Medical Tourism in Philippines, the well-kept secret

Despite this, with the concerted efforts of medical tourism stakeholders, the Philippines are making a big dent in the global wellness industry, which has contributed $ 3.7 billion to the global economy in 2015.

“Wellness tourism, or travel to promote the health and well-being of a person through physical, psychological or spiritual activities, is a thriving global business.”It’s already a billion-dollar global industry, it’s still growing almost twice as fast in the global economy,” shared health advocate Cory Quirino, who heads Health Confess 2019, a three-day event that brings together a Stakeholders in the health and welfare industry.

Following the theme “Journey to a life full of enthusiasm”, the event aims to promote the Philippine health and well-being industry and place the country on the world map of Medical Tourism in Philippines. Presented jointly by Conrad Manila, Organique, The Zen Institute, The Farm in San Benito, Toledo Medical Companies, Oh So Healthy, Healthway and Manulife, and was held from April 26 to 28, 2019 at the SMX Convention Center in the city of Pasay.

While travelers in the wellness segment represent only a small percentage of the country’s total tourism income, the Philippines is slowly becoming a major health and wellness destination. According to the lists of the Medical Tourism Index, the Philippines rank 19th among the world destinations, 16th in the medical tourism industry and 19th in the quality of facilities and services.

According to reports, the Philippines annually serve 80,000 to 250,000 patients, with clients from East Asia, Sri Lanka, the Pacific Islands, Australia, North and South America, Europe and the United Kingdom and the Gulf States.

Quirino noted that the Philippines have what it takes to be a major competitor in this lucrative market. “We have internationally accredited hospitals and award-winning spas and wellness spas, with highly trained and English-speaking health and wellness professionals who provide world-class services,” said Quirino.

Over the last few years, the Department of Tourism has been working closely with the Department of Health to create a unified Medical Tourism Program in the Philippines, which aims to “bring a considerable and quantifiable amount to the Philippine economy and improve the quality of life”, while at the same time, medical institutions and wellness destinations that provide advanced medical services continue to grow. This program can also help generate job opportunities for Filipino people, while increasing tourist traffic throughout the country.

While many have been going there for vacations and treatments, the tourism market must know the Philippines and what the country has to offer, what they can do in the country.

“In medical tourism, the Philippines are a well-kept secret.”This exhibition is the best way to present the Philippines to the world and maintain the momentum,” said Philippine Tourism Congress Board Director Orly Ballesteros.

Mary Faith Albano, president of the Philippine Marketing Association, agreed and said: “We need a big boost for the market. We need to create a campaign that effectively communicates the message that the industry wants people to know. All interested parties must speak the same language. If we think the market is viable, we should talk about it. “

While there is a market and various products to offer, the vice president of sales and marketing of Healthway Medical, Carmelita de León, suggested that “we should package it pleasantly. It needs to be accessible. Create an attractive package, with all the well-being in it, and then start promoting it as a group, as a country. “

The Philippines enjoys a tropical climate and picturesque sites, which are good for healing and relaxation. The Filipino people are known for our warm hospitality, compassion and affection. Also, the prices of the various health and welfare services offered locally are very competitive. Compared to overseas rates, the Philippines offer many lower values, even when the cost of travel and accommodation is included.

The tourism stakeholders should stop seeing it as a comprehensive agreement, but take it as a long-term campaign.