Greece Readies Legal Framework for Health Tourism

Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura announced on Thursday, that a legal framework to cover health tourism was the next step in a series of actions by the ministry to prepare the ground for the expansion of the thematic travel sector.

Kountoura said the decision came after a number of meetings with health tourism associations, stakeholders and service providers which explored problem areas and challenges, made proposals and set priorities.

Speaking during the “Role of Health in Growth” conference organized by Naftemporiki, Kountoura underlined the strategic role of thematic tourism, which comes within the ministry’s aim for tourism all year round.

Photo © GNTO

She added that was the basis for the legal requirements that will facilitate the development of health and spa tourism, which are gaining momentum and come with significant economic benefits. At the same time, she added that it was important to encourage investments and tap into the potential of conference tourism particularly with regard to the medical field.

“Health and wellness tourism can contribute to increasing the tourist flow from both traditional and new markets, promoting less popular destinations in Greece, and generating additional revenue for the national economy as well as for local communities. It can create jobs while motivating young people to remain at home and work.”

Kountoura concluded that few countries can offer a complete health tourism package that combines top notch medical services with the finest holiday experiences.