Trade with Greece
120
patients, generating revenues of almost US$400
million.
For this to happen, though, both the state and the
private sector must realize the importance of this
special form of tourism, and take concerted
action, as required (elimination of various admin-
istrative barriers; creative cooperation between
tourist and medical units; properly organized
advertising campaigns; provision of quality servic-
es, instead of just grasping opportunities to make
a “fast and easy buck”).
In the second phase (within a decade), the total
number of patients that choose Greece could be
five times the initial target, while the corresponding
annual revenues could even reach €2 billion.
Apart from these direct benefits, though, the devel-
opment of medical tourism in Greece will also
reduce unemployment in the medical profession,
will boost medical research, will improve the quality
of the services rendered by the domestic health
sector, especially in rural areas, and will have a
positive effect on the growth of tourism as a whole.
It is obvious that medical tourism, which, at any
rate, requires increased responsibility and
accountability, is substantially improving Greece’s
tourism product, secures major synergies to the
benefit of the Greek economy, and opens new
vistas for Greek tourist enterprises
It is obvious that medical tourism, which, at any rate,
requires increased responsibility and accountability, is
substantially improving Greece’s tourism product
”
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