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Medical tourism is commonly described as the practice of obtaining medical services in a foreign destination. Although this niche market is now being capitalized on and becoming better known, the practice of traveling abroad for services is not new.
Switzerland, in particular, has long since been attracting the rich and famous to its beautiful surroundings, for innovative procedures and a relaxing vacation. There are many sources that site Switzerland as the pioneer of medical tourism.
Medical tourism is not just for the rich and famous anymore, and Switzerland is not the only destination. About ten years ago, countries in Asia realized that the opportunity exists to fill the unmet needs of millions worldwide.
For nearly a decade, the concept of medical tourism has been misunderstood and received bad media coverage in developed countries. Today not only has that trend reversed, but medical tourism is being embraced as a viable option for people in need of affordable medical care. Well known newspapers and television networks are doing pieces medical tourism as a whole and are spotlighting individuals who have taken advantage of the cost saving option.
What is driving the expansion of the medical tourism industry? Countries such as India have been quick to recognize that the Western world is not providing timely medical care to its citizens. In both the United States and Canada, it is not uncommon to wait for more than 4 months to be seen after a referral is made. Then, there is more waiting time while tests are scheduled. Additional time passes waiting for the test results. If the result is that there is a need for a procedure, it could be several more weeks before surgery is scheduled. Non emergency medical attention may be extended for up to two years. There is basically no wait time in foreign countries such as India and Thailand.
Another driving force is the outrageous and ever rising costs of medical insurance. It is not uncommon for a family to be quoted $1,000 or more for monthly insurance premiums, which only covers a portion of the bill, AFTER the $5,000 annual deductible is met! That equates to $17,000 in out of pocket payments before the insurance coverage kicks in. The average worker cannot afford $17,000 and in many instances, that figure far supercedes the annual income! In the United States, there are 43.3 million uninsured people.
What happens then, to the average person who is uninsured and in need of a heart bypass? If not aware of the option of medical tourism, the uninsured worker will face the choice of going without the surgery, or of withdrawing his life savings, or taking out a loan in order to pay for the surgery.
The same worker can obtain the surgery in another country for $10,000 vs. $70,000 in the US. He can get a knee replacement for $6,000 vs. $50,000! Although still a large amount of money, it is much more [...]
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What You Need to Know About Emerging Trends in Medical Tourism
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Goa Tourism, Indian Discovery, Tourism in Goa, Hotels in Goa , India Tourism
Goa Tourism
One of the most beautiful locations around the globe which provides you wonderful relaxation opportunities and is sure to enthral you with its beauty and culture is Goa . One of India ’s small states, Goa tourism is a unique opportunity to see the most beautiful places you have ever seen and experienced in your life. If you are someone who loves to travel to different parts of the world, you should definitely add this location to your ever-increasing list of holiday destinations. Tourists from different countries visit Goa each year in for an exciting weekend and an experience they’d never forget in their lifetime.
Here’s what Goa has to offer you and make your Goa tourism an experience of your lifetime:
- Beautiful and vast beaches – Unique traditions and cultures – Rich history – Excellent tourist attractions
Goa is a very tiny but stunningly beautiful land endowed with an amazing natural beauty and splendid beaches. It is complimented by remarkable churches and temples having amazing forms of architecture. Festivals of Goa are extremely entertaining and full of life and so are the people of Goa who are very hospitable and very friend. All these great characteristics of the state make Goa tourism the perfect plan for the holidays. The beauty of Goa captivates the tourists and charm them with its attractiveness. When you give tourism in Goa a try, you’ll love yourself for it.
The historical monuments residing at Goa are the reminders of the Portuguese who stayed in India for a long time. Since their departure, Goa tourism has served tourists with a lot of travel options, entertainment opportunities and interesting activities. Choosing the best hotel or a good guesthouse will add to your enjoyment even more. The hotel industry in Goa is one of the best in the world and you’ll find yourself appreciating and loving the luxury and quality of services you get in a good hotel in Goa . Many tourists take a step further and buy a property in Goa, so that they don’t have to keep booking hotel rooms or apartments whenever they travel to Goa . However you take it, get ready for an experience of a lifetime.
Searching for a hotel or guesthouse is made easy when you either go through the brochures that contain all the information regarding hotel accommodations, tourist attractions and other information about Goa . Another great source is a travel agency where you can even book your flights. However, the best and the most convenience source is internet.
Goa tourism provides the travel and tourism experience of a lifetime. Indian Discovery is completed only when you travel and experience the beauty and richness of Goa .
Source: Indian Discovery Goa tourism cell.
Tags: Goa Tourism, Indian Discovery, Indiandiscovery.com, tourism in Goa, hotels in Goa , India Tourism
Major Rewards Offered For Tourism Champions During Economic Downturn
South East Wales, February 2009 – Capital Region Tourism, the lead body for tourism in South East Wales, is launching a new bursary scheme that will provide 20 individuals up to £1000 each to use for training purposes. Individuals in tourism will have the chance to win this substantial bursary to improve their skills and develop their careers. It is believed that maintaining investment in human resource development training for all will maintain the region’s competitive edge during the downturn and accelerate growth when the better times return.
The aim of the Training Bursary Scheme is to build successful candidates’ capacity to raise the quality of the region’s tourism product, and improve the visitor experience throughout South East Wales. Applications will be considered from those able to demonstrate how the investment will impact positively on tourism in the region. The scheme will help individuals involved in the development and operation of tourist related facilities and services, from hotels and attractions, to restaurants and transport providers, who would like to undertake training or personal development that will improve their ability to contribute to a high quality visitor experience. Those most likely to succeed will have to demonstrate previous commitment and a proactive approach to their own development as well as how this investment will benefit their organisation and the wider tourism destination.
Any training which can be demonstrated to be of significant benefit to the individual and of benefit to tourism in South East Wales will be looked at, including, but not exclusively, such areas as management, digital media and ICT, customer service, craft and technical skills, environmental impacts of tourism. Anything from recognised qualifications through an educational establishment (e.g. an HNC) or professional body (e.g. CIM Diploma) to bespoke training delivered on a one to one basis by a private training provider or consultant will be considered.
Alice Brown, HRD Coordinator for Capital Region Tourism explains why the organisation is offering this great opportunity: “We have a commitment to the development of people within tourism. Development of people is much more than improving vocational skills or academic knowledge, though this is an important part of it. It’s about development as a person too. This bursary scheme acknowledges that investment in tourism products and their promotion must go hand in hand with investment in people.”
Capital Region Tourism covers the following local authority areas: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Newport, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Torfaen and Vale of Glamorgan. In addition the organisation works with Brecon Beacons Tourism.
Anyone interested in the bursary scheme will need to express an interest formally by Friday 20 February 2009. People interested in the bursary scheme and the application process should contact Alice Brown at Capital Region Tourism (tel: 029 2041 6418, alice.brown@capitalregiontourism.org or www.capitalregiontourism.org/skills)
Current Day Medical Tourism solutions in Malaysia
Current day Medical Tourism is based on quality of medical care and not just low cost solutions. Medical tourism has evolved from fragmented to high skilled, accredited and well organized service providers. Current day Medical Tourism providers are aligned and accredited with world recognized bodies with standards and certifications. Medical Tourism has also evolved from just tourism providers taking patients to hospitals and wellness centers. But big time medical and healthcare providers have started giving medical tourism solutions. Governments through Ministries and Government Bodies have started playing role to put more weight into this industry. Medical Tourism Solutions in Malaysia have also evolved tremendously, from just regional solutions through word of mouth, industry has attracted a big number of patients from Australia, UK, New Zealand and other countries, and recently Malaysia has seen a steady flux of medical tourisms patients from USA and Canada as well. Being nearer to India from Canada and USA and more attractive due to its infrastructure and more attractive tourism packages, Malaysia has gained a good reception from tourists from Canada and USA. In terms of costs of surgical and medical procedures, Malaysia is as competitive as India and Thailand, and much less expensive then Singapore. In terms of Quality Malaysia offers accredited hospitals with JCI and MSQH which ensure provision of best quality of care for its medical tourists. Malaysia is famous among tourists from European, Australian and US, Canadian origin for Plastic and Cosmetic surgery. It’s because of top class plastic surgeons available in Malaysia and also because of low costs of procedures offered. Malaysia has offered services in dental care, orthopaedic surgery, cardiac/ heart surgery. Wellness Visit has provided excellent services for its medial tourism clients from USA, Canada, Europe and Australia. Wellness Visit has made it easy for tourists to know the costs of procedures with information about the hospitals, doctors and cities. Contacting Wellness Visit is very easy and free of costs. Wellness Visit does not charge any money for providing all this information to inquiries from all around the world. Wellness Visit also ensures to reply these queries as fast as possible, not latter then one day.
Wellnessvisit.com takes care of all the steps to make <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.wellnessvisit.com”>medical tourism</a> and <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.wellnessvisit.com”>health tourism</a> trip a success.