Using the Delphi method to assess the potential of Taiwan's hot springs tourism sector

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to identify the various factors which influence the competitiveness of the hot springs tourism sector and to evaluate their relative importance.The research draws on the models of Dwyer and Kim (2003), Enright andNewton (2004), andCrouch (2000), who concluded that destination competitiveness is determined by three major components: resources and attractors, destination strategies and environments.The investigation produced both qualitative and quantitative data using the Delphi technique.An expert panel reached consensus about priorities for the development of Taiwan"s hot springs tourism sector and provided written justifications for their responses. This paper reports on the qualitative findings of the three-round Delphi survey, and provides a supply-side perspective on Taiwan"s hot springs tourism sector. An examination of the expert comments concluded that the Taiwanese are increasingly concerned with good health and longevity. This emerging characteristic offers new business opportunities for the providers of hot springs tourism experiences to extend their appeal into health protection and medical treatments. However, if they are to achieve sustainable development and ensure high quality visitor experiences, hot springs proprietors will need to work closely with local governments and communities to promote sustainable use of natural hot springs and to conduct routine inspections of spa premises. Overall the future of the hot springs tourism sector appears to be promising.

Health or self‐indulgence? The motivations and characteristics of spa‐goers

“…Although it is believed that spa originated and was developed in Europe, Asia has been recently birthing new spa trends to cater to the Asian market (King and McVey, 1996;Lee and King, 2008). As a result, more and more international travellers are turning towards Asia to seek new experiences in health and rejuvenation.…”

Baltic Health Tourism: Uniqueness and Commonalities

“…Delphi studies have also been used successfully in other health and wellness tourism contexts (e.g. the establishment of the Nordic Wellbeing Cluster in which the researcher was a respondent; Lee & King, 2009). Best practice has been established for Delphi studies including anonymity of experts and no information flow between them, a minimum of two rounds (Gordon, 1994) and between 10 and 50 people (Turoff, 1970).…”

Percepción del proceso de planificación estratégica como instrumento de la política turística a escala regional

“…Basándose en una revisión de la literatura, seleccionaron 68 indicadores del ecoturismo que fueron valorados por un panel de doce expertos provenientes de diferentes áreas. También en Taiwán, Lee y King (2008) estudiaron los factores influyentes en el turismo de aguas termales, llegando al alcance de consenso tras la realización de tres rondas.…”