Health Region – development concept and future

ByMariusz Arent

The concept of a Health Region is one of the most promising trends of the 21st century, responding to growing environmental pollution, an ageing population, and the need to raise health awareness. The Health Region is seen as a powerful tool for increasing the attractiveness of a place for both its residents and tourists. Its creation directly affects the quality of life of the local community and determines the development potential of a health tourism destination, where the quality of life and leisure harmonises with sustainable development..

A holistic understanding of health as the foundation of the concept

Health is now understood in a comprehensive way and goes far beyond the mere absence of disease. According to the WHO definition, it is ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being’. A developed Health Region is a geographically limited area where health awareness also encompasses the spiritual/existential sphere, quality of life, social engagement, and everyday functioning.

To achieve this, the idea of a healthy region must be rooted in the paradigm of sustainable development. Within this concept, the health of a region is assessed and developed in three key, interrelated areas:

  • 1. Environmental sphere (ecological)
  • 2. Social sphere
  • 3. Economic sphere (economic vitality)

Practical manifestations of the development of the health region

The development of the health region translates into specific, measurable actions that improve the quality of life and attractiveness of the place. Below we present how these three areas manifest themselves in practice:

  • 1. The ecological heart of the region

The natural environment plays a key role, especially in the context of health tourism. The Health Region is a place with an unpolluted natural environment, where care is taken to mitigate climate change and protect resources.

The key indicators here include:

  • clean air – implementation of air quality monitoring and warning systems for residents about poor air quality, and striving for low concentrations of harmful substances,
  • peace and quiet – compliance with permissible noise standards, especially at night, and having a strategy to reduce noise,
  • natural wealth – care for natural resources such as lakes, rivers, proximity to the sea, natural forests, and green areas,
  • waste management – effective management of waste (sorting) and sewage,
  • combating light pollution: reducing light pollution, which has a negative impact on the environment and human health (e.g., sleep and concentration disorders).
  • 2. Social vitality and accessibility

The Health Region is inhabited by a community that coexists harmoniously and is actively involved in community life.

The key indicators here include:

  • health-promoting infrastructure – its availability is intended to support a healthy lifestyle, e.g., cycle paths, small sports facilities (table tennis tables), playgrounds, fitness trails,
  • health services – encompass a wide range of health-promoting services, including specialist hospitals and medical practices,
  • accessibility and usability of space – i.e., the existence of a well-developed public transport system and accessibility policies for people with special needs, including people with disabilities
  • aesthetics – attention to aesthetic order, including the absence of large-format advertisements and the aesthetics of building facades and fences,
  • education and awareness – concerns the promotion of education on health prevention (nutrition, sleep, physical activity). It is necessary to raise public awareness of the importance of personal health and the environment.
  • 3. Economic vitality and investments

A Healthy Region is characterised by its ability to sustain and grow economic activity, attract investment, and maintain high employment. This is essential for building prosperity and resilience.

Key actions and indicators:

  • economic diversification – i.e., the presence of a variety of services related to health and well-being,
  • employment – concerns the low proportion of seasonal employment. The development of the health region may lead to the creation of jobs for young people and the development of career opportunities.
  • supply chains – high share of locally produced food, beverages and goods in the supply of enterprises, including tourist enterprises,
  • investments in infrastructure – such as transport, communications, hotels and restaurants.

Cooperation is the key to sustainable success

Achieving health region status requires a comprehensive and coherent strategic approach and cross-sectoral cooperation. Supporting it requires broad organisational involvement of various stakeholder groups, including:

  • local government and politicians who formulate strategy and promote health as a priority,
  • medical services, clinics, hospitals, surgeries and health prevention facilities,
  • the tourism sector, hotels offering health-promoting services, catering and trade,
  • science and education in the field of research, medical technologies and health education,
  • residents, as their satisfaction and healthy lifestyle are the central focus.

Creating a Health Region is therefore a long-term endeavour that transforms the region into a place that is friendly to residents and tourists alike. Building a strong brand is based on the belief that well-being is a common right and a driving force for development. The image of a safe destination, which is associated with a health region, is one of the most desirable attributes in the face of contemporary challenges.

Prepared by A. Białk-Wolf based on Białk-Wolf, A., Lubowiecki-Vikuk, A., Dryglas, D., Illing, K. and Jędrzejczyk, T. Developing a health region in the context of sustainable development – an attempt at conceptualisation, Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, Vol. 17 No. 2, 159–173. https://doi.org/10.1108/WHATT-01-2025-0019, 2025

Previous article about the health region.