ORGANIZATIONAL AND LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF SANATORIUM AND RESORT INSTITUTIONS AND FEATURES OF THEIR INSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The article analyzes the essence, classification, organizational and legal framework, and modern trends in the development of health-wellness and spa-resort tourism as a promising branch of the tourism industry. Resort classification is outlined based on leading natural therapeutic factors (balneological, mud, climatic, and combined types) as well as territorial significance (local, regional, and international). Within health-wellness tourism, the functions, specialization areas, and operational characteristics of medical-preventive facilities—such as sanatoriums, sanatorium-preventoriums, boarding houses, rest homes, and resort polyclinics—are thoroughly detailed. Sanatorium-resort treatment is evaluated as the most natural and physiological method of therapy. The paper details the three key stages of the treatment process (adaptation, primary therapeutic phase, and final phase) alongside treatment regimens. Furthermore, the role of modern physiotherapeutic technologies, including electrophysiotherapy, ultrasound, magnetic therapy, laser therapy, and vacuum-compression therapy, is highlighted. The study indicates that recent shifts in healthcare and tourism markets have transformed traditional sanatoriums into multifunctional wellness and anti-stress centers targeting broader consumer demographics. Finally, the economic characteristics of resort services are substantiated, emphasizing the impact of seasonality on pricing strategies (e.g., profit maximization, quality leadership).