Application of Intuitionistic Fuzzy DEMATEL Method for Analysis of the Cause and Impact of Health Tourism Factors
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Abstract
This research presents the application of the Intuitionistic Fuzzy DEMATEL (IF-DEMATEL) method to analyze health tourism factors in Phitsanulok Province. The objective is to examine the cause-and-effect relationships among health tourism factors using the IF-DEMATEL method in order to identify the key factors that influence the success and sustainability of health tourism in the area. The results indicate that, in the Cause Influence Group, the most important factors are customer satisfaction (C1) and safety at the venue (C3), which directly affect the quality and overall experience of tourists. In the Effect Influence Group, the most significant factors are technological efficiency (C11) and financial performance (C7). Technology enhances convenience and service quality, while financial stability contributes to the long-term sustainability of tourism. The identified cause-and-effect relationships provide valuable insights for developing effective strategies, such as investing in technology alongside environmental management (C10) to strengthen competitiveness (C12) and attract both domestic and international tourists. The findings can be used at both the local and national levels as guidelines for policy formulation and the sustainable development of health tourism.
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