Abstract
Introduction: Medical tourism constitutes a new, fast-growing form of tourism and sector in the services industry. The health tourism “industry” is a parameter of vital importance encouraging individuals to seek healthcare services on an international level. Its annual growth rate in the global market is estimated at 25-35%.
Aim-Objective: To investigate how Medical tourism can contribute significantly to the overall development of Cyprus, in the context of a general financial crisis, where new resources are constantly on demand, and to explore its prospects for growth.
Material-Methodology: The Delphi method, which is suitable for establishing a convergence in participants’ judgements or opinions, was used. It involves two research phases and a series of questionnaires, including multiple rounds. Twenty-two experts from the health and tourism sectors were selected based on their knowledge and experience. Qualitative criteria involving semi-structured interviews were used for the statistical analysis of the data, while quantitative criteria were employed to analyze the participants’ responses using the statistical analysis software package SPSS. Percentages, mean values, and standard deviations were calculated.
Results: Ninety-six per-cent of respondents converge that this sector should be further developed through comprehensive planning. A hundred per-cent of respondents believe that all relevant stakeholders—who are called upon to participate as coordinators—should collaborate so as to develop marketing strategies, achieve the accreditation of hospitals and improve the quality of the local health services.
Conclusion: Important benefits resulting in the strengthening of the local economy are revealed. Further, the need for the development of an upgraded product at a competitive cost, the establishment of parameters concerning the accreditation of the quality of hospitals, as well as the exploitation of the health- care services currently on offer.
