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The first international event on Health Tourism to be held in Turkey completed successfully as 300 Participants (representing 27 countries) were welcomed at the event. It was organized by the “Association of Improving Health Tourism” (Turkey) and overseen and coordinated by its President, Dr. Dursun Aydin.
The event was designed as a combination of Conference and Exhibition (of Health Tourism-related Services).
The primary objective of the Congress was to obtain knowledge from international and national Health Tourism experts and industry insiders and spread this to the domain stakeholders.
The additional aim was to highlight some of Turkeys Health Tourism “offerings” (providers and facilities).
The intention is to hold this event annually, each time in a different city in Turkey.
There were Invited and Hosted speakers from 12 countries – (in alphabetical order: Austria, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Jordan, Malta, Syria, the United Kingdom and the United States of America).
The event organizers also hosted a number of journalists from countries in the Middle East and the Balkan region, to cover the event.
Opening Ceremony speeches were delivered by the Minister of Health, the Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Governor of Antalya and a number of other national and regional dignitaries.
The Conference Program
The 37 presentations were arranged in 3 Thematic Groups:
- Health Tourism – Generally
- Spa and Wellness Tourism
- Health Tourism for the “older generation”
There were 20 “exhibitors” representing hospital facilities, regions with considerable health tourism activity and providers of Health Tourism Support and Facilitation Services.
Social Program
As part of the social and recreational program, the Congress attendees were initially taken on a tour of Antalya and a visit to a nature reserve. The real highlight of the social program though was the Gala Dinner and Dance (at which even the most conservative and stern attendees “let their hair down”).
Following the Congress, foreign attendees were treated to a day-long excursion. This included stops at two impressive archaeological sites and a nature reserve in the region.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
