Medical Tourism Growing in Guatemala

Promotion work by professionals in the sector grouped around the Committee on Tourism, Health and Welfare of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) has generated a sustained increase in the sector since 2007.

Professionals who were consulted agree that the price of services offered is crucial to getting clients.

Dentist July Donado, president of the Tourism Commission, Health and Welfare of the Guatemalan Association of Exporters (Agexport) told Siglo21.com.gt, "For tourists it works out much cheaper to fly, come here and stay in a good hotel, eat, walk, get treatment, and it all works out cheaper than in the United States. "

By 2012, Agexport estimates that about 5 thousand tourists will come to the country seeking medical care and the sector’s goal is to reach 20,000 by 2015.

Source: sigloxxi.com

More on this topic

Guatemala Promoted as Medical Tourism Destination

February 2011

Representatives of U.S. medical institutions made a visit to the country in order to promote it as a medical destination.

The delegation consists of representatives from Jackson Memorial Hospital, Badia Hand and Shoulder Center, Katalyst, World Wide Medical Partners and Baptist Health South Florida.

El Salvador Bets on Medical Tourism

February 2009

The Association of Medical Tourism (ATM) of the United States is in the country accompanied by tour operators to learn about medical possibilities.

Elsalvador.com publishes in its website: “...the work of promoting medical services is encouraged by institutions such as: Cámara de Exportadores de Servicios de Salud de El Salvador (Exportsalud), Agencia de Promoción de Exportaciones de El Salvador (Exporta), Agencia de Promoción de Inversiones (Proesa) and the Ministerio de Turismo (Mitur)."

Medical Tourism to Guatemala Increases

February 2009

Statistics from the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism indicate that the increase in tourists with medical purposes was 39% in 2008.

Susana Portillo writes in Elperiodico.com.gt: "The services of highest demand are odontology and plastic surgery. Hospitals, hotels, obesity clinics, plastic surgery, oculists, dental surgeons, spas and alternative medicine centers offer their services, and they compete in the market to attract their clients."

Crisis Does Not Affect Medical Tourism

July 2009

By the end of the year, the number of tourists using medical services in Costa Rica will reach 20.000.

Sector entrepreneurs hold that while a drop in demand was felt in the first quarter of the year, the situation has reverted. The current trend is a growth one, and is is expected to reach 100.000 patients in the next 5 years.