Using the Delphi method to assess the potential of Taiwan's hot springs tourism sector

The purpose of the present study is to identify the various factors that influence the competitiveness of the hot springs tourism sector. The research draws on the models of Ritchie and Crouch, Dwyer and Kim, and Enright and\ud Newton, who concluded that destination competitiveness is determined by three major components: resources and attractors, destination strategies and environments.\ud The investigation produced both qualitative and quantitative data using the Delphi technique. An expert panel reached consensus about priorities for the development of Taiwan’s hot springs tourism sector and provided written justifi cations for their responses. This paper reports on the qualitative fi ndings of the\ud three-round Delphi survey and provides a supply-side perspective on Taiwan’s hot springs tourism sector. An examination of the expert comments concluded that\ud the Taiwanese are increasingly concerned with good health and longevity. This emerging characteristic offers new business opportunities for the providers of hot springs tourism experiences to extend their appeal into health protection and medical treatments. However, if they are to achieve sustainable development and ensure highquality\ud visitor experiences, hot springs proprietors will need to work closely with local governments and communities to\ud promote sustainable use of natural hot springs and to conduct routine inspections of spa premises. Overall, the future of the hot springs tourism sector appears to be\ud promising