Turkey’s New Target in Health Tourism: US$ 20 Billion
Turkey aims to create a value of $20 billion in health tourism by 2028 and strives to become a global healing center with the “HealthTürkiye” brand.
The International Health Tourism Assembly, under the umbrella of the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), convened at the TOBB Social Facilities with the participation of industry representatives. The meeting focused on Turkey’s vision and goals in the health tourism sector.
The Goal is $20 Billion in Added Value
In his speech at the meeting, TOBB Board Member Hakan Ülken emphasized that a major economic target had been set for the health tourism sector through cooperation between the public and private sectors. Ülken stated that they aim to create a value of $20 billion by 2028 and rapidly implement legal regulations that will provide a competitive advantage for the sector.
He mentioned that efforts are ongoing to increase Turkey’s “international patient” capacity across various areas, from local and international hospitals to elderly care centers, thermal facilities, and aesthetic surgery.
Ülken also referred to the “HealthTürkiye” platform, launched with the support of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. He emphasized that this portal, which lists companies offering health tourism services, will contribute to the regulation of the sector.
“We must raise the success bar higher,” said Ülken, emphasizing that the public-private sector collaboration in health tourism played a key role in enhancing international competitiveness.
Health Tourism: A National Issue
TOBB International Health Tourism Assembly President Özgür Öztan stated that Turkey had become an important hub for health tourism. He also highlighted the need for solidarity between the public and private sectors in combating recent smear campaigns against healthcare services.
USHAŞ (Turkey’s Health Services Export and Promotion Inc.) General Manager Behlül Ünver, also speaking at the meeting, noted that health tourism was a national issue. Ünver said, “The size of the medical tourism market is expected to reach $127 billion by 2028. As Turkey, we aim to capture a share of $20 billion from this market.”
He emphasized that thermal tourism was another area that needed development. He mentioned that the global market for thermal tourism was valued at $98 billion, but Turkey only generated $250-300 million in revenue from this sector.
Unver concluded by stating that Turkey, with the “HealthTürkiye” brand, carried the mission of becoming a global healing center, and the country was determined to fight against informality in the sector.
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