Category Archives: Reports,Features, Statistics

EU top court sees no fault in ‘medical tourism’

Posted on October 15, 2014 | Comments Off on EU top court sees no fault in ‘medical tourism’

The EU’s top court, ruling on a so-called “medical tourism” case, said patients seeking treatment in another member state should have the cost covered by their home authorities if local care is not available in “good time.”

Anti-EU parties, which did well in May elections, have picked up on the issue as another example of Brussels’ meddling in member state affairs at the expense of local patients.

They say foreign patients take up hospital beds which should first go to locals, making the issue even more politically sensitive as governments try to balance their budgets and control ballooning healthcare costs.

The European Court of Justice said it found in favour of a woman in Romania who went to Germany for open heart surgery costing 18,000 euros which her local health authority then refused to pay.

“The reimbursement of medical expenses incurred in another member state cannot be refused where a lack of basic medical supplies and infrastructure” means treatment is not available locally “in good time,” it said.

The judgement of time and availability must be made, however, by the hospitals and relevant authorities in the patient’s home country, it said.

source: http://www.medicalxpress.com /Medical Xpress / Home> Health / @AFP / October 09th, 2014

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Posted in Medical Tourism/Health Tourism, Reports,Features, Statistics, Travelling For Surgery Abroad / Medical Surgery Overseas, Uncategorized

Krakow hotel with dental clinic planned

Posted on October 13, 2014 | Comments Off on Krakow hotel with dental clinic planned

A hotel combined with a dental clinic is set to be built in Krakow, southern Poland, in a bid to expand the city’s appeal as a destination for ‘dental tourism.’

Photo: sxc.hu

Photo: sxc.hu

The investment, which is being carried out on the fringe of the city’s Kazimierz district, will provide 127 guestrooms in a building designed by award-winning architectural firm Lewicki&Latak.

“We hope that the opening of the new hotel will attract to Krakow more foreigners taking advantage of so-called medical tourism,” commented Regional Conservator of Buildings Jan Janczykowski, in an interview with the Gazeta Wyborcza daily.

Two buildings that “do not represent any historical or architectural value,” according to Janczykowski, will be demolished next month to make way for the new investment.

Investor Sebastian Kaminski noted that as far as dental tourism is concerned, “most tourists choose a trip to Budapest for these purposes.”

Construction of the new building is expected to cost 3.5 million zloty (776,410 euro).

Dental tourism has been a growing phenomenon in recent years, with many western Europeans trying to find cheaper yet reliable alternatives to treatment in their native countries. (nh)

source: http://www.thenews.pl / Polskie Radio / October 08th, 2014

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Posted in Dental Tourism, Medical Treatment/Health Treatment Subject By Speciality, Reports,Features, Statistics

Abu Dhabi tourism looks to expand CIS Footprint

Posted on October 11, 2014 | Comments Off on Abu Dhabi tourism looks to expand CIS Footprint

In the first seven months of this year, the number of Azeris checking into Abu Dhabi’s accommodation rose by 16%

Abu Dhabi:

Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry is looking to make headway in the high potential CIS market with a planned roadshow this month in Almaty in Kazakhstan and, for the first time in Baku in Azerbaijan.

“Azerbaijan has been added to the itinerary as the arrival of hotel guests from the country is showing uplift across a number of fundamentals without any dedicated promotion,” explained Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director, Promotions & Overseas Offices, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).

“We have identified a burgeoning appetite for the destination within the market which could deliver significant returns if it is nurtured.”

In the first seven months of this year, the number of Azeris checking into Abu Dhabi’s accommodation rose by 16 per cent with guest nights rising 30 per cent and length-of-stay expanding by 12 per cent.

“The figures remain small — only 788 Azeris came so far this year but they stay, on average, for a healthy 4.39 nights,” explained Al Nuaimi. “If we can build destination awareness in the country and grow the arrivals numbers, we will have a healthy proposition.”

Eight stakeholders are joining the TCA Abu Dhabi led road show to Azerbaijan, the largest country in the Caucasus with Azeris spending, according to the country’s Centre for Economic and Social Development, about US $3 billion a year — US $400 million of which goes on shopping. Among the stakeholder contingent is Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) looking to connect with an Azeri carrier.

“The country has established outbound tourism infrastructure with 140 local tour operators and great MICE potential,” explained Al Nuaimi. “Given Abu Dhabi’s recognised value-for-money proposition in terms of service delivery for competitive pricing, we are confident of building a market from Azerbaijan.”

The Abu Dhabi delegation, which later moves on to Almaty in Kazakhstan, also includes Emirates Palace, one of the world’s most opulent hotels, Al Ain Zoo, the InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi and Farah Leisure Parks Management LLC which operates Ferrari World Abu Dhabi the world’s largest indoor theme park — and Yas Waterworld on Yas Island.

Emirates Palace, one of the world’s most opulent hotels, is using the CIS roadshow to introduce its newly renovated SPA which has been designed to exude Moroccan charm with therapies rich in ancient traditional and bespoke treatments. The hotel has also undergone an upgrade of all its in-room technology for guest convenience and comfort. The palace is also planning a special January 6 and 7 celebration to mark the Orthodox Christmas and New Year and has Russian speaking staff available for guest relations.

The Abu Dhabi InterContinental hotel meanwhile will be promoting its newly-revitalised Bayshore — a private, beachfront destination in its picturesque marina. It has 300 metres of natural beachfront, a stunning infinity pool, swim-up bar, separate children’s pool and play area, premium health and sports facilities, day spa and restaurant. Guests can relax on sunloungers on a white, sandy beach or in one of seven private cabanas complete with butler service. There’s a large, outdoor Jacuzzi and a shaded pool for children with a fun waterside play area. There’s a new Bayshore Bar, plenty of watersports, a state-of-the-art gym and day spa.

“By the end of next year Kazakhstan is expected to rank among the world’s top 10 oil producing nations and we anticipate an upsurge in business between the country and the UAE,” said Al Nuaimi. “Prospects are strong for MICE and leisure — where people come for business and stay on for leisure.”

From January to July this year, 5,765 Kazakhs stayed in Abu Dhabi’s hotels and resorts, which is almost the same as for the first seven months of 2013. However, while the numbers remain somewhat static — room nights delivered by the Kazakh guests went up 11 per cent to 19,149 with them staying, on average, 3.32 nights.

One stakeholder with the CIS firmly in its sights is The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort which wants to grow its Azeri and Kazakh business by 20 per cent this year. “Both countries have a short flight time from the UAE and both have both frequent independent traveller and MICE potential,” said Yulia Korosynskaia, Complex Sales Representative.

source: http://www.gulfnews.com / Gulf News / Home> Business – Tourism / WAM / September 16th, 2014

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Posted in Health /Medical Treatment For Overseas Treatment, Medical Tourism/Health Tourism, Medical Treatment/Health Treatment Subject By Speciality, Reports,Features, Statistics, Travelling For Surgery Abroad / Medical Surgery Overseas

Vegas plans for a healthy medical tourism future

Posted on October 10, 2014 | Comments Off on Vegas plans for a healthy medical tourism future

JoAnnaHaugenCT10oct2014

Is Las Vegas poised to be the next major destination for medical and wellness tourism? 

Yes, according to several major Las Vegas organizations that recently released a report contending that the city could become a strategic market for medical tourism.

The Las Vegas Regional Strategic Plan for Medical & Wellness Tourism states that the city’s reputation as a prominent medical meeting destination, the existence of more than 45 spas on and off the Strip, existing infrastructure for patients and families, and specialists in a number of disciplines are among the reasons Las Vegas could become a destination for the growing number of medical and wellness tourists, tapping into what is currently a $50-$60 billion industry annually, expected to grow to $100 billion in the next decade.

“Las Vegas is one of the few destinations in the world to develop a regional strategic plan for medical and wellness travel,” said Douglas Geinzer, chief executive officer for Las Vegas Health Education Advocacy and Leadership of Southern Nevada (Las Vegas HEALS), a presenter of the report. “Rapidly evolving treatment expertise combined with a world-class hospitality infrastructure makes Las Vegas a serious player in health and wellness travel.”

Also developed and presented by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, and the University of Nevada Las Vegas, the report outlines three key areas of potential development to help spur growth in medical and wellness tourism; building additional programs that connect medical tourism marketing with hotel and resort concierge services; expanding medical services with wellness spa services; and identifying and advocating for any legal changes that would help facilitate growth in the industry.

According to the report, over the past ten years, several factors have helped pave the way for Las Vegas to become a leader in the medical tourism realm. These include the opening of Terminal 3 at McCarran International Airport, making the city even more accessible to domestic and international destinations; hosting several prominent medical meetings each year, resulting in a concentration of healthcare industry leaders; and several niche disciplines within the city’s healthcare industry, including fertility, plastic surgery, age management, bariatric and orthopedic surgery, diagnostic imaging and dental, which could attract both domestic and international travelers to the city.

These developments may not have been planned with medical tourism in mind, but they have helped set the city up for potential success in this area.

“The economic decline shook things up in Las Vegas and made everyone look deeper into diversifying our economy,” Geinzer said. “We inventoried the assets we have as a community and rather than diversify away from hospitality, we chose to diversify into it.”

source: http://www.travelweekly.com / Travel Weekly / Home / by JoAnna Haugen / October 07th, 2014

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Posted in Health /Medical Treatment For Overseas Treatment, Medical Tourism/Health Tourism, Medical Treatment/Health Treatment Subject By Speciality, Reports,Features, Statistics, Travelling For Surgery Abroad / Medical Surgery Overseas

Malaysia targets retired Hong Kong residents

Posted on October 8, 2014 | Comments Off on Malaysia targets retired Hong Kong residents
Roppongi Cyberjaya is the first 'micro-climate township' in Malaysia.

Roppongi Cyberjaya is the first ‘micro-climate township’ in Malaysia.

A Malaysia My Second Home agency says the country is ideal as a retirement destination for Hong Kong nationals due to its excellent healthcare and cheap cost-of-living

Thousands more people are moving to Malaysia through the government’s second home scheme, new data shows.

In July 2014, the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme has attracted 26,063 participants since its launch in 2002, says MM2H agency, Aubella. At the end of 2013, the figure stood at 24,105 approvals.

Malaysia makes an ideal retirement location due to its healthcare service and low cost of living, says Aubella general manager Vincent Fong, who teamed up with Rainbow Credit Union, Hong Kong, to promote the Roppongi Cyberjaya  project to 7,000 retirees.

The development offers investors and retirees a 10-year social visit visa and a freehold property in Cyberjaya for RM500,000 (US$168,000) for five years, the Bernama news agency reports.

Aubella General Manager Vincent Fong told the programme launch and agreement-signing ceremony that investors nearing retirement age could rent out their units.

We believe that retirement should be sustainable and stress-free. This joint venture is a sign of us constantly innovating our business model to meet the market needs. This is a step forward in MM2H offerings from Malaysia.

“In the long run, the net worth of the property will grow due to capital value appreciation,” he told the launch at the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) office in Wan Chai.

Also present were Terry Liew, Director of Rainbow Credit Union, an international financial cooperative, and BND Global Development Chief Technology Officer, Seow Gim Shen, the project developer’s representative.

The eco-friendly development for sustainable living, aimed at senior citizens, families, students and expat workers. It takes its name from a district in Tokyo and is expected to be completed in 2019.

Roppongi Cyberjaya, near Kuala Lumpur, is the first ‘micro-climate township’ in Malaysia. The mixed-use project features residential, commercial, hotel, office, retail and educational elements, including the Cyberjaya campus for SEGI College Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences buildings and an international school. With an initial student population of 7,000, rising to 15,000-plus in the future, the education precinct will be a lively and bustling community.

An adjacent hospital means that residents can opt for managed healthcare services in their homes, with optional nurse call or integrated healthcare monitoring equipment.

“Roppongi will support a diverse population. Our civic facilities will complete the balance in lifestyle and convenience for all residents,” he adds.

By Adrian Bishop, Editor, OPP Connect

source: http://www.opp-connect.com / OPP Connect / Home> News> News By Region> World News> Asia / by Adrian Bishop, Editor / September 19th, 2014

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Posted in Associations/Organisations/Government/NonGovernment, Health /Medical Treatment For Overseas Treatment, Medical Tourism/Health Tourism, Medical Treatment/Health Treatment Subject By Speciality, Reports,Features, Statistics, Travelling For Surgery Abroad / Medical Surgery Overseas