The use of natural geothermal springs in the treatment of illness and the promotion of wellness forms the foundation for a discussion of the development and growth of health and wellness tourism in this book. A range of perspectives are explored, including usage, heritage, management, technology, environmental and cultural features, and marketing.

Patricia Erfurt-Cooper lectures in tourism resource management at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan. Her research interests include geothermal resources for human use and geotourism in volcanic and geothermal environments with a focus on risk management.

Malcolm Cooper is Vice President (Research) at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan and lectures in tourism law and tourism development and planning. His research interests include tourism development and planning, sustainable development and management of environmental resources.