Global sales in health tourism are estimated at up to 50 billion dollars; the trend is rising sharply. More and more patients are traveling to another country for treatment. Switzerland is ideally placed to participate in this new business for the medical and tourism sector.
With annual growth rates of 15 to 25 percent, health or medical tourism is one of the boom segments in international tourism. Its first-class medical infrastructure and the world reputation of its doctors and medical research predestine Switzerland for a leading position in this market. Nevertheless, with a turnover of around 600 million francs, our country has not yet occupied any of the top positions.
The main drivers for choosing a treatment country are medical services, the reputation of its medical facilities and that of its doctors.
The most important areas of treatment include oncology (cancer treatment), orthopedics (musculoskeletal system), cardiology (heart and circulatory system) and urology (urinary organs). With Klinik Gut, Graubünden has orthopedics of international renown, which is already treating patients from all over the world.
In addition to a good clinic, health tourism guests also pay attention to a suitable hotel offer, which must be tailored specifically to the needs of patients, depending on the treatment and state of health of the guest. Accompanying relatives are another major area of business.
In addition to their overnight stays in hotels, they generate significant sales in gastronomy, leisure and sports as well as the retail sector. The added value from health tourism is therefore around five times the cost of actual medical treatment.
1st “Health & Tourism” Conference
On Monday, September 7, experts from medicine, clinic marketing, tourism and politics will meet in Pontresina for the first “Health & Tourism” conference.
Information and registration at www.udir.ch