Τόμος 29 (2015) – Τεύχος 1 – Άρθρο 3 – Review of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics- Διεθνής Έκδοση – Volume 29 (2015) – Issue 1 – Article 3 – Review of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics – International Edition

By | | Άρθρο επισκόπησης - Review Article, Βασιλική Κεφαλά - Vassiliki Kefala, Παναγιώτα Καράτση,Panagiota Karatsi, Πλήρες Κείμενο στα Αγγλικά - Full Text in English
Title

Investigation of the Perceived Quality of Service of Thalassotherapy Spa Centers in Greece and Demographics of the Bathers
Author Panagiota Karatsi, Vasiliki Kefala
Affilations Division of Aesthetics and Cosmetology, School of Health and Caring Professions, Technological Educational Institution of Athens, Ag. Spyridonos Str. GR-12210 Egaleo, Athens, Hellas
Citation Karatsi P., Kefala V. : Investigation of the Perceived Quality of Service of Thalassotherapy Spa Centers in Greece and Demographics of the Bathers, Review Clin. Pharmakol. Pharmakokinet. Int. Ed. 29(1): 19-24 (2015)
Publication Date Accepted for publication (Final Version): March 10, 2015
Full Text Language English
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Keywords Service Quality, Spa Bathers, Clay Minerals, Statistics
Other Terms review article
Summary OBJECTIVE: Our country is characterized by a particular morphological and natural environment. Its diversity has been and still continues being subject of study of a lot of sciences, contributing thus decisive in their development. The beneficial attributes of waters coming from certain natural sources became widely known from the antiquity with direct consequence the appearance and the growth of Spa baths tourism. Initially, the Spa Baths tourism was addressed in individuals with health problems who needed to make use of Spa Baths in order to cure various diseases. Thus, the persons that chose this form of tourism were older people. However, during the last years, the perceptions about health changed and new definitions were given with regard to Spa Baths tourism. It was developed to a modern type of therapeutic tourism and a lot more, with bigger specialization and extension of activities making use of new technologies. Object of this research is the investigation of perceptions of modern users of Spa Baths, as these have been shaped today. METHODS: For this aim a questionnaire based on ten dimensions of quality of SERVQUAL model was made and a sample of 602 users, 18 until 80 years old, was used. RESULTS: According to the results, the bigger percentage that visits the Spa Baths are men, showing their bigger sensitization toward subjects of health and recreation concerning to women, something that was not happening before. Most bathers are adults, educated, with satisfactory economic situation and visit the baths certain times. They seem to be relatively satisfied from the services of baths, they would prefer more cleanness in the installations and the personnel to be composed from individuals more specialized in the object of Spa Baths. Most important is that the bathers keep neutral attitude with regard to visit again the baths if the prices are increased, something that shows that the quality of provided services should be improved. Finally, taking into consideration the above elements is proposed some essential actions for the improvement and the better growth of Spa Bath tourism in our country.
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