Health tourism: a trend that is here to stay

Health tourism is a growing trend in the tourism industry. In recent years, it has become a popular option for those looking to combine tourism with medical treatments. In fact, the number of people doing this type of tourism is expected to increase.

According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, health tourism is expected to grow at a rate of 18.8% until 2026. But what is this type of tourism and why is it so popular? In this article we tell you about it.

WHAT IS HEALTH TOURISM?

It refers to those trips in which medical care is combined with leisure and relaxation activities. In this sense, people seek health tourism for several reasons.

Some of the travelers seek medical treatments that are not available in their home countries. Others want treatment at a lower cost. There are even people who seek to reduce the waiting time to receive medical care.

Likewise, health tourism also focuses on prevention and well-being, not just cure. Thus, tourists who travel for health can participate in programs such as yoga, meditation, nutrition and exercises. It is worth noting that this approach is especially attractive to travelers conscious of their health and lifestyle.

There is no doubt that health tourism is a growing trend in the tourism industry. So much so that it has a growing demand, offering the opportunity to combine medical care with tourism. With the growing demand for specialized medical services and the rising cost of healthcare in some countries, health tourism is an attractive alternative for many.

POPULAR COUNTRIES FOR HEALTH TOURISM

Health tourism is especially popular in developing countries, such as Thailand, India, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore and Turkey. In these countries, tourists can find various medical treatments at lower prices than in their home countries. In addition, these countries offer quality tourist services, including accommodation in luxury hotels.

But it’s not just developing countries that benefit from health travel. Developed countries have also seen an increase in demand for this type of tourism.

For example, the United States and Europe are popular destinations for those seeking high-quality, specialized treatments. In fact, Spain is one of the pioneering countries in health tourism. So much so that the income received from this type of tourism reaches high figures every year.

Actually, health travel not only benefits travelers, but also countries. The reason is that such tourists spend much more than traditional visitors. Additionally, these users often extend their stay and participate in additional tourism activities, which benefits the local economy.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THOSE WHO DO HEALTH TOURISM

The health tourist is characterized by traveling to countries with the motivation of receiving more accessible medical treatments. That is, it is a person who seeks quality treatments at a lower price and greater availability. In addition, this traveler also looks for destinations that use cutting-edge technologies and have highly trained doctors.

In general terms, those who do this type of tourism are people between the ages of 40 and 58. Furthermore, these travelers usually have a monthly income of more than three thousand euros and seek treatments for pre-existing diseases. Within this type of traveler, there are also those who wish to perform some aesthetic procedure, although to a lesser extent.

CONCLUSION

Health tourism is a constantly growing trend, and it is here to stay. It offers a unique opportunity for those seeking quality medical treatments at lower prices, while enjoying a relaxing vacation in unrivaled tourist destinations.

The demand for people who carry out this type of tourism is expected to increase in the coming years. Especially since there is more and more awareness about health care and well-being. Therefore, the hotel industry must have the infrastructure and services to satisfy the requirements of these travelers.