Health tourism and public health in the perspective of the Reference Sites Collaborative Network (RSCN)

Abstract

Background: In the EU tourism strategy ’Europe, the first tourist destination in the world: a new political framework for tourism in Europe’, accessibility of tourism services is highlighted. In this context Health Tourism (HT) deserves special attention. Sensitize interested parties in HT to generate greater know-how on the demand and profiles of travelers with specific needs and evaluate the economic impact of the age-friendly and patientfriendly HT, are today pressing issues. Older adults (an important market share) require adaptation of services. Tourists with reduced mobility (recently estimated at 127 million people), disabilities or suffering from chronic illnesses, have needs that must be integrated into the provision of HT services. Assessment of these needs is a mandate in order to tailor HT to public health concerns. The Reference Sites