Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.24141/1/11/1/8
Opportunities for Forest Bathing and Forest Therapy as Innovative Practices within Sustainable Health Tourism Development in Croatia
Aleksandar Racz
orcid.org/0000-0002-3118-2623
; Zdravstveno veleučilište, Zagreb
*
Andrea Armano
; Veleučilište Aspira, Split
Vanja Vasiljev
; Medicinski fakultet, Sveučilište u Rijeci
Darko Vukelić
; Srednja škola u Delnicama
Ljerka Armano
orcid.org/0000-0002-0267-3167
; KBC Sestre milosrdnice, Zagreb
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
With the Strategy for Sustainable Tourism Development
by 2030 and other strategic planning documents,
Croatia has committed itself to transforming its tourism
industry based on sustainability principles as a fundamental
development concept. In this context, health
tourism development should be based on potential
such as natural resources, diverse natural wealth, ecological
quality of the environment, and natural healing
factors. This opens room for expanding health tourism
offerings, especially wellness tourism, by introducing
the practice known in Japan as Shinrin-yoku or “forest
bathing” or “breathing in the atmosphere of the forest”
with the dual aim of providing an eco-antidote to tech
boom burnout and inspiring residents to reconnect
with and protect the country’s forests.
Forest bathing means spending time in nature, especially
in areas with trees, as a sensory immersion for
physiological and psychological health. Forest bathing
aims to live in the present moment as you immerse
your senses in the sights and sounds of a natural environment.
Forest therapy is more healing-oriented than
forest bathing, as it aims to heal specific health issues
in individuals and can be structured by a forest therapy
guide, like the role of a forest medicine practitioner. Forest
therapy is more purpose-driven than forest bathing,
although both aim to improve health and well-being.
The main components of forest therapy include walks,
experiencing the forest with the five senses (sight, hearing,
touch, smell, and taste), forest visits, forest meditation,
Qi Gong, aromatherapy, herbal tea therapy, and
crafting with natural materials as part of art therapy.
Several studies have confirmed the forest’s physiological
and psychological effects on health. Physiological
effects include improvements in blood pressure, heart
rate, and heart rate variability, cortisol levels, pain relief,
and respiratory function. Psychologically, depression,
anxiety, quality of life, mood, and cognitive function
improve.
The potential for developing and implementing forest
bathing and forest therapy as innovative practices in
the context of sustainable health tourism in Croatia is
considerable. With more than half of its territory covered
by forests, Croatia has a unique natural environment
that can be utilized for the well-being of its inhabitants
and visitors. Integrating forest bathing and forest
therapy into the country’s health tourism offers several
opportunities and benefits. Introducing forest bathing
and therapy as unique offerings can attract health-conscious
tourists seeking alternative, holistic experiences. Croatia can market these practices as a specialty of its
health tourism, attracting environmentally conscious
travelers. Croatia can boost its economy by integrating
forest bathing and forest therapy into health tourism.
These practices can create new employment opportunities,
such as certified guides and therapists, and stimulate
local businesses that cater to the needs of tourists.
By promoting activities in the forest, Croatia can
raise awareness of the importance of environmental
protection. Participants in forest baths and therapies
will likely develop a deeper appreciation for nature and
a sense of responsibility for preserving natural habitats.
Investment in research and development related
to forest bathing and treatment can lead to innovative
approaches, tailored programs, and improved participant
experiences. Collaboration between academia,
healthcare professionals, and the tourism sector can
drive advancements in this field. Involving local communities
in developing and implementing forest bathing
and therapy initiatives can create a sense of pride
and ownership. Community participation can enhance
the authenticity of these practices, making them more
appealing to tourists.
Ključne riječi
sustainable tourism; Shinrin-yoku; forest therapy; health tourism
Hrčak ID:
332127
URI
Datum izdavanja:
13.6.2025.
Posjeta: 1.005 *