Developing Strategies and Designing its Map for Advancement of Medical Tourism Industry: Case Study of Shiraz

Abstract

Background: The medical tourism industry is a rapidly growing global market that has capabilities such as earning income and improving the quality of services. The purpose of this study was to utilize the capabilities of Shiraz city by developing a strategic plan.
 Methods: This mixed-methods (qualitative and quantitative) research was conducted in 2019. The study population included all entities and key stakeholders involved in the medical tourism industry in Shiraz. A strategic plan was developed through focus groups and conventional content analysis and then the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique was utilized to map it.
 Results: The strategic plan of the medical tourism industry of Shiraz city was explained in the form of 63 strategies, 5 goals, and 18 objectives. Also, the medical tourism industry strategic map was illustrated.
 Conclusion: Achieving common agreement of all policy-making and implementing institutions, empowering managers on various medical tourism industry dimensions, and developing operational plans required by each organization in charge of the medical tourism industry can be effective in better use of the capabilities of Shiraz in attracting medical tourists.