Mineral and Thermal water, Tourism development and the role of communities

Our country is blessed with numerous natural thermal spas located throughout the country where a wide range of medical conditions, ailments and disorders can be treated due to the therapeutic properties and quality of the waters used. This article focuses on spa resorts as it is. experienced by tourists. The author has developed a table, based on the application of matrix evaluation techniques. The effort aims to support local and national authorities with a systematic and scientific basis for decision-making. This is exemplified through a Strategic Environmental Assessment of development planning. Also, this database provides a means to objectify present environmental conflicts. This contingency table is composed of physical, socio• economic and biological/ecosystems components. Data are generated from existing maps (e.g. land cover/use maps), statistica data a-id "ielcwork tu enable a pre1iminary impact analysis Statistical computations document significant potential environmertal i--ri:Mt: .inrl 11nc, cover changes in narticular for that within the framework of the economic benefits. implement ability, and necessity, achievements of these countries are compared. In order to undertake sound and sustainable tourism development in the future, and successfully compete in the international tourism market place, the role of the following factors need to be critically examined: Research, The economic impact of tourism, Indigenous components of product delivery in areas of food products, culture, architecture and appropriate technology, the manpower needs of the tourism industry, and Institutional framework.