Medical tourism in Greece could be getting a boost from Russia.
Greece and Russia for Medical Tourism
According to a report in Greek Travel Pages, representatives from the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry met with the Greek Tourism Minister, Elena Kountoura, to discuss possible cooperation to expand medical tourism in Greece. It would be part of an effort to strengthen Greek-Russian relations. Representatives from Russia said that the Greek market would be a top destination for Russian citizens for various medical and health services.
During the meeting, Minister Kountoura presented the various opportunities in the health tourism sector in Greece and placed an emphasis on high-level of scientific staff and specialized rehabilitation centers. Minister Kontoura also told GTP that the Greek government is working with the Greek Medical Tourism Council (ELITOUR) and industry professionals to set up working groups to move medical tourism forward in Greece.
Top Tourism, Top Health
With more tourists visiting Greece each year and the potential foreign investment into health tourism, there is ample opportunity for Greek aviation businesses. Private jet services and helicopter services will be an important part of various medical tourism packages aimed to appeal to certain markets.
At their industry conference last year, the Hellenic Association of Airline Representatives (SAAE) reiterated the important role aviation plays in Greek tourism. According to Civil Aviation Authority data, there was a 13 percent increase of international flights to Greece between January and October 2014, compared to the previous year. However, according to authorities quoted in the TOC.gr article, the industry faces challenges. To further strengthen the Greek aviation sector industry leaders suggest more improvements be made to facilities and passenger services in Greece’s busiest airports. The airports of Chania, Heraklion, Santorini and Mykonos were mentioned.
Still Strong
Russia’s interest in working with Greece exemplifies the potential the Greek tourism market has in the medical tourism sector — a lucrative and engaging area of tourism that can be developed well. Organization, determination to meet aviation challenges and cooperation between tourism and aviation businesses will change the face of health tourism in Greece. As a result, the Russian market and other global markets can turn to Greece for the top quality medical tourism services they seek — and travel to their destinations the way they need and want.
Image Source: Marjan Lazarevski
