Medical Tourism in Greece: A Catalyst for Development

Abstract: The scholarly study of tourism has evolved to encompass interdisciplinary concepts and methodologies, reflecting its increasing significance in academic circles and real-world applications (Jafari & Aaser, 1988). One burgeoning area of interest within tourism is medical tourism, which has experienced substantial global growth as individuals from developed nations seek healthcare in low or middle-income countries, often due to high costs or lengthy wait times in their home countries. This paper delves into the exploration of medical tourism’s impact on tourism development in Greece, involving comprehensive primary and secondary research. Secondary research involved an in-depth analysis of Greek and international literature, while primary research comprised a questionnaire completed by medical professionals, clinics, hotels, and tourism institutions.

Key words: medical tourism, development, health, trends, developing economies, travel

JEL code: Z3