The impact of thermal resources in Türkiye on health tourism

The bed capacities in Thermal Tourism facilities in Turkey in 2013 and 2018, the number of Thermal Tourism tourists in the same years, the number of days stayed in Thermal Hotel, Thermal Detached Apart Hotel and Boutique Thermal Hotel facilities in 2020 were used. On the other hand, evaluations were made in line with the number of health tourists in Turkey between 2015 and the first quarter of 2024 and health tourism revenues in the same years. According to the studies, it has been concluded that although the number of thermal resources in Turkey is high, the number of thermal facilities is low. An incentive system should be created to increase the number of thermal facilities. The facilities established around thermal springs are generally operated by municipalities or private institutions. Privatization of thermal facilities by removing them from the municipalities' management approach will create a competitive environment and will be an important factor for the development of thermal facilities. In addition, it is important to train and employ specialized thermal spa physicians who will work in thermal tourism facilities for therapeutic purposes. In order to ensure the development of health tourism and increase the preferability of thermal facilities, bureaucratic problems experienced by health tourism investors, license and registration procedures and certification procedures should be accelerated and facilitated. It is extremely important for the future of the thermal tourism sector that the state cooperates with the sectors.