Exploring the Role of Natural Hot Spring in the Context of Wellness Tourism

Abstract

Nowadays, the use of natural hot spring is one of the fastest growing sectors of world tourism. Balneology is one of the practices that use natural mineral water from hot springs to treat and prevent diseases. An in-depth interview with 7 visitors and 1 hot spring operator was conducted at La Hot Spring, Jerteh, Terengganu to explore the role of natural hot spring in the context of wellness tourism. This study was conducted to establish a comprehensive profiling of hot spring visitors and to explore the current market characteristics of hot springs as wellness tourism destinations. In addition, this study also aims to discover the wellness benefits factor sthat attract the hot spring visitors. All the data was collected by using an interview method and each of the conversation will be recorded as an evidence. The results showed that hot springs can give benefits to visitor to overcome the health problems. In conclusions, hot spring is one of the crucial elements that can influence the visitors to have a better lifestyle and well-being.