Thailand Recognized as a Popular Health and Wellness Tourism Destination

Health and wellness is one of a number of niche markets being promoted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), under the umbrella marketing concept of "Amazing Thailand: Open to the New Shades.”

In 2018, Thailand is estimated to have received 3.42 million visitors for health and wellness, generating 140 billion baht in income. The main source markets are Myanmar, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, UAE, Oman, Australia, and New Zealand, with an average length of stay of 10-14 days.

The top demand categories are medical check-ups and treatment for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, joint surgery, joint replacement, eye surgery, and cell transplant, as well as dental services.

TAT is partnering with an innovative Thailand-based medical tourism portal to conduct its first online health and wellness roadshow (Hybrid Roadshow) in Bahrain. More than a hundred travel trade representatives specializing in the health and wellness sector, as well as socialites, diplomats, business people, celebrities, and the media from Bahrain and all over the Gulf region have been invited for the Amazing Thailand Health and Wellness Roadshow to introduce the range of services offered by the portal "Doctor A to Z” (www.doctoratoz.co).

Comprising of both B2B and B2C sessions, the roadshow in Bahrain on 17 September 2019, will be led by Mrs. Srisuda Wanapinyosak, Deputy Governor for Europe Africa Middle East and the Americas, TAT. Joining her at the briefings and other events will be Dr. Anucha Panoi, Chief Executive Officer of Doctor A to Z.

According to TAT, this Hybrid Roadshow is designed to enhance the exposure of special Thai health and wellness products and services in the Gulf and Middle East countries, broaden the source markets of health and wellness visitors to Thailand, and facilitate their communications process to link buyers with sellers, and products with suppliers.

Bahrain was chosen as the first city for the offshore launch of this service because it is still generating positive numbers of health and wellness visitors to Thailand.