Fonte: Journal of Tourism & Development; n. 9 (2008); 7-18
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Resumo: Reflecting upon Thermalism within the sphere of tourism is closely associated to an intellectual activity connected to multiple historical, political and social fields. These are generally characterised by being permanently linked to activities based on leisure, well-being and evasion. It will be demanding, not only to clarify, but also to relate concepts like leisure, tourism and thermalism to new paradigms of the current society and to reflect upon emerging terminologies and to the extent of these areas as well.Bearing in mind that leisure and tourism are both classified as free time activities, linked to the need for relaxation, pleasure and well-being, what is the conceptual scope of thermalism, today? While being one of the most ancient tourism practices, which connected areas of thermalism do currently get in the tourism field? And what kind of upgrades related to these offer have been demanded in order to consolidate its role within tourism projects?
