International Health Tourism Approach Elaboration in Turbulent Environment

This research aims to identify the aspects and factors that have an impact on health tourism development in Iran. A qualitative research method has been adapted. The data collected from documents of ministry of health and medical education, Iranian culture and tourism organization, chamber of commerce of Iranian industry and in addition an in-depth interview has been conducted with 30 participant trough physicians, travel agents and ministry officials that are engaged in international tourism, the results indicates different potential fields that can be utilized to boost and support medical tourism development in Iran and also it is revealed that barriers such as lack of facilities, man power, governmental supports are limiting the developments. Various strategies are suggested in order to encounter mentioned barriers such as using governmental financial supports, utilization of natural therapeutic centers, and cultural and religious attraction toaid medical tourism sector to develop faster.

Keywords: Health Tourism, Medical tourism development, Iranian culture, tourism organization.