THE CURRENT TRENDS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE INDUSTRY OF MEDICAL TOURISM

Abstract

The industry of medical tourism is a non-regulated domain and due to this, it has certain risks. The existing information is variable and fluctuating because there is no unique trustworthy authority that could provide information. The travels performed with the aim to benefit from medical services are not something new but they manifest within a new, growing and globalized context.  The aim of this study is to identify the current status of Romanian Health Tourism in the light of the data collected from the specialised bodies, to evaluate the developments and to make recommendations on what should be done in the future. The study is supported by a general analysis of the literature in the field of medical tourism. The study integrated policy analysis, desk-based work, and economic analysis to estimate preliminary costs. The results obtained highlight Romania’s advantages on this special market – of the medical tourism, the activities that need to be performed for a better visibility and get a competitive advantage as well as the risks that our country faces when it encourages and develops this type of tourism.