Therapeutic and medical types of tourism: common and distinctive features

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, the conceptual apparatus of health tourism is studied. The article presents the results of a study aimed at developing the author's interpretation of therapeutic tourism based on a literary review and identification of the characteristics of this type of tourism in the Kazakh context. In the course of the study, various formulations of health tourism was studied: sanatorium-resort segment, therapeutic, wellness, medical. For many years, scientists in scientific research have been giving their interpretation by comparing these categories, but they cannot come to a common opinion. The study examined the generalizing categories between health tourism and medical tourism. Based on an extensive literary review of the interpretations of health tourism and related categories, a gap in the interpretation of this term in relation to Kazakhstan has been identified.

In the study, by means of a systematic comparative analysis, content analysis, and deduction method, the presented definitions were studied and a critical analysis was given for each category.  The conceptual devices of the presented categories are considered, which are close in their definitions to therapeutic and health or medical tourism. The article also discusses regulatory documents related to sanatorium and resort activities. The results of the study can be used in Russian scientific terminology to define and differentiate the activities of organizations engaged in the provision of health tourism services.