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The deep sea water (DSW) industry has a great commercial potential for the global health tourism market. This study aims to investigate the successful relationships between stakeholders with a focus on the role of the government. Two surveys were conducted on the east coast of Taiwan to discover if the local governments were willing to give any assistance of the development of the DSW industry. The results of the study revealed that the first priority was the installation of a thalasso spa in Hualien, eastern Taiwan. Taiwan Government must consider that the opening of three similar facilities close together will need careful planning and study of the market size. The study suggests establishing a government-owned DSW Research & Development Park and thalasso spa near the three private sectors to balance the fierce competition among the three private companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article highlights the strong potential and growing popularity of the Asian medical tourism industry focusing on South Korea and presents an overview of the background of the industry, the current situation, issues of concern, and directions to pursue for the systematic development of the medical tourism industry in that country. It examines the difficulties encountered given that the current medical tourism market in Korea is under constant attention but still at the beginning stages. The study a) examines the recognition and attitudes of hospitals towards medical tourism, b) investigates networking involvement of the medical tourism-related institutions, and c) suggests recommendations for strategic implementation of medical tourism in Korea. The study provides useful strategic analysis for the sustainable development of the medical tourism industry in a country where medical tourism is receiving rapidly growing attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing popularity of the gambling industry has prompted casinos to develop strategies to maintain a competitive advantage and accomplish business goals. This study examines the Australian casino operations to provide ideas for potential promotional strategies. Seven such strategies are identified: advertising; improved public relations; sales promotions; personal selling; branding image; loyalty programs; and pricing and packages. The importance of each is discussed with examples drawn from casinos, and promotional strategies are provided with a critical evaluation in a broader context. This study provides a method for casino practitioners to monitor and review their promotional strategies to keep stimulating patronage and enhancing overall revenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]