Development of health tourism in Polish spas in the context of air pollution, an aging population and changes in business models

Background: The development of the activity of spa tourism enterprises is particularly important in countries that are struggling with the phenomenon of an aging population, high mortality due to civilization diseases and air pollution. The article discusses the phenomenon of the development of Polish health resorts in the context of social changes in the perception of traditional and modern spa products. Method: To illustrate the phenomena occurring in spa tourism in Poland, statistical data (i.e. fluctuation of tourist traffic in 45 Polish spas, average age of mortality, etc.) were used. A historical analysis of significant polythene and economic impacts on the development of health resorts. Results: Attempts have been made to explain the changes taking place in the context of Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) concept of R.W. Butler and two hypotheses of spas development. Conclusion: The results of the analysis of tourist traffic in Polish health resorts (generally) in the years 1949-2016 indicate the occurrence of cyclical changes in the development of spa areas (analyzed in an aggregated way). Period of time 1998-2018 can be considered a breakthrough period in Polish spas – a significant change in the health resort enterprises business models took place.