Sulphur waters are promising investment opportunities for developing medical tourism in the northwest of the Jfara Plain

Abstract

The study aimed to exploit the sulfurous waters in the northwest of the Jfara Plain to promote medical tourism and local economic development, noting the poor exploitation in Ajilat and Al-Assa. The results showed that the sulfurous waters contain known therapeutic elements, such as sulfur, capable of treating skin diseases and rheumatism, making them a valuable medical and tourism resource. The study adopted classroom, analytical, and field methods (questionnaire and interview) to elicit residents' opinions and identify benefits and challenges. Although 83.7% see the value of the waters as therapeutic resources and 66.4% support the physiotherapy center, 35.2% link the damages and lack of security to exploitation barriers. The study recommends strengthening health services, security, and oversight, and investing in sites to launch sustainable medical tourism.