A Research on the Development of Elderly Health Tourism in Türkiye

dc.contributor.authorÖzder, Ceren Gül Artuner
dc.contributor.authorÇOLAKOĞLU, NAZLI KARDEŞ
dc.contributor.authorYESILDAG, GUL NIHAN GUVEN
dc.date.accessioned2026-01-31T15:02:40Z
dc.date.available2026-01-31T15:02:40Z
dc.date.issued2024
dc.departmentİstanbul Beykent Üniversitesi
dc.description.abstractIn the contemporary era, demographic shifts, including the expansion of the elderly population, age- related illnesses, and a proclivity for continued activity, have given rise to the concept of health tourism for older individuals. This phenomenon has led to a growing number of older individuals travelling for the purposes of improving their health. Although Türkiye has made considerable progress in the field of health tourism, there is still scope for further development in the area of elderly health tourism. This study examines the phenomenon of elderly health tourism in Türkiye and proposes strategies to appeal to high-end market segments. The analysis is based on a case study of Ayka Vital Park, which includes a review of the facility's website, documents obtained from the founder, and a report prepared by a healthcare industry professional using the Premium+ CareCation® model. The findings of the study have led to the formulation of recommendations designed to meet the expectations of specific segments of the elderly health tourism market in Ayka Vital Park and throughout Türkiye as a whole. The recommendations pertain to four principal areas: human resources, service provision, physical infrastructure, and the wider supporting structures. The assessment of Ayka Vital Park according to the Gold Standards (UK) criteria revealed deficiencies in decoration, technical and electronic equipment, installation, functionality, cleanliness, security, and the kitchen area. It was also noted that the number of personnel assigned to various roles was insufficient. The Premium+ CareCation® model, developed to meet the Gold Standards criteria, requires improvements in physical, technical, and security areas, as well as an increase in the number of employees to meet guest needs. Formation and training needs of employees, including language skills, were also identified. Collaboration with academic institutions is recommended to facilitate staff formation and training, as well as the development of personalised medical support and services. To become a brand destination in elderly health tourism, Türkiye's infrastructure, superstructure, and personnel should be brought up to international standards, and the tourism product should be diversified to meet the expectations of elderly tourists. Promotional and marketing campaigns should be carried out to appeal to the elderly in target markets, and the training of qualified personnel should be prioritised. Facilities that appeal to elderly health tourism, including detached villas and green areas, should be developed. While it is crucial that the facilities are designed with the health, care and rehabilitation of the elderly in mind, it is of equal importance to ensure that the physical environment and the attire of the staff do not convey the impression that the elderly are in a hospital.
dc.identifier.endpage1405
dc.identifier.issn1308-2140
dc.identifier.issue4
dc.identifier.startpage1381
dc.identifier.trdizinid1358398
dc.identifier.urihttps://search.trdizin.gov.tr/tr/yayin/detay/1358398
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12662/10481
dc.identifier.volume19
dc.indekslendigikaynakTR-Dizin
dc.language.isoen
dc.relation.ispartofTurkish Studies (Elektronik)
dc.relation.publicationcategoryMakale - Ulusal Hakemli Dergi - Kurum Öğretim Elemanı
dc.rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.snmzKA_TR-Dizin_20260128
dc.subjectHealth Tourism
dc.subjectTourism Management
dc.subjectSenior Health Tourism
dc.subjectGold Standards (UK)
dc.subjectPremium+ CareCation® Model
dc.titleA Research on the Development of Elderly Health Tourism in Türkiye
dc.typeArticle

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