Concordance of health promotion and health tourism A case study: Namkian Subdistrict, Phupiang District, Nan Province.

Abstract

Introduction: This qualitative research explored the concordance of health promotion and health tourism activities: a case study at Namkian Subdistrict, Phupiang District, Nan Province.

Method: This study used document study, in-depth interviews and participatory observation. Participations who experienced and related to health promotion activities and entrepreneur of health tourism were selected by purposive sampling comprised of 21 people. The study was carried out from May to June 2018. Tools for data collection included semi-structured interview and observation form. Data analysis using qualitative technique was applied.

Results: Results revealed that health promotion activities in at Namkian Sub-district are directly and indirectly harmonious with health tourism activities in terms of announcement of public policy to tourist, creating an environment for healthy community, managing health tourism by the active leaders and promoting public participation. Personal skill development activities were
created in order to promote family and community health. Those activities were also used for health tourism. In addition, local health innovations brought from health promotion services were applied for using in health tourism.

Conclusion: Activity of health promotion and health tourism in Namkian Sub-district are harmonious and that provided health outcomes. Social capital was utilized to support health promotion and health tourism activities which make an outstanding health tourism in this area. Local wisdom of medicine and folk herbs seem to be noticeable. Social marketing is also well applied in
promoting tourism which leads to sustainable health promotion.