective governance frameworks ensure that
deplete the environments on which it depends. Further, wellness tourism contributes positively to local economies,

Volume 3 Issue 1 (2025) 165 https://doi.org/10.36922/ghes.4149