Transformation of hotel offer in the Serbian spa resorts: Present state and perspectives

Abstract

Serbia has a long tradition in thermal baths tourism development. In the second half of the twentieth century this branch of tourism attracted a significant segment of tourist demand, both domestic and foreign. Serbia has many Special hospitals for rehabilitation in its spa resorts. In the last two decades the emphasis is not on treatment (rehabilitation). The health improvement has taken priority over "classic balneological treatment of disease". Wellness/spa has become a key tourism product in such destinations. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to determine the effects of transformation of rehabilitation hospitals into wellness centers, in several, most visited Serbian spa resorts.