Healthy spaces, healing places - sharing experiences of wellness tourism in Oregon, USA

This paper presents an overview of the evolving trends in spa, health, and medical tourism in Montenegro and the United States and more specifically, the State of Oregon. The language and practices of “wellness tourism” which prevail in Oregon differ significantly from those widely applied in Europe, where the concept is firmly established, both legally and culturally. Consequently, the ideas highlighted in this paper are intended to support further discussion of the critical benefits of health-related tourism for Montenegro. In addition, the visitor experiences and data from Oregon may encourage further consideration of alternative resources and preventive therapeutic treatments that would complement existing curative facilities, and provide meaningful opportunities for smalland medium-sized hotels and tour operators in Crna Gora (Montenegro).