D1.3:
Interactive Results
Insights 01: Functions and Decision-making
Examining operational roles and governance dynamics.
WHICH STAKEHOLDERS DO YOU RECOGNIZE AS KEY FOR THE CURRENT SPA DEVELOPMENT (GOV – Only the government, ENT + GOV – Entrepreneurs and the government, EXP + ENT – Experts and entrepreneurs, and CIT + EXP – Citizens and experts)?
Insights 02: Development Capacities – ASPECTS
Assessing potential and readiness for growth.
ON WHICH ASPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT DO YOU THINK THE GREATEST FOCUS HAS BEEN PLACED?
The development of spa settlements through the lens of economy and tourism focuses on creating sustainable economic growth by enhancing infrastructure, and services to attract visitors. This involves investments in hospitality, local businesses, and recreational facilities while promoting the spa’s unique offerings.
Integrating ecological and health aspects emphasizes the preservation of natural resources and the promotion of wellness-centered lifestyles. Efforts include maintaining clean water sources, reducing environmental impacts, and fostering biodiversity while leveraging the natural therapeutic elements (e.g., mineral springs, clean air).
The cultural and historical dimensions aim to preserve and celebrate the unique heritage of spa settlements. This involves revitalizing historical architecture, promoting local traditions, and curating cultural events to enhance the settlement’s identity. Highlighting the historical significance of the spa’s development can deepen its appeal to visitors, creating a narrative that connects the past with contemporary experiences.
Insights 02: Development Capacities – AREAS
Assessing potential and readiness for growth.
WHAT DEVELOPMENT AREAS DO YOU CONSIDER IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE PLANNING OF THE SPA?
Emphasis is placed on integrating therapeutic landscapes and pedestrian-friendly areas that complement the wellness-oriented character of the spa settlement (promenades, parks, and green corridors).
Development efforts may include the restoration of heritage sites, the construction of museums, art galleries, and performance spaces, or the adaptation of existing structures for cultural use (showcasing the spa settlement’s traditions, history, and local arts).
This includes the development of visitor centers, wellness institutes, and environmental education hubs that offer workshops, training, and research opportunities. Educational spaces in spa settlements support learning and awareness about health, ecology, and local culture.
These spaces may include thermal pools, sports facilities, walking trails, and wellness retreats. Their design prioritizes harmony with nature and caters to diverse interests, promoting physical activity, mental well-being, and the overall spa experience.
Insights 03: Planning and Strategic Framework – PRIMARY DEVELOPMENT GOAL
Evaluating planning mechanisms and long-term strategies.
WHAT DO YOU RECOGNIZE AS THE PRIMARY DEVELOPMENT GOAL FOR THE NEXT PLANNING PERIOD, BESIDES HEALTH TOURISM?
Protection and preservation of cultural and historical values (PCHV) involves safeguarding heritage structures, traditional architecture, and historical landmarks that define the identity of spa settlements.
Environmental preservation focuses on maintaining the natural resources and ecological balance of the spa settlement. This includes protecting natural landscapes, ensuring sustainable use of water sources, promoting biodiversity, and minimizing pollution.
Introducing contemporary buildings in spa settlements involves creating modern structures that harmonize with the traditional and natural context but without compromising the settlement’s character.
Upgrading services includes improving infrastructure, healthcare facilities, hospitality, and transportation systems to enhance the visitor and resident experience.
Insights 03: Planning and Strategic Framework – MAIN CHALLENGES
Evaluating planning mechanisms and long-term strategies.
WHAT DO YOU RECOGNIZE AS THE MAIN CHALLENGES IN SPA SETTLEMENTS PLANNING?
A scarcity of financial, human, or material resources significantly hampers the development of spa settlements. Limited funding could restricts investments in infrastructure, preservation, and service upgrades.
Poor coordination among stakeholders, including government agencies, private investors, and local communities, can lead to fragmented planning and execution. Without clear communication and collaboration, projects may overlap, conflict, or fail to align with broader strategic goals.
Excluding local communities from planning and decision-making processes results in a disconnect between development goals and residents’ needs Community involvement is essential to ensure that projects are sustainable and culturally sensitive.
Complex, outdated, or unclear legal and regulatory frameworks can hinder development projects. Lengthy approval processes, ambiguous property rights, and inconsistent enforcement of regulations discourage investment and delay implementation.