Analysis of foreign and Kazakhstani studies in the field of health and wellness tourism

Abstract

This article presents a comparative analysis of the definitions related to the concept of health and wellness tourism, drawing on the conceptual and terminological frameworks established by both foreign and domestic scholars. The primary focus is on positioning health and wellness tourism as a form of travel specifically organized to promote, prevent, or restore human health. The study systematically examines the terms «health tourism», «wellness tourism» and «medical tourism» referencing definitions proposed by a range of researchers, professional organizations, and industry associations. Some scholars interpret health tourism as involving treatments based on natural resources, such as mineral waters or climate therapy, while medical tourism is generally associated with access to advanced, high-tech medical procedures. Wellness tourism, by contrast, typically takes place in sanatoriums or resort settings and emphasizes holistic physical and psychological rejuvenation. Following a critical review of the existing definitions, the authors propose refined interpretations of each term: health and wellness tourism, health tourism, wellness tourism, and medical tourism.