CONCEPTUALIZATION AND CLASSIFICATION OF BALNEO, SPA AND WELLNESS ESTABLISHMENTS IN BULGARIA

This paper analyzes the origin, the process of development and consolidation of the health, SPA and wellness tourism in different regions of the world as well as in Bulgaria. Special attention is paid to the etymology of the words “wellness” and “SPA”, used as a basis for differentiation of their structural elements as tourism segments. Under observations are some theoretical issues, including the significant need of term clarification of these forms of tourism. Other matters of high importance comprise of the classification of health, spa and wellness resorts, the vocational training of managerial and executive staff and etc. Based on the conducted research and analysis some recommendations are made in the aim to the further development of health, spa and wellness tourism.