Speleotherapy in the scope of health tourism: case of Çankırı salt cave in Turkey

Abstract

Cave therapy, also called speleotherapy, is in high demand among health tourism consumers. This study aims to shed light on how Çankırı Salt Cave (Turkey) can contribute to health tourism in the Çankırı region. Semi-structured interviews are conducted with 35 respondents working in tourism and health in the Çankırı region. The results show that the main challenges to the contribution of the Çankırı salt cave to health tourism are the lack of promotion in social media, the poor infrastructure around the salt cave and the lack of scientific reports on the effectiveness of salt therapy. If these challenges are overcome, the Çankırı Salt Cave has the potential to contribute to regional health tourism.