Special types of tourism: medical tourism

This article describes the content and structure of a new tourist destination - medical tourism. Functional directions of medical and health tourism are also analyzed. The factors limiting the development of these areas in our country have been identified. The classification of types of medical and health tourism is presented. The peculiarities of the creation and functioning of sanatorium-resort complexes in our country are revealed. It is determined that a new tourist destination - medical tourism is currently developing at a rapid pace, the demand of the population for this type of health services is increasing. The object of the study is the types of medical and health tourism, the subject of the study is the analysis of a new tourist direction of medical tourism. The purpose of the article is to study the concepts of medical, therapeutic and health tourism, to identify specific characteristics. Research methods: analysis of scientific theories, concepts devoted to the study of tourist destinations specializing in wellness, comparative analysis of the development of medical tourism in Russia and abroad. The study also presents the main directions of health tourism and specialized domestic providers. It is determined that at present the population recognizes health as a valuable factor of existence and vital activity, and therefore takes timely measures to preserve and restore health.