DISCOVER THE WORLD OF HEALTH CARE: MEDICAL TOURISM SECTION AT KITF 2024

THE MAIN TOURISM EVENT OF CENTRAL ASIA - THE 22ND INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AND TRAVEL EXHIBITION - KITF 2024 WILL BE HELD FROM APRIL 24 TO 26 ON THE TERRITORY OF THE SPECIALIZED EXHIBITION COMPLEX - ATAKENT, ALMATY.

As part of the exhibition, one of the most interesting and visited sections - medical tourism will be presented to a wide audience. In terms of economic benefits, this segment has long become particularly attractive for both the healthcare industry and the tourism industry.

Sanatorium and resort organizations in Kazakhstan, representatives of medical tourism in Azerbaijan, Ayurvedic centers in India, unique health resorts in Slovenia, exclusive holiday resorts in the Czech Republic, medical centers in Turkey, advanced clinics and hospitals in South Korea will present their stands to visitors. Among the top three exhibitors in 2024 are SLKI/Rogaška (Slovenia), MARIANSKE LAZNE (Czech Republic), Somatheerm Ayurveda (India) and others.

It is important to note that the Medical Tourism sector is among the TOP 3 most popular exhibition sections among visitors. According to the results of the KITF exhibition held in 2023, over three days the exposition was visited by 4,121 professional visitors from among tourism workers from 33 countries, of which 1,099 specialists noted in the questionnaire a high interest in the Medical Tourism section of the exhibition. This indicator shows the demand for the medical tourism sector at the international level and highlights the growing trend among audiences in seeking medical services abroad through travel agencies. Also, the increase in the number of interested specialists and tourists in this field shows not only an increase in awareness of the possibilities of medical tourism, but also a strengthening of trust in medical institutions in various countries, including for outgoing tourists from Kazakhstan.

Many countries are beginning to actively develop and promote their medical services in the international arena, investing significant resources in improving the quality of service, expanding the range of procedures offered and increasing the level of comfort for foreign patients. Services in areas such as plastic surgery, dentistry, cardiology and orthopedics are especially in demand. In addition, there is a growing interest in rehabilitation programs, wellness and preventive treatment, which opens up new prospects for the medical tourism sector.

Our country is no exception, attracting patients both from inside and outside the state. The number of Kazakhstani citizens traveling abroad for treatment increases every year. According to Darina Demyan, the Managing Director for Medical Tourism Development of Astana Development Center LLP (according to data as of October 23, 2023), every year over 50 thousand Kazakhstanis travel abroad for medical and health purposes. These statistics show the prospects for the development of medical tourism in our market.

In this regard, the best site for clients to search for quality offers, and for exhibitors to demonstrate their own service and exclusivity, is the medical tourism sector within the framework of the largest tourism exhibition.

Participants in the Medical Tourism section will present their health resort treatment services and inform about the work of SPA & Wellness, diagnostic, rehabilitation centers and clinics. They will talk about the delicacies and incredible possibilities of traditional medicine. The presentation of such services at the KITF exhibition allows visitors to get a complete picture of modern treatment options abroad.

Thus, the development of medical tourism in Kazakhstan opens up new prospects for strengthening the health of the nation and developing the economy of the country. Striving for international quality standards, the introduction of innovative technologies and the creation of comfortable conditions for patients from different countries makes Kazakhstan an attractive destination for medical tourism. Thanks to participation in this section of the exhibition, you can get a unique opportunity to find new partners, attract tourist flow and present your organization at the international level, where strong representatives of the whole world in the field of tourism will gather.

More detailed information can be found on the website: www.kitf.kz