The global medical tourism sector is expected to expand to around $100 billion - from $60 billion currently - within the next five years, according to a World Bank report. Elaf Group of Companies, a business organization serving the Saudi Arabian travel, tourism and hotel industries, predicts Saudi Arabia to play a major role in boosting the global medical tourism sector. In line with this, the company has announced that it has recently signed agreements with international organizations to offer specialized services to Saudi healthcare tourists as part of efforts to tap into the thriving industry. Among the services that Elaf now provides are, focused healthcare travel options to leading medical specialists, while also providing Saudi travelers easy access to world-class spas, wellness centers and nature resorts in popular destinations around the world. Around three million health tourists currently seek wellness and healthcare services all over the world, according to a recent study conducted by author Josef Woodman, with the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, emerging as one of the new fast-growing international markets. Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, president, Elaf Group of Companies, said: “Saudi Arabia has a solid track record of growth in the outbound tourism sector, with medical travelers accounting for a significant portion of outbound tourists. Elaf has accordingly partnered with prominent international hospitality providers and healthcare specialists around the world to create customized offerings that cater to the specific demands of Saudi travelers. This initiative will certainly ensure better services and a more satisfying travel experience for the Kingdom's healthcare tourists.” Aside from dedicated services for healthcare tourists, Elaf also provides holiday and business travelers from Saudi Arabia with tailored itineraries to key leisure and business destinations in the GCC and the rest of the world. Medical tourism combines wellness and healthcare alongside leisure and relaxation aimed at rejuvenating a person – mentally, physically and emotionally. It revolves around the idea of drawing you away from your daily routine to a relaxed surrounding in an exotic location. Research unveiled at the event indicated a global market of around two million medical travelers a year and an industry constrained by hospital capacity and lack of consumer familiarity with medical.
