At a time when a number of destinations across the globe are under pressure to make money from tourism – often because of the rising demand for cost-effective, technologically advanced and high-quality medical care –, a destination like Thailand is combining “world-class healthcare” with “holistic recovery” experiences to offer discerning travelers the best.
Ahman Mad-Adam, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Dubai Office says that over the past decade, the notion of healthcare has expanded far beyond its more traditional definition.
Adam adds that medical wellness travellers choose Thailand not only for the treatments they need but for post-treatment recovery experiences – and that several destinations throughout Thailand pioneer “optimal health” that involves more than consulting with a medical professional.
He also argues that mental health, emotional wellbeing, and a holistic sense of vitality are other practices that other destinations often overlook.
“What most travellers are after is something in between world-class medical treatment followed by a tailored recovery programme that allows the body and mind to rejuvenate at their own pace, facilitated by a trusted team of wellness practitioners,” Adam says, noting that the number of medical tourists in Thailand is currently more than 2.5 million every year.
A major draw to Thailand, he points out, is the high number of globally accredited hospitals, internationally trained medical professionals and positive health outcomes. He says: “What’s more, is that major healthcare centres like Bangkok, where the majority of private hospitals and clinics are concentrated, also boast a number of wellness travel destinations that combine modern and traditional medicine.”
Within Thailand’s RAKxa Integrative Wellness Centre, for example, a concept that integrates ancient Thai wisdom with contemporary medical science, that other destinations widely ignore. Personalised healing journeys rather than one-size-fits-all solutions, is an approach that tourism destinations ought not to ignore.
Besides RAKxa, other wellness hubs to visit when in Thailand include Bumrungrad International Hospital, and the Samitivej Hospital. Additionally, other cities that are considered wellness destinations in Thailand include Chiang Mai, Phuket and Koh Samui.
“Living up to our reputation of being one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations also ties into our objectives as a green tourism and sustainability destination. It’s about creating both a natural and built environment that is conducive to wellbeing and delivering exceptional care but is also committed to doing so responsibility and for the long-term. We’re excited to see how these aims continue to take shape as Thailand grows and evolves,” says Mad-Adam.
