Status quo of medical tourism and its implication in China / 中国卫生政策研究

ABSTRACT

Medical tourism, which is a new type of tourism activity with the combination of health and sightseeing, has become the new economic growth point of the tourism industry.Through a systematic literature review, the present paper analyzed the influencing factors and effects of medical tourism, as well as the behavior of medical tourists and relevant stakeholders of medical tourism.Further researches could combine qualitative and quantitative methods, and emphasize on the behavioral characteristics of medical tourists.In order to promote the development of medical tourism, we should increase the medical service qualities, promote the internationalization of medical tourism, introduction of special medical tourism products;improve medical tourism policies, regulations and laws;promote medical tourism through a strategic marketing and the role of relevant stakeholders of medical tourism should be paid attention on, and other measures to promote the healthy development of China''s medical tourism.