The Contribution of Medical Tourism to the Economic and Regional Development in Greece

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the contribution of medical tourism in the economic and tourism development in Greece. For this purpose, a nationwide survey was carried out in 2012. The sample population consisted of executives of 5-star hotels across the country and members of the Hellenic Association of Professional Congress Organizers (HAPCO). Data was gathered by emailing a structured questionnaire to the executives of the abovementioned companies. Descriptive data analyses have been performed. According to our findings, the vast majority of members of 5-star hotels supports that medical tourism could contribute positively to the economic development of the region and to the development of tourism in the country. Majority of executives also believe that investments in medical tourism will be very helpful in attracting tourists and stimulating economic development. The finding of this research indicates that the medical tourism in Greece are perceived by the Greece hoteliers and congress organisers as an effective mean of tourism and economic growth which could facilitate the way out of economic crisis.