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ABSTRACT
Experiences with Spa products consumption are under theorised, overlooked and disregarded in most developing countries. This qualitative study examined individuals’ experiences. These experiences are important as they are fundamental in the assessment of the contributions of Spa products consumption to an individual and to the development of Spa tourism. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 purposively sampled respondents. The study was carried out within seven study sites of day Spas and thermal and mineral springs. Thematic analysis was implemented, identified spiritual upliftment, personality development, gastronomic benefits and emotional healing as the dominant factors influencing individual experiences with Spa products consumption in Zimbabwe. The study concluded that experiences with Spa products consumption are different among individuals, but at the same time being instrumental to the development of the consumer psychosocially and economically. Positive experiences help in the development of Spa tourism in diverse social settings. These findings are significant as they offer means by which the Spa sector can propose reasonable strategies and mechanisms to optimise the consumption of the Spa products for individuals’ well-being and the development of Spa tourism in Zimbabwe. Given these findings, there is a need to promote the use of Spa products by individuals through various means.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notes on contributors
Dr. Enes Madzikatire is a lecturer at the Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe in the School of Hospitality and Tourism. Her Phd Thesis title is ‘Contribution of Spa Technology Consumption to one's Psycho-social economic development.’ She has published a number of articles on Health and Wellness Tourism.
Dr. Patrick Walter Mamimine is a senior lecturer at Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe in the School of Hospitality and Tourism. He has published journal articles in Anthropology, Sociology and Tourism.
Dr. Gwatirera Javangwe is a senior lecturer at University of Zimbabwe in the department of Social Sciences. He has published journal articles in Sociology.
Dr. Clotildah Kazembe is a lecturer at Chinhoyi University of Technology, Zimbabwe in the School of Hospitality and Tourism. She has published journal articles in Hospitality and Tourism.