Health

In 1976 the World Health Organisation defined health as `a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being, not just the absence of disease or infirmity.' In spite of this long-standing definition, health in relation to tourism has been researched largely from the perspective of `tourist illness'. This fails to recognise the full extent of tourism and health issues by limiting attention to both a negative (illness) orientation and visitor oriented focus. Some research has explored the concept involving destinations with perceived health benefits, such as spas, and forms of special interest tourism in which the tourist is actively seeking improved health. Limited work has also focused on the positive concept of the value of tourism per se, to enhance good health and quality of life for both host and guest. Health and tourism require a more rigorous connection to contemporary approaches to an expanding new ecological public health.