samedi 31 janvier 2015

How To Design An Effective Medical Tourism Business Model

By Ines Flores


Escalating prices of medical procedures have increased the desire among patients to find alternatives. This offers a perfect opportunity for any entrepreneur to develop a profitable medical tourism business model that links the patients to these alternatives and offers something more. It combines the skills and resources of medics and tour operators with the aim of meeting both needs. The basic aim is to locate a facility that offers the best health services and vacation opportunities.

With the rise in the number of medi-tourists globally, the sector is headed for exponential growth. Apart from treatment, there are options for fly-procedure offers by airlines. The foundation of any model is to identify your area of specialization. This requires extensive research including what the market in your region is offering. Seek to make your package cheaper and more convenient.

Experts in entrepreneurship advise start-ups to specialize. This trend can be seen even in nations where they are marketing a particular industry or sector. In medicine, for example, India is known for heart operations while Hungary and Philippines are known for dentistry. Turkey is picking up as an eye surgery destination with Spain specializing in neurosurgery. Identify where you want to take your tourists and if the demand can sustain the agency.

Successful medical tours must involve health practitioners. You are required to establish a network of doctors locally and abroad who will support your venture. Learn the rules of handling patients within the country and in your destination to avoid conflict with the law. These regulations guide your logistical plans.

Permits and licenses are mandatory for all businesses. Agencies facilitating medi-tourists must seek the licenses from municipal, state and federal government departments to ensure that their operations are legal. Establish the certification and accreditation procedures or requirements in your area of operation and meet them. This will give your operations a professional feel beyond making the business more competitive.

A competitive model will attract more tourists and make your operations profitable. Consider what agencies in your region and area of specialization are offering. In an effort to reduce charges for your clients, do not be tempted to offer substandard travel or accommodation packages. It is the satisfaction of those who you have served that will bring more clients.

Commission distribution depends on your negotiations with stakeholder facilitating your tourists. The stakeholders range from resorts to spas, hotel and airlines. There is a percentage that comes from the facility offering treatment. It takes time to realize profits which calls for patience.

It is very dangerous to neglect the tourism promise you made to your client. Organize to have them visit exciting destinations along the way depending on their health condition. The entire trip must offer double benefits to your clients.

As an agency, it is your responsibility to ensure that the visas, passports and other travel documents are in order. Recommend the best restaurants, sites and activities and allow them to choose. Make known all the travel advisories issued by state departments and explain how they affect the trip. It pays to offer variety and build relationships because you will never be disappointed.




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