What
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, international spending on medical tourism services has grown to $11 billion in 2017 (from $2.4 billion in 2000). While the U.S. is the largest market for inbound medical tourists, it’s also the world’s leading outbound market, with medical spending reaching nearly $2.3 billion in 2017.
Why It Matters
The idea that Americans would travel abroad for healthcare used to be met with skepticism.
Now, as healthcare costs continue to rise, Americans make up 20% of the world’s medical tourists. Savvy travel advisors should brush up on top inbound markets such as Turkey, Thailand, Jordan, Costa Rica and Mexico.
Fast Facts
- Medical tourism spending accounted for 1.2% of international visitor spending in 2017 (compared to 0.6% in 2000)
- The WTTC’s report analyzes the contribution of medical tourism in 115 countries.
- The WTTC believes that the most effective policies in supporting and stimulating medical tourism are those that establish the regulation and recognized accreditation/certification of medical practitioners and facilities, provide specific visa support, provide training and skills development, develop and implement targeted marketing strategies, and attract investment into the sub-sector.
The Details
World Travel & Tourism Council
www.wttc.org
