Medical Tourism: A highlight at Oman Travel Mart

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An emerging trend in the travel and tourism sector, medical tourism, will take centre stage at the upcoming Oman Travel Mart (OTM) to be held from February 17 to 19, 2009 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre.
“Today, medical tourism is a fast growing market, where patients travel overseas to avail the best facilities at lowest cost. It has become a compelling option for people when they need alternative medical treatments, such as surgery, dentistry, bone-marrow transplant, kidney dialysis, organ transplantation or cancer therapy,” said Mr. Atif Khan, Sr. Manager – Trade Fairs of Oman International Trade & Exhibitions (OITE), organizers of OTM.

According to the Health Summit 2008 Report, the medical tourism industry is estimated at $60 billion and is expected to grow to $100 billion in 2010. The report cited that over 35 countries are serving over a million medical tourists annually.

Countries such as Thailand, India and Singapore are becoming a destination for travelers with high disposable income looking for safe, affordable and unhurried, extended holidays without extending the budget. “These countries are now developing first class facilities with highly skilled medical specialists, many of whom are trained abroad. With medical tourism becoming a global trend, the market is poised for rapid expansion in the future”. Mr. Khan said.

Medical tourism presents important concerns, challenges and potential opportunities and is expected to have an increasing impact on the healthcare landscape in industrialized and developing countries around the world. OTM provides a special platform wherein the local and international market will have a unique opportunity to be aware of medical healthcare providers available in Asia and around the region.

Organized by Oman International Trade & Exhibitions (OITE), for six consecutive years, OTM presents a wide range of inbound and outbound travel opportunities, featuring medical tourism, tourism investments and property tourism. OTM is a marketplace for travel & tourism professionals and enthusiasts to meet, network, negotiate & conduct business in one of the fastest growing markets in the Middle East.

For more information, please contact Mr. Atif Khan at 92814484 / atif@oite.com or visit www.oite.com/otm