Athens March 28th, 2023 — The “1st Health Travel International Conference” will be held on May 4th-5th, 2023, virtually only. The Conference is organized by the Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), a private nonprofit organization, under the auspices of the Greek Ministries of Health and Tourism and in collaboration with the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels and diaNEOsis. The Chair of the organizing committee is Professor Emeritus of Social and Preventive Medicine University of Athens, Yiannis Toundas.
At this precise juncture as Health Tourism has become a global trend, with an annual turnover of $3.5 billion, Greece must aim to establish itself as a leading destination, utilizing its natural beauty and quality services, as the country of origin of Hippocrates and Asclepius.
Accessing the Health Travel sector in Greece, through an international approach, the Conference brings together high-level experts and scientists from 12 countries around the world, representing 27 International and 12 Greek institutions, organisations & companies, and aspires to be an original forum for the exchange of experiences, best practices, innovation, and mutual support.
The list of international Organisations participating in the Conference, includes among others: World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), German Medical Wellness Association, Health Tourism Department (Dubai Health Authority), European Historic Thermal Towns Association (EHTTA), European Spas Association (ESPA). The official language of the event is English; participation will be only virtual and free of charge.
The programme will cover three main thematic sectors: Medical Tourism, Thermal & Spa Tourism and Wellness Tourism. On the first day, representatives of international organizations and foreign scientists will give the participants an international perspective on Health Travel by sharing with the audience best practices applied, success stories and innovative action. The programme of the second day will focus on the environment of Health Tourism in Greece through contributions of experts, as well as representatives of national scientific, professional, and governmental organizations. The changes required and the prospects opening up, the necessary institutional framework and funding possibilities, will also be addressed, for Health Tourism to be transformed into a robust sector for development of the Greek Economy.
Health Tourism will be approached in a holistic and multi-level manner, addressing issues such as the new environment in the post-Covid era; the effects of the war in Ukraine; special requirements in architecture and services provided in order to brand a spa destination; wellness as a way life and a rapid emerging thematic touristic product, but also all aspects and challenges of Medical Tourism, in both hospital and outpatient services.
The event aspires to be a focal meeting point for all stakeholders, encouraging collaborations and promoting valuable knowledge and experience, so that upon its completion useful results will be extracted for the development of Health Tourism in Greece.
Registration is available HERE.