The objective of this research endeavor lies on the following pillars
(a) To delve into the insights of key stakeholders acting both at a central and regional/local level with respect to the perspectives of wellness, thermal/hot springs, and rehabilitation tourism development including the enhancement of a broad spectrum of physiotherapy services, within the Regional Unity of Fthiotida, Central Greece, and as a result across the country.
(b) To elaborate on the inhibitory factors that obstruct wellness, thermal/hot springs, and rehabilitation tourism development, including the cultivation of a wide range of physiotherapy set of services, within the forementioned region, and subsequently across the country.
It must be clarified that the area mentioned above was selected as a case study, due to its high concentration in terms of thermal/hot natural resources.
Fourteen (14) semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (both in tourism and rehabilitation area), acting on both at a national and regional/local level, have been conducted after informed consent. A questionnaire designed by a group of researchers contained a set of research questions that forged the discussion guide of the whole process. The questionnaire has been administered both in the context of in person interviews and through the utilization of digital tools. A researcher transcribed verbatim the content of the answers. There was no time restriction set, and the language used was Greek. A thematic analysis was employed by two researchers, concluding specific primary outcomes.
The process led to a rich set of primary qualitative data on the wider sector’s perspective mainly depended on the attraction of investing interest, the effective utilization of available financial resources, the establishment of legislative interventions in order to ameliorate current wellness, thermal/hot springs, rehabilitation tourism ecosystem. Furthermore, findings manifested the creation of key rehabilitation units linked to the existing physiotherapy academic facilities able to exploit the region’s human capital, repatriate those left, and nurturing sustainable growth. Some of the main barriers mentioned had to do with long-lasting structural weaknesses, reflecting on bureaucracy, labyrinthic administration, legislative inefficiencies and derelict facilities.
Stakeholders delivered a set of primary insights that can be considered in the process of designing developing strategic narratives. They should exercise caution on regional comparative advantages that encourage the existence of innovative rehabilitation facilities able to enhance complete physiotherapy services delivery. However, raising barriers and strengthening institutional will is key for incubating a successful outcome.
The research’s findings highlight the necessity of wellness, thermal/hot springs, and rehabilitation tourism development in the Regional Unity of Fthiotida, as well as across the country. It is strongly assumed that it can impact positively on emerging needs with regards to tailored rehabilitation services, the existence of cutting-edge infrastructure and skilled staff.
rehabilitation tourism
physiotherapy development
